SB Nation - Yonder Alonso

Down on the Farm: Baseball America's 2009 Top 10 AFL Prospects

raygu — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:00:28 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

6 months ago: FILE - In this April 3, 2009, file photo, San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws during a game in San Diego. The Washington Nationals selected Strasburg with the No. 1 overall pick in the baseball draft on Tuesday, June 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)

Browse more photos »

Baseball America posted their Top 10 Arizona Fall League prospects yesterday and with a little luck I was able to find the list over at Mets Minor League Blog.

Here are their Top 10 AFL prospects for 2009:

1. Stephen Strasburg, RHP, Nationals
2. Buster Posey, C, Giants
3. Dominic Brown, RF, Phillies
4. Dustin Ackley, OF, Mariners
5. Josh Bell, 3B, Orioles
6. Jenrry Mejia, RHP, Mets
7. Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves
8. Yonder Alonso, 1B, Reds
9. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
10. Ike Davis, 1B, Mets

With the hype that Starlin Castro received I am surprised there are 8 other guys ahead of him on this list. Mets fans have to be happy about seeing two of their prospects listed in the top 10. Maybe their farm system is turning around. Was it due to Tony Bernazard challenging them to a fight?

This list would be different had the Braves and Marlins not pulled Jason Heyward and Michael Stanton after the first week of games due to minor injuries.

I wonder if Castro would have made the Top 10 had they played the entire AFL season?

Baseball America's Top 10 Prospect Lists for 2010

raygu — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:00:18 -0000

We continue the Baseball America Top 10 Prospect lists for 2010 with the NL Central:

Cubs

1.	Starlin Castro, ss
2.	Brett Jackson, of
3.	Josh Vitters, 3b
4.	Andrew Cashner, rhp
5.	Jay Jackson, rhp
6.	Hak-Ju Lee, ss
7.	Logan Watkins, 2b
8.	Chris Carpenter, rhp
9.	Ryan Flaherty, ss/2b/3b
10.	D.J. LeMahieu, ss/2b

More after the jump:

Reds

1.	Todd Frazier, of/2b/3b
2.	Yonder Alonso, 1b
3.	Mike Leake, rhp
4.	Chris Heisey, of
5.	Juan Francisco, 3b
6.	Yorman Rodriguez, of
7.	Travis Wood, lhp
8.	Matt Maloney, lhp
9.	Brad Boxberger, rhp
10.	Zack Cozart, ss

Brewers

1. Alcides Escobar, ss

2. Brett Lawrie, 2b

3. Mat Gamel, 3b

4. Eric Arnett, rhp

5. Jonathan Lucroy, c

6. Kentrail Davis, of

7. Zach Braddock, lhp

8. Lorenzo Cain, of

9. Jake Odorizzi, rhp

10. Kyle Heckathorn, rhp

Astros

1. Jason Castro, c

2. Jiovanni Mier, ss

3. Jordan Lyles, rhp

4. Sammy Gervacio, rhp

5. Chia-Jen Lo, rhp

6. Ross Seaton, rhp

7. Tanner Bushue, rhp

8. Jay Austin, of

9. Jon Gaston, of

10. T.J. Steele, of

Pirates

1. Pedro Alvarez, 3b

2. Jose Tabata, of

3. Tony Sanchez, c

4. Brad Lincoln, rhp

5. Chase D'Arnaud, ss/2b

6. Starling Marte, of

7. Tim Alderson, rhp

8. Zack Von Rosenberg, rhp

9. Rudy Owens, lhp

10. Gorkys Hernandez, of

Cardinals

1. Shelby Miller	rhp
2. Jaime Garcia	lhp
3. Lance Lynn	rhp
4. Daryl Jones	of
5. David Freese	3b/1b
6. Eduardo Sanchez	rhp
7. Allen Craig	of/1b/3b
8. Blake Hawksworth	rhp
9. Daniel Descalso	2b
10. Robert Stock	c

Arizona Fall League: Jose Tabata Goes 6-for-7, Posey Drives in 4

raygu — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:11 -0000

by Chris Carlson - AP

2 months ago: San Francisco Giants' Buster Posey gets his first major league hit against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

View full size photo »

The Arizona Fall League regular season came to a close on Thursday. Highlighting the day was the Pirates outfield prospect Jose Tabata going 6 for 7 with 4 runs scored and 3 RBI. Quite a day for a prospect I just traded for in the UBA league. I am just curious if he will make it to Pittsburgh in 2010.

