SB Nation User Blog: Dalman

Last year's rookies, wrap up and best teams

Dalman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:17:09 -0000

In the final runoff Andrew Bailey edges Julio Borbon wtith 54% of the vote to 45% of the vote making Bailey #26 in the poll and Borbon #27. Here are the final results with the player's results in last year's community prospect poll in parens if they were in it:

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore (1)

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta (23)

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh (18)

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland (16)

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW (47)

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit. (14)

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas (24)

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis (6)

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay (2)

10. Travis Snider, of Toronto (4)

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado (15)

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore(20)

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego (124)

13t Derek Holland, p Texas (17)

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida (7)

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida (110)

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland (8)

18 Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland (10)

19 Kyle Blanks, of San Diego (79)

20 Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore (9% in round 150)

21 Drew Stubbs, of Cincinatti (135)

22. Ricky Romero, P Toronto

23 Daniel Bard, P Boston (131)

24, Jeff Neimann, P Tampa Bay (116)
25. Jordan Zimmerman, P Washington (50)

26. Andrew Bailey, P Oakland

27. Julio Borbon, of Texas (81)

hm Marc Rzpecysnski P Toronto

hm Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee (33)

hm Jordan Schafer of Atlanta (36)

hm Brad Bergesen P Baltimore

hm Gio Gonzalez, P Oakland (69)

hm Clayton Richard, P San Diego

hm Gerado Parra, of Arizona (8% in round 150)

also receiving some support, Tommy Hunter, P Texas, Everth Cabrera, ss San Diego, Garret Jones, of Pittsburgh, Brett Cecil, P Toronto (48), J.A. Happ P Philadelphia

others considered but receiving only minimal support: Luis Valbuena if (Cle), Brett Gardner of (NYY), Cliff Pennington if (Oak), Taylor Teagarden C (Tex) (45), Sean West P (FLO) (147) Ryan Perry (Det), Randy Wells P (Cubs), Jake Fox 3b/of (Oak), Casey McGehee, of Milwaukee

If you have any overall comments about the list or about the process used to generate the list fire away. I will have a couple of comments but will make them below.

As a final poll, I thought it would be interesting to ask the question of which team goes into 2010 with the best talent from the class of 2009. Considering that these players will be under team control for 2010, 2011 and in a few cases 2012 that is a very good position for a team to be in, expecially a team trying to compete despite not being one of the five or so that are highest in revenue.

I've enjoyed it, and hope this poll is ending at about the right point for most of you. I know that given how strong last year's class is there are a number of players who didn't even make it to honorable mention who I think have a very good chance of having nice careers in the majors.

Poll

What major league team controls the best group of last year's rookies as measured by their expected future peformance (players down to the level of "also receiving some support" are listed net to the team name, although you may consider rookies who didn't

Baltimore (Wieters, Tillman, Reimold, Bergesen)

83 votes

Texas (Andrus, Holland, Borbon, Hunter)

27 votes

Oakland (Anderson, Cahill, Bailey, Gonzalez)

38 votes

San Diego (Latos, Blanks, Richard, Cabrera))

5 votes

Toronto (Snider, Romero, Rzepcynski, Cecil)

4 votes

other

2 votes

159 votes | Poll has closed

Last year's rookies, top community prospects for future performance FINAL round #26 and 27 runoff!

Dalman — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:38:18 -0000

It looks like we are at an impasse in the voting between Julio Borbon and Andrew Bailey, each of which is at 21% of the vote with exactly the same number of votes. So, we are going to have a runoff, to decide who is #26 and who is #27. As we are only going 27 rounds that means that this runoff will be the last round of voting and that we won't be doing another round of open voting .

Everyone else in the voting for this past round, #26, got at least 5% of the vote and thus goes down as an honorable mention. All the players listed under "possibly returning in round 27" will be listed as "also receiving some support." So, the final standings will end up looking like this:

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit.

