SB Nation User Blog: Big Phil

Rate my farm system

Big Phil — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:40:59 -0000

This is my own personal rankings of my own farm system. The league I am is a 28 team league and I think I have a very strong farm system. I have put a lot of work on this list but it still sucks. So PLEASE tell where I am way off. Who am I under rating and who am I over rating. Anyhelp will be nice.

1) Chris Carter, 1B, Grade B+: Has not shown the same HR power as he has in the past but is hitting a lot of doubles. His contact rate and walk rate are up and he has cut down on his K's. (Oak)

2) Jason Castro, C, Grade B+: He is not the best hitting Catcher in my farm system, but he may be the only one who can stay there. Since being promoted he has slumped a little but he is making more contact so I still have a lot of faith in him. (Hou)

3) Hector Rondon, RHP, Grade B+: Having a great season. I love the strikeout to walk rate which is nearly 5 to 1. He probably belongs ahead of Castro but I have a soft spot for Catchers. (Cle)

4) Todd Frazier, OF, Grade B: Only 10 HR's and a move to the outfield would normally mean a drop in stock. But since he is leading the minors in doubles, batting over .300, and a huge drop in is K rate makes him a top prospect.

5) Chris Heisey, OF, Grade B: Also having a great season. I don't think he is as good as some people rank him (top 50 on some lists). But it is hard to ignore his stats and since others view him highly I will to.

6) Jordan Walden, RHP, Grade B: His stock has fallen this year. Maybe it should not since he has still put up solid numbers but injuries on pitchers scare the crap out of me.

7) Will Smith, LHP, Grade B: I love Will Smith, he is a great actor and I like almost all of his movies. OH and the pitcher is good as well. He has put up numbers that are close to last years but at a higher level. He is progressing well and could be a top prospect very soon. And being 6'5" and Lefty does not hurt. (Laa)

8) Angel Salome, C, Grade B: He just barely beats out Conger because I think he has a better shot of staying at catcher. Got off to a slow start but has been hitting very well ever since. (Mil)

9) Hank Conger, C, Grade B: I view him as the catcher with the best bat. If he can stay at catcher and stay healthy he is by far the best catcher in my system.

10) Zach Stewart, RHP, Grade B: I had him much higher than this before he got moved to the pen. He may fall further but I am still holding on to the hope that he will be moved back. If he goes back to starting he will have #1 upside.

11) Yorman Rodriguez, OF, Grade B: Very young and very raw. Most people would not give him a grade B but I love international players. He has more upside than any position player in my system.

12) Adis Portillo, RHP, Grade B: Portillo is a hard-throwing right-hander who shows more polish than most Venezuelan prospects. Portillo exhibits a dominating mound presence and great composure, featuring a moving fastball that tops out at about 94mph. It's the raw stuff he wields with three possible plus pitches, though, that puts him into the upper ranks of pitching prodigies. (SD)

13) Josh Roenicke, RHP, Grade B: Future closer. I am very high on him and think he can be a solid closer in a few years.

14) Drew Stubbs, OF, Grade B-: I have high hopes for this kid, but I am not sure how good he is going to be. He keeps moving up in the system and puts up solid numbers. I think he will he will be an OK lead off hitter but that is all.

15) Wily Peralta, RHP, Grade B-: He is a great pitcher. He could be a future #1 starter but I have a strong feeling that he will be moved to the pen.

16) David Huff, LHP, Grade B-: Has not been very good in The Bigs, but he has shown flashes. He should be a solid #3.

17) Chris Carpenter, RHP, Grade B-: Has been lights out all year long. Gets promoted and does even better. I probably have him ranked to high but I have been a big fan of his ever since he was drafted.

18) Peter Bourjos, OF, Grade B-: Putting up good numbers at AA and a lot of people thought he was going to fall hard. He has walked 10 more times than last year and only in half the AB's. If his speed stays with him, he will be a very solid player.

19) Tim Federowicz, C, Grade B-: Been a damn good hitter this year and I have herd good things about his defense. Now I just need to pray that he is not just a flash in the pan.

20) Chris Valaika, SS, Grade C+: Started the year as my #3 prospect. Maybe I should give him more slack, but I had high hopes for him and he let me down.

21) Roberto De La Cruz, 3B, Grade C+: Probably does not belong this high since he has been very bad this year. But he is young Dominican with power, had a big bonus, and reportedly has good strike zone judgment. So I will give him some slack.