Here is what ESPN's Keith Law had to say when I asked this question in a recent chat:

rayg (burlington, nj)
Will Tabata take over RF in Pitt over Garrett Jones in 2010?

Klaw (2:03 PM)

No. I think that's a year early.

I am not so sure since the Pirates could move Jones to 1B should he duplicate his 2009 season. But, Tabata is not your typical corner outfielder either, as he has not show much power in his minor league career. He is only 22 so the power could develop, but we've heard that about James Loney in the past, haven't we?

Let's take a look at the top performances on the last day of the AFL after the jump:

Jose Tabata-6-7, 4 RS, 2 2B, 3 RBI (.392)

Chase D'arnaud-2-4, 4 RS, 2 SB (13), 3 BB, 2 K (.292)

Brandon Allen-2-5, 2 RS, RBI, SB, 2 BB, 2 K (.177)

Thomas Neal 2-5, 2 RS, 2 SB (12), RBI, (.284)

Buster Posey-2-4, 4 RBI (.225)

Wilin Rosario-2-5, 5 RBI (.304)

Dustin Ackley 2-5, RS (.315)

Jordan Danks-2-4, 3 RS, HR, 3 RBI (.343)

Brent Morel-3-4, 2 RS, 3 RBI (.435)

Andrew Lambo-2-5, 2B, 2 RBI (.330)

Danny Espinosa-0-2 (.345)

Josh Bell-1-3, RS, 2B, RBI (.319)

Chris Marrero-2-4, 2B, RBI (.349)

Marcus Lemon-2-5, RS, HR, RBI (.343)

Reese Havens-3-4, 2 RS, HR, 2 RBI (.368)

Ike Davis-2-4, RS (.341)

Taylor Teagarden-1-4, RS, HR, 3 RBI (.212)

Mike Moustakas-1-4 (.267)

Daryl Jones-1-3, RS, 2B (.205)

Lance Zawadzki-3-5, 3 RS, 2B, HR, 3 RBI (.324)

Matt McBride-2-4, RS, RBI, SB, BB (.378)

Yonder Alonso-1-5, RS, 2B, 2 RBI (.267)

Brandon Hicks-3-5, 2B, RBI (.310)

Bryan Peterson-0-3 (.379)

Starlin Castro-0-3 (.376)

Josh Vitter-1-4 (.353)

Mike Leake-4 Inn, 2 H, 4 K (1.37)

Craig Kimbrel-1 Inn, 2 BB, 3 K (10.45)

Andrew Miller-4 Inn, 3 H. 1 ER, 3 K (5.28)

Arizona Fall League: Wednesday's Roundup and Sickels Top 20 Nationals

raygu — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:15:13 -0000

The Arizona Fall League is close to wrapping up its season, just in time for the hot stove to get started once the free agent signing period begins on Friday.

John Sickels from SBNation's Minor League Ball prospect site (www.minorleagueball.com) is working on the Top 20 prospects in each organization. Before taking a look at yesterday's performances, be sure to check out John Sickel's Top 20 Washington Nationals, as you will see a few guys we have talked about here at FakeTeams in our AFL Roundups.

Let's take a look at the top performances from Wednesday's action after the jump:

Marcus Lemon-3-6, RS, HR, RBI (.339)

Reese Havens-3-5, 3 RS, BB, K (.324)

Taylor Teagarden-3-5, 3 RS, 2 RBI (.208)

Brandon Hick-2-3, 4 RS, 2 RBI, 2 SB, 2 BB (.293)

Matt McBride-2-4, 2 RBI (.371)

Yonder Alonso-2-4, 3 RBI, 2 K (.272)

Dustin Ackley-0-3, (.309)

Jordan Danks-3-5, 2 RS (.337)

Andrew Lambo-2-5, RBI (.326)

Jonathan Lucroy-1-4, BB, K (.310)

Danny Espinosa, SS, WAS-3-3, 2 RS, RBI, BB (.353)

Corey Brown-3-4, RS, 2 RBI (.333)

Chirs Marrero-2-5, 2 RBI (.342)

Grant Desme-0-5, 4 K (.315)

Josh Bell-1-4, RS (.318)

Bryan Peterson-1-4, BB (.391)

Starlin Castro-2-5, RS (.388)

Domonic Brown-0-5, 2 K (.229)

Jose Tabata-2-3, 2 RS, 2 BB (.363)

Brandon Allen-2-5, RS, 3B, SB (.167)

Chase D'arnaud-2-5, RBI, SB (11) (.286)

Arizona Fall League: Slugfest Highlights Tuesday's Roundup

raygu — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:15:09 -0000

There were 39 runs and 39 hits in the game between the Javalinas and Saguaros on Tuesday afternoon with Mariners outfield prospect Dustin Ackley leading the way with 4 hits, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI.