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay

10. Travis Snider, of Toronto

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego

13t Derek Holland, p Texas

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland

18 Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland

19 Kyle Blanks, of San Diego

20 Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore

21 Drew Stubbs, of Cincinatti

22. Ricky Romero, P Toronto

23 Daniel Bard, P Boston

24, Jeff Neimann, P Tampa Bay
25. Jordan Zimmerman, P Washington

26. tbd

27. tbd

hm Marc Rzpecysnski P Toronto

hm Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee

hm Jordan Schafer of Atlanta

hm Brad Bergesen P Baltimore

hm Gio Gonzalez, P Oakland

hm Clayton Richard, P San Diego

hm Gerado Parra, of Arizona

also receiving some support, Tommy Hunter, P Texas, Everth Cabrera, ss San Diego, Garret Jones, of Pittsburgh, Brett Cecil, P Toronto, J.A. Happ P Philadelphia

others considered but receiving only minimal support: Luis Valbuena if (Cle), Brett Gardner of (NYY), Cliff Pennington if (Oak), Taylor Teagarden C (Tex), Sean West P (FLO) Ryan Perry (Det), Randy Wells P (Cubs), Jake Fox 3b/of (Oak)

After this, I will do a wrap up thread which will include a poll asking which team has the best collection of talent among last year's rookies. But first #26 and #27. Here goes:

Poll

Who is the best prospect for future performance among the following, who used up their rookie eligibility in 2009?

Andrew Bailey, P Oakland

76 votes

Julio Borbon, Of Texas

63 votes

139 votes | Poll has closed

Last year's rookies, top community prospects for future performance, #26

Dalman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:47:07 -0000

Jordan Zimmerman wins round 25 rather easily with 30% of the vote. The eternal bridesmaid Andrew Bailey comes in second with 16% of the vote.

In case you missed the poll last round, I decided to extend from 25 rounds to 27, but no further. So we have just two more polls to go including this one. Here is where we are so far:

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit.

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay

10. Travis Snider, of Toronto

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego

13t Derek Holland, p Texas

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland

18 Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland

19 Kyle Blanks, of San Diego

20 Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore

21 Drew Stubbs, of Cincinatti

22. Ricky Romero, P Toronto

23 Daniel Bard, P Boston

24, Jeff Neimann, P Tampa Bay
25. Jordan Zimmerman, P Washington

Randy Wells gets just 1% of the vote and is eliminated from the last two rounds. J. A. Happ 3% and Brett Cecil 4% each got below 5% and are eliminated for this next round. We'll see how this round goes before deciding whether to bring them back for round 27.

For this round we will bring back Gio Gonzalez, Clayton Richard and Gerardo Parra and give a first try to Jake Fox

possibly returning in round 27: Tommy Hunter 2% (22), Everth Cabrera 3%, (24), Garret Jones 3% (24), J. A. Happ 3% (25), Brett Cecil 4%

permanently dropped (percentage and round in parens) Luis Valbuena 1% (22), Brett Gardner 1% (22), Casey McGehee 0% (23), Cliff Pennington 0% (24), Taylor Teagarden 1% (24), Sean West 1% (24), Ryan Perry 1% (24), Randy Wells 1% (25)

Under consideration to be added for the first time in round 27: Brian Duensing, Kris Medlen

25 down two to go, or in baseball terms 8 1/3 innings down, 2 outs to go.

Poll

Who is the best prospect for future major league performance among the following, who used up their rookie eligibility in 2009?