22) Gorkys Hernandez, OF, Grade C+: I think he has always been over rater. He has great speed and that is about it. I can see the upside in him so I will give some time before I drop him down my list.

23) Kyle Lotzkar, RHP, Grade C+: I like him a lot and think he has great upside. now just if he can stay healthy.

24) James Simmons, RHP, Grade C+: Has been better than his numbers show this year, but it still is not very good. He should be a good #4 in a few years.

25) Maikel Cleto, RHP, Grade C+: Very strong arm and has been moved fast in the past. But it looks like his new team is going to take slow with him. It should be a good thing and give more time to develop.

26) Jay Austin, OF, Grade C+: Had a slow start but is now putting up very solid numbers. He has a ton of tools and hopefully will develop some power.

27) Zack Cozart, SS, Grade C+: Haven't herd much about his Defense but I think he will be moved to 2B. He has put up a good line at AA. Has some power, some speed, and a good batting eye. He is a sleeper and if he stays at SS he could be a starter in a year or two.

28) Cole Gillespie, OF, Grade C+: Will not be a star. But he could be an average player. Dont have much hope for him, but you never know.

29) Junior Lake, SS, Grade C+: Has not put up good stats but anytime there is a young SS with upside you have to pay attention.

30) Daryl Thompson, RHP, Grade C+: He will not be a starter. It breaks my heart to say that. I had high hopes for him as well going into this season. He has let me down but he still can be a great set-up man.

31) Byron Wiley, 3B, Grade C+: Has shown a lot of potential this year. Might belong higher than this but he some big holes in his swing and and I am not sure where he is going play.

32) Alonzo Harris, 2B, Grade C+: Has put up good stats and I am sure he will stick at 2B. He needs to work on his strikeouts or he will never make it past AA.

33) Tyler Chatwood, RHP, Grade C+: Good arm, strong K/IP ratio in A ball, but too many walks. Good potential but will need time. I have a bunch of players like this.

34) Scott Shaw, RHP, Grade C+: Above average arm but walks way to many. Good upside but unlikely he will ever reach it.

35) Michael Kohn, RHP, Grade C+: Strong arm, strong K/IP ratios, need to see at higher levels. Could be a closer some day.

36) Dan Dorn, OF, Grade C+: Kills right-handers, could be a solid platoon bat.

37) Josh Geer, RHP, Grade C+: All I can hope for is a #5 pitcher here. He has a lot of miles on his arm but has yet to have arm problems.

38) Ramon Ramirez, RHP, Grade C+: Same as Geer. Ramon might be a #4 but I would not bet on it.

39) Chen-Chang Lee, RHP, Grade C+: Sidearm guy signed out of Taiwan has very good stuff. Has yet to pitch which scares me for some reason.

40) Andrew Brackman, RHP, Grade C: I have lost all faith in this guy. He started the season off ok but has fallen apart latly.

41) Manuarys Correa, RHP, Grade C: Better command than Chatwood, but perhaps more hittable. He was a sleeper going into the season but has disappointed.

42) Clay Fuller, OF, Grade C: He has done ok this season but I just have a gut feeling that he will fail.

43) Efrain Nieves, LHP, Grade C: Projectable lefty with control being best attribute right now.

44) Evan Frederickson, LHP, Grade C: Huge upside arm from the left side, but very raw for a college guy.

Poll

Who is my top prospect?

Chris Carter

23 votes

Jason Castro

12 votes

Hector Rondon

32 votes

Other

9 votes

76 votes | Poll has closed

Which one is better?

Big Phil — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:28:22 -0000

I am currently in two Dynasty leagues and I am just wondering which one of my minor leagues are better. Maybe you could tell me where one of them is better than the other and where I might need more depth. I just thought this might spark some discussion. If you do not think this is worth a post just tell me and I will get rid of it.

Team 1

1) Rick Porcello, RHP, Grade A-: Went back and forth on this one due to the K/IP issue, but ultimately decided to give him the benefit of the doubt due to his youth. More of a Webb/Zambrano type than a Beckett.

2) Andrew McCutchen, OF, Grade B+: Power has been a bit disappointing, and he still needs more polish on the bases, but defense is coming along and he’s improved his plate discipline. Still very young, you can still make an A- case. PIT

3) Aaron Hicks, OF, Grade B+. Could flip with McCutchen due to higher power ceiling.