Ackley was the Mariners first round pick in the June 2009 first year player draft and has a bright future with the Mariners. Here is what John Sickels from SB Nation's Minor League Ball site had to say about Ackley back in April, prior to the June draft:

Dustin Ackley, 1B-OF, North Carolina
Ackley is a pure hitter with developing power. Although playing first base this year, scouts say he has enough athleticism to play the outfield, perhaps even center field. He's hitting .395/.505/.716 for North Carolina, excellent numbers in context. His strike zone judgment is very good (34 walks, 20 strikeouts in 162 at-bats). He could go just about anywhere in the first round after Strasburg, depending on his bonus demands.

And here is what he had to say about him after seeing him in the AFL last week after the jump:

ackley

I liked Ackley’s bat a lot….everything he hit was hit very hard, even foul balls were hard. I think he’ll be a strong batting average/high OBP hitter, but perhaps with just 15 homer power.

Now let's get to the boxscores:

Dustin Ackley-4-6, 3 RS, 3 RBI (.323)

Jordin Danks-3-6, 2 RS, 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K (.322)

Jonathan Lucroy-2-6, 2 RS, 2B, 3 K (.315)

Carlos Triunfel-2-5, 2 2B, 5 RBI (.233)

Lance Zawadzki-2-5, RS, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K (.305)

Chris Heisey-2-4, 2 rs, (.297)

Yonder Alonso-0-3, 2 RS, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K (.260)

Carlos Rivero-3-6, 2 RS, 4 RBI (.337)

Dirk Hogan-1-3, 2 RS, HR, 5 RBI (.208)

Ike Davis-2-5, 3 K (.333)

Nick Evans-1-4, 2 RS, HR, 2 RBI (.188)

Mike Moustakas-1-5, 2 RS, HR, 2 RBI (.268)

Starlin Castro-2-4, RS, 2 SB (9) (.387)

Ian Kennedy-5 Inn, 5 H, 1 ER, 5 K (4.25)

Andrew Cashner-3 Inn, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 K (4.58)

Jemile Weeks-1-3, 2 BB (.250)

Josh Bell-1-5, 2B (.321)

Grant Desme-1-4 (.330)

Brandon Crawford-2-4, RS, 3b, 2 RBI (..299)

Jose Tabata-3-5, RBI, SB (4) (.355)

Domonic Brown-0-5, 3 K 9.239)

Thomas Neal-1-4 (.275)

Brandon Allen-0-3, RS, BB, K (.155)

Willin Rosario-4-4, RS, RBI (.294)

Arizona Fall League: Monday's Roundup

raygu — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:13 -0000

The AFL was back in action and the Nationals Danny Espinosa helped Phoenix win the East division title by driving in four runs on Monday.

If you have an ESPN Insider subscription, check out Jason Grey's article from Monday. Here is Grey on the Giant's prospect Thomas Neal:

Thomas Neal, San Francisco Giants: Was Neal's breakout season (.337, 22 homers, 1.010 OPS) in the hitting-friendly Cal League legit? I think it's possible, especially when I heard that his swing wasn't necessarily all the way back in 2008 after major shoulder surgery. I saw him during the year as well, and I've seen an improved approach at the plate. He's willing to go the other way, and his raw power allows him to hit the ball out to any field. Let's see how he does at Double-A. It's worth noting that Neal is playing some first base here as well.

You might also want to check out www.projectprospect.com as they are going through their top 15 prospects at each position, and have recently posted interviews with Domonic Brown and Buster Posey, with a few more on the way.