Andrew Bailiey, P Oakland

33 votes

Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee

16 votes

Julio Borbon, of Texas

33 votes

Marc Rzepcynski, P Toronto

22 votes

Brad Bergesen, P Baltimore

9 votes

Jordan Schafer, of Atlanta

12 votes

Gio Gonzalez, P Oakland

8 votes

Clayton Richard, P San Diego

10 votes

Gerardo Parra, of Arizona

8 votes

Jake Fox if/of

2 votes

other (plesae specify below)

0 votes

153 votes | Poll has closed

Last year's rookies, top community prospects for future performance, #25

Dalman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:37:04 -0000

Three rounds ago, Andrew Bailey came in second with 16% of the vote, with Daniel Bard at 9% and Jeff Neimann at 6% well back in the pack. This round, Bailey came in third, with 14% of the vote, behind Zimmerman and this round's winner, Jeff Neimann. Of course Bard won the prior round.

I certainly don't want to renege on my intention to bring this poll to a close, and I certainly don't want to put people to a choice between Randy Ruiz and Doug Mathis, but seeing who still remains on the list I do think that we would get a lot more closure and some decisions on players who have been the subject of hot and heavy discussion these last few rounds, if we took it out just two more rounds, to round 27, which is actually, in its own right a pretty good baseball number and which should require me to change almost nothing of what I have done to this point. I promise to stop then, although if anyone wants to continue after that they are welcome to.

Here is where we are so far:

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit.

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay

10. Travis Snider, of Toronto

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego

13t Derek Holland, p Texas

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland

18 Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland

19 Kyle Blanks, of San Diego

20 Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore

21 Drew Stubbs, of Cincinatti

22. Ricky Romero, P Toronto

23 Daniel Bard, P Boston

24, Jeff Neimann, P Tampa Bay

As I said above I am going to take this through 27 rounds instead of 25, that doesn't change anything about dropping, Cliff Pennington, Taylor Teagarden, Sean West and Ryan Perry all of whom drew only minimal support last round. Everth Cabrera and Garret Jones did just a bit better but are also dropped this round and next, we'll see how things look before deciding whether to add them back for the 27th and final round.

For this round we will bring back Happ, Cecil and Randy Wells, among pitchers and give a tester to Jordan Schafer who has generated some positive discussion these past few round.

possibly returning in rounds 26 or 27: Gio Gonzalez 1% (20), Clayton Richard 2% (21), Gerardo Parra 3% (22)Everth Cabrera 3% (24), Garret Jones 3% (24)

permanently dropped (percentage and round in parens) Luis Valbuena 1% (22), Tommy Hunter 2% (22), Brett Gardner 1% (22), Casey McGehee 0% (23), Cliff Pennington 0% (24), Taylor Teagarden 1% (24), Sean West 1% (24), Ryan Perry 1% (24)

Under consideration to be added for the first time in round 26 or 27: Jake Fox, Brian Duensing, Kris Medlen.

I've really enjoyed the discussion these past few rounds, I hope that this is a correct reading of sentiment to continue this poll just those extra two rounds longer.

Poll

Who is the best prospect for future major league performance among the following, who used up their rookie eligibility in 2009?

Andrew Bailey, P Oakland

30 votes

Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee

10 votes

Julio Borbon, of Texas

21 votes

Jordan Zimmerman, P Washington

50 votes

Marc Rzepcynski, P Toronto

17 votes

Brad Bergesen, P Baltimore

12 votes

Randy Wells, P Chicago Cubs

2 votes

J.A. Happ, P Philadelphia

7 votes

Brett Cecil, P Toronto

8 votes

Jordan Schafer, of Atlanta

17 votes

other (please specify below)

0 votes

174 votes | Poll has closed

Last year's rookies, top community prospects for future performance, #24

Dalman — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:29:40 -0000

Some things didn't change this past round, such as Andrew Bailey coming in second, this time tied with Jordan Zimmerman, who belatedly made his first appearance in the poll. Still, after both of them being beaten by 6 points by Daniel Bard, with 23% of the vote it is now clear that while Zimmerman would have drawn substantial support begining 4-5 rounds ago, the community ranks him no higher than 24th overall considering his injury status, and we'll see about whether it is that high. Here is where we are so far.

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit.