4) Todd Frazier, INF, Grade B: I like him. A nice solid hitter, maybe not a star, but should be productive. Only question is defense. (CIN)

5) Adrian Cardenas, 2B, Grade B: I think he’s a second baseman. Equivalent to a college junior entering 2009.

6) Austin Jackson, OF, Grade B: Should be a solid player but not a star. Will that be enough in New York? NYY

7) Zach Collier, OF, Grade B-: Grade is speculative, but I like his ceiling a lot. Will need time.

8) Jordan Lyles, RHP, Grade B-: Very projectable young arm but will need time to develop

9) Jon Jay, OF, Grade B-: I like him more than a lot of people, but I think he can play center and put up solid numbers. Another aggressive grade, but both Jay and Jones have impressed me and I think both tend to be underrated. (STL)

10) Lorenzo Cain, OF, Grade B-: Tools guy continues to improve his skills. MIL

11) Rob Delaney, RHP, Grade B-: Is this too high? Should he be a C+

12) Jake Jefferies, C, Grade B-: I’m very impressed with his contact hitting skills.
Power??

13) Connor Graham, RHP, Grade B-: Borderline C+. Excellent potential, but walk rate is too high.

14) Tyson Ross, RHP, Grade C+: I think he’s an injury risk, but the upside is here.

15) Zach Putnam, RHP, Grade C+: Personal favorite from the 2008 draft. Very good arm, a good hitter too, does he start or relieve?

16) Cord Phelps, 2B, Grade C+: Polished Stanford product, some pop in bat, needs to improve glove.

17) Alex Avila, C, Grade C+: Strong bat, I think more power will come, not sure about where he fits defensively.(DET)

18) Paul Demny, RHP, Grade C+: Another guy who is a long way away, but has upside. (WSH)

19) Jacob McGee, LHP, Grade C+: Would be B+ if not for Tommy John surgery. (TB)

20) Joshua Fields, RHP, Grade C+: I’m assuming he will sign. Stuff is here, but what about command

21) Felipe Paulino, RHP, Grade C+: If healthy, could rank B- and ahead of Lyles and Seaton. Great stuff, but role and condition of arm are uncertain. (HOU)

22) Clayton Mortensen, RHP, Grade C+: Gets grounders, could be an inning-eater, but strikes me as overrated by some other sources.

23) Pete Kozma, SS, Grade C+: I rather like him and I think he might end up being a better hitter than people think. (STL)

24) Mark Trumbo, 1B, Grade C+: Impressive power potential, but plate discipline and defense preclude higher grade (LAA)

25) Josh Smoker, LHP, Grade C+: Would rank higher if healthy. This grade is generous. WSH

26)Aaron Thompson, LHP, Grade C+: Could be a C. I don’t like the way his Double-A numbers slipped and I worry about health. FLA

27) Collin DeLome, OF, Grade C: Good power, some speed, but bad strike zone judgment will hold him back. HOU

28) Josh Geer, RHP, Grade C+: Could be a nice strike-throwing fourth starter if his elbow holds up. SD

29) Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Grade C+: Very young, could rank in the top 10 next year if he develops properly. NYY

30) Shane Peterson, OF, Grade C+: High OBP college guy with gap power, but not many homers.

31) P.J. Walters, RHP, Grade C+: Uses a nasty changeup to rack up large numbers of strikeouts.

32) John Tolisano, 2B, Grade C: Another young guy who couldn’t hit at Lansing, but could rebound. TOR

Team 2

1) Fernando Martinez, OF, Grade B+: Still extremely young, though at some point he’s got to produce better than he has.

2) Todd Frazier, INF, Grade B: I like him. A nice solid hitter, maybe not a star, but should be productive. Only question is defense.

3) Chris Valaika, SS, Grade B: I like him, too. Looks like a fine hitter, even without strong plate discipline. Probably more a 2B than SS.

4) Max Ramirez, C-1B, Grade B: I love this bat. Glove might not be QUITE as bad as everyone says, but it isn’t good enough for him to rank higher.

5) Beau Mills, 1B, Grade B: Another power bat with impressive home run upside. Not sure how they will fit all these guys into the lineup.