Let's take a look at how the top prospects performed after the jump:

Danny Espinosa, SS, WAS-3-4, RS, 3B, 4 RBI (.329)

Josh Bell, 3B, BAL-2-4, RS, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB, 2 K (.329)

Grant Desme, OF, OAK 0-3, RS, 2 BB, 3 K (.333)

Jemile Weeks, 2B, OAK-1-5, RS, 3B (.247)

Bryan Peterson, OF, FLA-0-5, RS (.398)

Starlin Castro, SS, CHC-1-4 (.382)

Casey Kelly, SS, BOS-0-4, 2 K (.212)

Ryan Kalish, OF, BOS-1-4, 2B (.303)

Chase D'arnaud, 2B, PITT-1-4, SB (9) (.284)

Thomas Neal, OF, SFG-1-2, BB, SB (10) (.277)

Domonic Brown, OF, PHI-0-2, BB, K (.250)

Brandon Allen, 1B, ARI-0-3 (.160)

Jose Tabata, OF, PITT-0-4 (.343)

Buster Posey, C, SFG 0-3 (.209)

Lance Zawadzki, SS, SDG-2-5, 2 RS, 2 RBI, SB (8), (.300)

Chris Heisey, OF, CIN-0-5, 3 K (.287)

Yonder Alonso, 1B, CIN-0-2, 3 BB, K (.270)

Matt McBride, C, CLE-3-4, RS, 2B, 2 RBI (.369)

Trayvon Robinson, OF, LAD01-4, RS, BB, 2 K (.243)

Dustin Ackley, OF, SEA-0-2, RS, 2 BB (.288)

Andrew Lambo, OF, LAD-1-4,. RS, K (.321)

Brandon Laird, 3B, NYY-3-3, RS, 2B, 2 BB (.337)

Ike Davis, 1B, NYM-2-4, 2 RBI, BB, K (.329)

Taylor Teagarden, C, TEX- 1-5, RBI, 3 K (.163)

Michael Dunn, RP, NYY-1 Inn, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, 4 K (3.86)

Arizona Fall League: Strasburg and Crow Dominate

raygu — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:00:34 -0000

by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

View full size photo »

Here's a look at Saturday's AFL action where the Nationals Stephen Strasburg returned to the bump and dominated once again.

Let's take a look after the jump:

Stephen Strasburg-3.2 Inn, H, 2 BB, 6 K, 4 W (4.26)

Aaron Crow-4 Inn, H, 4 K (5.87)

Chris Heisey, OF, CIN-0-4, 3 K (.305)

Yonder Alonso, 1B, CIN-0-3, BB (.278)

Josh Bell, 3B, BAL-1-3, BB, K (.305)

Grant Desme, OF, OAK-0-3, BB, K (.344)

Drew Storen, RP, WAS-2 Inn, 3 H, BB, 2 K (0.71) S (3)

Cole Gillespie, OF, ARI-2-4 (.328)

Domonic Brown, OF, PHI-0-4 (.255)

Thomas Neal 1B, SFG-1-4, SB (9) (.270)

Brandon Allen, 1B, ARI-1-4, RS, K (.165)

Brandon Crawford, 3B, SFG-1-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 K (.286)

Reese Havens, SS, NYM-1-1, RS, RBI, 3 BB (.276)

Ike Davis, 1B, NYM-0-3, BB (.319)

Mike Moustakas, 3B, KC-2-4, RBI (.273)

Poll

Does Stephen Strasburg start the year in the majors or minors?

Opening Day starter

23 votes

Minors-called up by June

59 votes

82 votes | Poll has closed

Farmers Only: Winter League Update and some notes

nycredsfan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:00:45 -0000

Chris Heisey loves the Arizona air. Does that bode will for his chances in spring training?

View full size photo »

Many of you thought the Arizona Fall League ended with the "Rising Stars" game last weekend, but it actually goes until the end of next week, and our boys in 'zona have just kept on representin'. This list isn't exhaustive, I've only put up stats, through yesterday, of the players of interest playing in fall/winter leagues. (If you really want to know how Lew Ford is doing in Venezuela you can look it up)

Arizona Fall League	PA	Avg	OBP	SLG	HR	BB	K
Yonder Alonso	75	.290	.333	.406	2	6	8
Chris Heisey	88	.308	.400	.641	5	10	20
Zack Cozart	55	.340	.393	.560	2	5	9
Venezuelan Winter League
Danny Dorn	60	.250	.400	.500	4	8	14
Miguel Rojas	57	.288	.345	.346	0	5	10
Dominican Winter League
Juan Francisco	76	.227	.325	.455	3	10	20
Kevin Barker	84	.329	.409	.421	1	8	15
Mexican League
Adam Rosales	128	.300	.400	.427	2	18	11
Arizona Pitchers	IP	ERA	K	BB	H	HR	AVG
Mike Leake	11.2	2.31	9	2	17	0	.340
Brad Boxberger	11.1	8.74	11	6	12	2	.286
Sean Watson	10.2	8.44	12	6	20	2	.377
Logan Ondrusek	9.2	10.24	8	1	19	4	.388