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay

10. Travis Snider, of Toronto

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego

13t Derek Holland, p Texas

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland

18 Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland

19 Kyle Blanks, of San Diego

20 Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore

21 Drew Stubbs, of Cincinatti

22. Ricky Romero, P Toronto

23 Daniel Bard, P Boston

Very interesting results last round, particularly among the starting pitchers, as Zimmerman didn't draw enough to win, but did draw enough support away, along with Bergesen and Rzepcynski, from Happ, Cecil, and Neimann to pull them all under 5%, after several rounds for each of them above that level. I think there is every reason to think that the community likes Cecil and Happ considerably better than any of the starting ptichers that have yet to be added such as Hernandez or Swarzak, and certainly likes them better than any of the starting pitchers who have been permanently dropped to this point. So, I am going to go back just a bit on what I said, keeping Neimann on but dropping Happ and Cecil for this round and at least considering bringing them back for round 25.

For this round, Cliff Pennington and Garret Jones return for another shot. Taylor Teagarden, Ryan Perry and Sean West get a first chance at the poll. I'll do whatever works to get the strongest possible list of candidates for next round. Casey McGehee with 0% last round is permanently dropped.

temporarily dropped from the poll (percentage and round in parens) Randy Wells 0% (18), J.A. Happ 3% (23), Brett Cecil 3% (23)

permanently dropped from the poll (last round and best round in parens) Gio Gonzalez 1% (20), Clayton Richard 2% (21), Luis Valbuena 1% (22), Gerardo Parra 3% (22), Tommy Hunter 2% (22), Brett Gardner 1% (22), Casey McGehee 0% (23)

With just one round left after this one, I am going to give Randy Wells a final shot next round and consider giving a last shot to Cecil and/or Happ. This may leave another spot or possibly two available, which have come down to Jake Fox, Jordan Schafer, Brian Duensing, and perhaps a reliever from the group of Medlen, Sipp or Mijares. Who do you think is the must add of this group--if anyone?

Poll

Who is the best prospect for future major league peformance among the following, who used up their rookie eligibility in 2009?

Andrew Bailey, P Oakland

26 votes

Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee

11 votes

Jeff Neimann, P Tampa Bay

42 votes

Julio Borbon, of Texas

16 votes

Jordan Zimmerman, P Washington

38 votes

Everth Cabrera, ss San Diego

7 votes

Marc Rzepcynski, P Toronto

9 votes

Brad Bergesen, P Baltimore

10 votes

Cliff Pennington, infield, Oakland

0 votes

Garret Jones, of/1b Pittsburgh

6 votes

Taylor Teagarden, c Texas

3 votes

Sean West, P Florida

3 votes

Ryan Perry, P Detroit

4 votes

other (please specify below)

2 votes

177 votes | Poll has closed

Last year's rookies, top community prospects for future performance #23

Dalman — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:06:08 -0000

This round goes to Ricky Romero with 18% of the vote. Daniel Bard comes in second. Andrew Bailey, who had come in second the previous two rounds, drops to third.

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit.

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay

10. Travis Snider, of Toronto

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego

13t Derek Holland, p Texas

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland

18 Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland

19 Kyle Blanks, of San Diego

20 Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore

21 Drew Stubbs, of Cincinatti

22. Ricky Romero, P Toronto

Luis Valbuena, Gerardo Parra, Tommy Hunter and Brett Gardner all draw a smattering of support, but none enough to avoid being permanently dropped from the last few rounds of this poll. Brad Bergesen, Casey McGehee, Everth Cabrera and Mark Rzepcynski all return for another chance, and Jordan Zimmerman get's his first chance on the poll. Everyone in the top eight (out of twelve) stays on for next round, everyone with at least 5% of the vote stays on, anyone meeting neither of those criteria are permanently dropped.

temporarily dropped from the poll (percentage and round in parens) Randy Wells 0% (18), Cliiff Pennington 1% (19), Garret Jones 3% (21)

permanently dropped from the poll (percentage and round in parens) Gio Gonzalez, 1% (20), Clayton Richard 2% (21), Luis Valbuena 1% (22), Gerardo Parra 3% (22), Tommy Hunter 2% (22), Brett Gardner 1% (22)

With just two rounds left after this one I am listing players who are under consideration to be added for the first time in the last two rounds. I decided to get as many players as possible who had previously been considered and needed to be considered again into this round, that should still leave me the ability to add at least 2 new players in each of the last two rounds.