6) Angel Salome, C, Grade B: He can mash, but defense continues to draw mixed reviews, and if he can’t catch where does he play?

7) Hector Rondon, RHP, Grade B: Good arm, good stats, not sure why he isn’t ranked more highly by other

8) Drew Stubbs, OF, Grade B-: Where did the power go? Other skills are coming along nicely.

9) Junior Lake, SS, Grade B-: Intriguing toolsy infielder had strong AZL debut. A sleeper.

10) Zach Stewart, RHP, Grade B-: Strong arm, command issues, could move fast in the pen. Maybe a C+?

11) Kyle Lotzkar, RHP, Grade B-: Might downgrade to C+. Very young, tons of potential, command and injury issues. This is one of my “intuition guys” though.

12) David Huff, LHP, Grade B-: Successful finesse lefty type, Jamie Moyer upside, but could struggle like Sowers.

13) Josh Roenicke, RHP, Grade B-: Very impressive arm, could be a closer perhaps.

14) Gorkys Hernandez, OF, Grade B-: Would like to see more power, other skills coming along.

15) Daryl Thompson, RHP, Grade C+: He’s a solid pitcher if he can stay healthy, a big if. I’ve liked him since I shadow-drafted him out of high school.

16) Juan Francisco, 3B, Grade C+: Enormous power potential, very young, but dismal discipline. Did reduce strikeouts last year.

17) Robbie Grossman, OF, Grade C+: Very toolsy, could be a Seven Skill guy if he maintains the patience he showed in very brief rookie ball trial. High ceiling, could rank much higher a year from now.

18) Ramon Ramirez, RHP, Grade C+: Could rank as high as 8 depending on what you want to emphasize. Small right-hander with a strong arm, took step forward in ’08.

19) Adis Portillo, RHP, Grade C+: Portillo is a hard-throwing right-hander who shows more polish than most Venezuelan prospects. Portillo exhibits a dominating mound presence and great composure, featuring a moving fastball that tops out at about 94mph. It's the raw stuff he wields with three possible plus pitches, though, that puts him into the upper ranks of pitching prodigies.

20) Cole Gillespie, OF, Grade C+: Jason Bay type, solid across the board performance, scouts aren’t wild about tools but he has played well at every level.

21) Maikel Cleto, RHP, Grade C+: Power arm acquired from Mets. Great fastball, but rather raw

22) Chris Heisey, OF, Grade C+: Like the speed, gets on base, could be solid fourth outfielder.

23) Roberto De La Cruz, 3B, Grade C+: Young Dominican with power, big bonus, and reportedly has good strike zone judgment.

24) Wily Peralta, RHP, Grade C+: A high upside arm, but a long way from the majors.

25) Scott Shaw, RHP, Grade C+: Sleeper prospect from 2008 draft, has above average stuff and showed better command in the pros than he did at Illinois.

26) Dan Dorn, OF, Grade C+: Kills right-handers, could be a solid platoon bat.

27) Yorman Rodriguez, OF, Grade C+: Too young and raw to rank higher in my system. Need to see some numbers first.

28) Chen-Chang Lee, RHP, Grade C+: Sidearm guy signed out of Taiwan has very good stuff.

29) Josh Geer, RHP, Grade C+: Could be a nice strike-throwing fourth starter if his elbow holds up.

30) Carlos Fisher, RHP, Grade C: Considered C+, another potential relief arm with ability.

31) Josh Kroeger, OF, Grade C: He finally learned some plate discipline and has done well in Triple-A. Getting old for a prospect.

32) Efrain Nieves, LHP, Grade C: Projectable lefty got good reports from scouts in the Pioneer League. Control best attribute right now

33) Chris Carpenter, RHP, Grade C: Command problems and poor health record reduce stock, but he throws very hard and has upside if he can stay away from doctors.

34) Evan Frederickson, LHP, Grade C: Huge upside arm from the left side, but very raw for a college guy.

Top 5 Favorite Prospects

Big Phil — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:01:24 -0000

I was just wandering who everyones favorite Cardinal prospects were. Not who you think are the best, just who you would love to become a St. Louis Cardinal. Now I am a prospect freak can could name my top 100 but I will just stick to my top 5. If you do not think this is worth a post just tell me and I will get rid of it.

1) Jon Bravo

2) Jon Edwards

3) Tommy Pham

4) Donovan Solano

5) P.J. Walters