Dominican League
Ben Jukich	15.2	2.87	12	5	20	1	.323
Enerio Del Rosario	11.2	2.31	6	2	10	0	.222
Sam LeCure	7.1	8.59	6	5	12	0	.353

Zack Cozart hasn't been in a game since last week and isn't listed on the Peoria Saguaros roster anymore. I can't tell if he's injured or just decided he wanted to go home.
Todd Frazier starts play in the Puerto Rican League next week. I'm giddy.
Please note the K/BB ratio for Francisco. I know it's only the DWL, but the kid is showing signs of being able to take a walk.
I'm really intrigued by Del Rosario. He flew up through the system this season, and ended the year in AAA. His groundball to flyball ratio was 3.23 during the season and is 2.22 in the DWL. Sounds like a good fit for GABP.
It's still a small sample size, but Chris Heisey keeps making a case for himself.
Darnell McDonald is tearin' up Mexico too, but since he's not on the 40 man roster anymore I didn't feel compelled to include him. Katie Couric is happy about this.

Arizona Fall League: Wednesday's Roundup

raygu — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:38 -0000

Getting back to the AFL action as the MLB trade rumors kept me busy yesterday. Let's take a look at Wednesday's action in Arizona:

Trayvon Robinson, OF, LAD-1-4, RS, BB. K, 2 SB (.273)

Andrew Lambo, OF, LAD-2-4, 3 RS, 3 RBI, BB, K (.353)

Casper Wells, OF-2-4, 4 RBI (.362)

Chris Heisey,OF, CIN-0-3, SB, BB, K (.320)

Yonder Alonso, 1B, CIN 0-3, BB, 2 K (.273)

Brandon Laird, 3B, NYY-2-5, 2 RS, HR, 2 RBI (.321)

Ike Davis, 1B, NYM- 2-4, RS, HR, 4 RBI (.348)

Taylor Teagarden, C, TEX-0-5, 2 K (.182)

Daryl Jones, OF, STL-1-3, 22, 2 K (.194)

David Cooper, 1B, TOR-3-4, RS, 2B (.294)

Ryan Kalish, 1B, BOS-2-4, 2 RS, HR, 3 RBI (.291)

Josh Vitters, 3B, CHC-2-5, RS, RBI (.364)

Jose Iglesias, SS, -4-4, 2 RS, SB, RBI (.269)

Ian Kennedy, SP, NYY-4.1 Inn, 7 H, 4 ER, 4 K (4.74)

Andrew Cashner, SP, CHC-3 Inn, 7 H, 4 ER, 5 K (4.32)

Nevin Ashley, C, TB-3-5, 3 RS, 2B, 2 3B, RBI (.400)

Danny Espinosa, SS, WAS-1-5, HR, 2 RBI (.306)

Josh Bell, 3B, BAL-2-5, 2B, RBI (.317)

Jose Tabata, OF, PIT-2-4, RBI, BB (.355)

Domonic Brown, OF, PHI-2-4, 3B, 2 RBI (.266)

Brandon Allen, 1B, ARI-1-4, 2B, 3 K (.166)

Willin Rosario, C, COL-0-4, 3 K (.250)

Buster Posey,C, SFG-1-3, BB, K (.230)

Red Reposter - Is Jocketty the Best GM in the Central?

Charlie Scrabbles — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:15:12 -0000

Thank a few veterans today.

View full size photo »

The Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game can be seen here
If you are like me and dont get MLB Network, this is your chance to catch Chris Heisey, Yonder Alonso, and Mike Leake tear it up against their elite prospect peers. Thanks to Sharks for the heads-up in the FanShots.
The Crawfish Boxes takes a look at the GMs of the NL Central
Here's what they say about our own Walt Jocketty:

"The interesting thing about Jocketty is he went from a winning team to one that is continually frustrated by not being able to get over the hump. He also went to a team that walked away from a more progressive-thinking GM in former Twins assistant Wayne Krivsky for the more traditional Jocketty. Of course, Jocketty also followed Tony LaRussa from Oakland to St. Louis, so it's unclear how much of his philosophy is tied to LaRussa's.

The Reds haven't exactly been dramatic in making over the club, but Jocketty has shown a willingness to be aggressive with the team's prospects and not trade off valuable assets for overhyped players (I'm looking at you, Jim Bowden). Still, Jocketty hasn't shown the same level of success as at his previous two stops. It will take a little more time to see whether his player evaluation method transfers to the Reds scouting department. If Jocketty can hit a few home runs in the draft, the rest of his record in the Queen City will be moot."