Among hitters I will probably go with either Taylor Teagarden or Jake Fox unless I decide to only add pitchers the rest of the way.

Among starting pitchers there seems to be no sentiment for David Hernandez, so Duensing, Swarzak ,Mazarro and West are still possibilities for one spot.

Among relievers, I am considering Ryan Perry, Jose Mijares, Tony Sipp, Kris Medlen, Luke Gregerson and Sean West. All of these guys had very nice years last year, almost all with k rates of better than 1 per inning with minor league track records that say this is no fluke. I had been working under the assumption that until one of Bard or Bailey won, none of these guys would have a chance, but we are going to test that next round by adding two of these guys, regardless of what happens to Bard/Bailey.

Finally, as discussed in the previous thread, Jordan Zimmerman probably should have been added as a tester at least a few rounds ago, though my understanding is that he is expected to miss all of 2010. We'll see how the voting goes this round before assessing whether that made a differerence.

Poll

Who is the best prospect for future major league performance among the following, who used up their rookie eligibility in 2009?

Andrew Bailey, P Oakland,

37 votes

Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee

14 votes

J.A. Happ, P Philadelphia

8 votes

Daniel Bard, P Boston

48 votes

Brett Cecil, P Toronto

6 votes

Jeff Neimann, P Tampa Bay

12 votes

Julio Borbon, of Texas

17 votes

Jordan Zimmerman, P Washington

40 votes

Everth Cabrera, ss San Diego

9 votes

Marc Rzepcynski, P Toronto

9 votes

Brad Bergesen, P Baltimore

13 votes

Casey McGehee, of Milwaukee

2 votes

other (please specify below)

0 votes

215 votes | Poll has closed

Last year's rookies, top community prospects for future performance # 22

Dalman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:05:11 -0000

After getting close these past several rounds, Drew Stubbs wins round 21 with 20% of the vote. Andrew Bailey comes in second, again, this time with 16% of the vote. Here is where we are so far:

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit.

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay

10. Travis Snider, of Toronto

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego

13t Derek Holland, p Texas

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland

18 Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland

19 Kyle Blanks, of San Diego

20 Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore

21 Drew Stubbs, of Cincinatti

Garret Jones draws less than 5% of the vote and is temporarily dropped. Clayton Richard gets a bit of support but not enough to get up to 3% and, so, is permanently dropped from this poll. This round the minimum to avoid being permanently dropped increases to 4%;

Luis Valbuena, Gerardo Parra and Tommy Hunter return for another round and Brett Gardner gets his first shot at the poll.

temporarily dropped from the poll (percentage and round in parens) Brad Bergesen 1% (18), Casey McGehee 1% (18), Randy Wells 0% (18). Everth Cabrera 3% (19), Cliiff Pennington 1% (19), Marc Rzepcynski 3% (20), Garret Jones 3% (21)

permanently dropped from the poll (percentage and round in parens) Gio Gonzalez, 1% (20), Clayton Richard 2% (21)

With just three rounds left after this one, I am listing players who are under consideration to be added for the first time in these last few rounds. Among hitters I am thinking of Taylor Teagarden who isn't great but still might be a decent starting catcher. If I were to go much deeper I would probably have to take a look at Chris Getz, Mitch Maier, Micah Hoffpauir, Trevor Crowe or Randy Ruiz. If you think one of those guys deserves to get on more than Teagarden make your case.

Among starting pitchers I am thinking of David Hernandez, and Brian Duensing. Kawakami pitched well, but is 34 which makes him a "nonstarter" so to speak, so, realistically Swarzak, Mazarro and Jordan Zimmerman are probably next if not Hernandez or Duensing. if you like any of these guys, please discuss below.

Among relievers I am thinking of Sipp, Mijares, Medlen, and Gregerson. I haven't added a reliever in a number of rounds but intend to do so probably this next round, so if you have a preference please discuss below as it is probably going to be just one of them.

At this point I am probably going to be able to add only 4-5 more guys for the first time altogether, so I really want to make sure to add guys with the best possible chance of snagging some votes. I especially want to end the poll with the strongest possible list, as I believe that everyone who hasn't been eliminated and got at least 5% in the last round, can be considered an "honorable mention" of sorts.

Poll

Who is the best prospect for future major league performance among the following, who used up their rookie eligibilty in 2009?

Andrew Bailey, P Oakland

28 votes

Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee

26 votes

J.A. Happ, P Philadelphia

16 votes

Daniel Bard, P Boston

35 votes

Ricky Romero, P Toronto

43 votes

Brett Cecil, P Toronto

23 votes

Jeff Neimann, P Tampa Bay

24 votes

Julio Borbon, of Texas

19 votes

Luis Valbuena, if Cleveland

4 votes

Gerardo Parra, of Arizona

8 votes

Tommy Hunter, P Texas

5 votes

Brett Gardner, of NYY

3 votes

other (please specify below)

3 votes

237 votes | Poll has closed

Last year's rookies top coummunity prospects for future performance #21

Dalman — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:30:12 -0000

Last year when we did this poll, the 20th spot went to Justin Masterson. This year, it goes to Nolan Reimold with 24% over Andrew Bailey with 17%. I'll take Reimold over Masterson any day. Here is where we are so far:

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit.

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay

10. Travis Snider, of Toronto

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego

13t Derek Holland, p Texas

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland

18 Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland

19 Kyle Blanks, of San Diego

20 Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore

Marc Rzepcynski draws less than 5% of the vote and is temporarily dropped. Gio Gonzalez only draws 1% of the vote and as a result is permanently dropped from this poll. This round the minimum to avoid being permanently dropped increases to 3%.

Jeff Neimann and Julio Borbon are returned for another chance this round, Garret Jones and Clayton Richard get a first shot.

temporarily dropped from the poll (percentage and round in parens) Luis Valbuena 0% (16), Gerardo Parra 0% (16), Tommy Hunter 2% (18), Brad Bergesen 1% (18), Casey McGehee 1% (18), Randy Wells 0% (18). Everth Cabrera 3% (19), Cliiff Pennington 1% (19), Marc Rzepcynski 3% (20)

permanently dropped from the poll (percentage and round in parens) Gio Gonzalez, 1% (20)

With just four rounds left after this one, I am listing players who are under consideration to be added for the first time in these last few rounds. Among hitters I am thinking of Brett Gardner, and Taylor Teagarden. Among starting pitchers I am thinking of David Hernandez, and Brian Duensing. Among relievers I am thinking of Sipp, Mijares, Medlen, and Gregerson, but have been in a holding pattern these last few rounds on adding a reliever until we pick Bailey or Bard, both of whom I expect would rank far ahead of any of these four. I am going to be able to get to most, but probably not all of these guys in the next four rounds so if you like one of these guys, or someone not on this list and want them to be added, please mention them below.

Poll

Who is the best prospect for future major league performance among the following, who used up their rookie eligibility in 2009?