Check out the full article to see how Jocko compares to the other GMs in the NL Central.

Fay Q and A
"Q, from Ice82: John, I have a question about Zack Cozart as he does not appear to be on the radar right now. I could not help but notice that he was on the Redsfest roster which was a little surprising. After watching him for an entire season at Carolina, he seemingly has good range. He also showed some pop in his bat with 10 homers at a stadium in Zebulon that is a big home run park. With the questions marks surrounding Janish, is Cozart going to get a good look during spring training? Are the Reds content to potentially limp through 2010 to get to Cozart?

A: I think he’ll be in the mix if the Reds don’t add a shortstop. He’s hitting well in the Arizona Fall League (.340/.393/.560). I think Janish is the favorite now. But Cozart could play his way into the picture with a good spring. The Reds think he has more potential as a hitter. The Redsfest invitation doesn’t mean anything. A lot of minor leaguers are there every year."

Cozart skipped Sarasota and went straight from Dayton to Carolina this past season and he didnt disappoint. He put up a .750 OPS and played above average SS. I'm sure the Reds will look at him in Spring Training, but there is really no way he starts the year as the Reds' starting SS. That might be asking a bit too much.

Redleg Nation Radio talks with Reds' 4th round draft choice Mark Fleury
I thought Fleury was an inspired pick back in June, but his debut was very unlucky. He managed a .676 OPS in 128 ABs at Billings, but his BABIP was a putrid .222. Adjusting for luck, his OPS would be over .900. Look for him to turn some heads in Dayton next season.

The Florida State League approved the sale of the Sarasota team
The Pirates bought the team and are moving it up the street a piece to Bradenton. Thus ends the Reds affiliation with the city of Sarasota, where they had trained since 1998.

Project Prospect continues their top 15 lists with corner outfielders
and the Reds' Chris Heisey shows up at #9 on the list. I'm a bit surprised, as I think of him as more of a CF. Either way, PP says he was "born to hit line drives", which sounds good to me. He blasted AFL pitching, tuning them in to 1.180 OPS on his radio dial. Classic rock alllllllllll day. Thanks to Doug for pointing these out.

Shawn over at the Reds FanHuddle blog has been doing '09 reviews for every Reds' player
Be sure to check them all out if your looking for a good overview. Here's a snippet of his latest installment, Willy Taveras:

"Taveras was signed by Cincinnati to a two-year deal for $2.5 million in 2009 and $4 million in 2010. Taveras was promoted as the centerpiece of the Reds’ switch from a plodding power team lead by Griffey and Dunn to a speedy, defense-oriented outfit. The dash of Taveras at the top of the order, plus his running down balls in center field, would be the key to the new-look Cincinnati club. Taveras promised lots of bunting for base hits and a run at 100 steals.

The reality was something less spectacular. Taveras got off to a slow start, had a hot streak from the end of April to the middle of May, collapsed again, and spent much of the second half on the disabled list. By the end of the season, the center field job had been handed to rookie Drew Stubbs. The future of Taveras in Cincinnati is very much in doubt."

The Reds are going to need a catcher next year to pair with Ryan Hanigan
but Jack Moore at FanGraphs says their just aint much out there. He says Gregg Zaun.com could be the best available, and relatively cheaply.

SB Nation - Yonder Alonso

Down on the Farm: Baseball America's 2009 Top 10 AFL Prospects

Baseball America's Top 10 Prospect Lists for 2010

Arizona Fall League: Jose Tabata Goes 6-for-7, Posey Drives in 4

rayg (burlington, nj) Will Tabata take over RF in Pitt over Garrett Jones in 2010?

Klaw (2:03 PM)

Arizona Fall League: Wednesday's Roundup and Sickels Top 20 Nationals

Arizona Fall League: Slugfest Highlights Tuesday's Roundup

ackley

Arizona Fall League: Monday's Roundup

Arizona Fall League: Strasburg and Crow Dominate

Does Stephen Strasburg start the year in the majors or minors?

Opening Day starter

Minors-called up by June

Farmers Only: Winter League Update and some notes

Arizona Fall League: Wednesday's Roundup

Red Reposter - Is Jocketty the Best GM in the Central?

rayg (burlington, nj)
Will Tabata take over RF in Pitt over Garrett Jones in 2010?