Andrew Bailey, P Oakland

33 votes

Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee

12 votes

J.A. Happ, P Philadelphia

15 votes

Daniel Bard, P Boston

20 votes

Ricky Romero, P Toronto

21 votes

Drew Stubbs, of Cincinatti

42 votes

Brett Cecil, P Toronto

15 votes

Jeff Neimann, P Tampa Bay

14 votes

Julio Borbon, of Texas

15 votes

Clayton Richard, P San Diego

6 votes

Garret Jones, of Pittsburgh

7 votes

other (please specify below)

1 votes

201 votes | Poll has closed

Last year's rookies, top community prospects for future performance #20

Dalman — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:06:50 -0000

After losing the three way runoff for round 16 and being beaten out by Laporta in round 18, Kyle Blanks is not to be denied in round 19, easily besting the field with 22% of the vote, ahead of four different guys who received between 11% and 14% of the vote. Here is where we are so far:

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit.

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay

10. Travis Snider, of Toronto

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego

13t Derek Holland, p Texas

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland

18 Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland

19 Kyle Blanks, of San Diego

Everth Cabrera and Cliff Pennington drew less than 5% of the vote last round and are temporarily dropped from the poll. No one is permanently dropped as both got at least 1% of the vote. In order to avoid being permanently dropped this round, a player needs to receive at least 2% of the vote.

Marc Rzpecynski is returned for another chance this round, and we will give Gio Gonzalez and Brett Cecil their first shot.

temporarily dropped from the poll (percentage and round in parens) Jeff Neimann 2% (16) Luis Valbuena 0% (16), Gerardo Parra 0% (16), Julio Borbon 1% (16), Tommy Hunter 2% (18), Brad Bergesen 1% (18), Casey McGehee 1% (18), Randy Wells 0% (18). Everth Cabrera 3% (19), Cliiff Pennington 1% (19)

With just five rounds left after this one, I am going to list players who are under consideration to be added in these last few rounds. Among hitters I am thinking of Garret Jones, Brett Gardner, and Taylor Teagarden. Amng pitchers I am thinking of Clayton Richard, Scott Richmond, David Hernandez and Brian Duensing among starters and Aceves, Sipp, Mijares, and Medlen among relievers. I am going to be able to get to most, but probably not all of these guys in the next five rounds so if you like one of these guys, or someone not on this list and want them to be added, please mention them below.

Poll

Who is the best prospect for future major league performance among the following who used up their rookie eligibility in 2009?

Andrew Bailey, P Oakland

29 votes

Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore

43 votes

Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee

13 votes

J. A. Happ P Philadelphia

13 votes

Daniel Bard P Boston

12 votes

Ricky Romero, P Toronto

12 votes

Drew Stubbs, of Cincinatti

26 votes

Marc Rzepcynski, P Toronto

7 votes

Brett Cecil, P Toronto

12 votes

Gio Gonzalez, P Oakland

3 votes

other (please specify below)

2 votes

172 votes | Poll has closed

Last year's rookies, top community prospects for future performance #19

Dalman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:25:13 -0000

If you told me last spring that when we did this poll after the season, that Laporta would have gotten enough at bats to use up his rookie eligibility but wouldn't be picked until #18, I would have guessed that he would have really screwed up this year. But, he actually did very well in AAA, and in limited playing time in the majors did reasonably well also. There is certainly nothing about last year that should cause anyone to downgrade him seriously. As others have mentioned, there was a very deep rookie class.

Anyway, compared to round 17, Blanks dropped about 3% while Laporta's vote total soared, so that Laporta wins round 18 easily with 37% of the vote, more than 2 to 1 over Blanks. Here is where we are so far:

1. Matt Wieters, C Baltimore

2. Tommy Hanson, P Atlanta

3. Andrew McCutchen, of Pittsburgh

4. Brett Anderson P Oakland

5 Gordon Beckham, 3b CHW

6. Rick Porcello, P Detroit.

7.Elvis Andrus, SS Texas

8. Colby Rasmus, of St. Louis

9. David Price, P Tampa Bay

10. Travis Sinder, of Toronto

11. Dexter Fowler, of Colorado

12. Chris Tillman, p Baltimore

13t. Matt Latos, p San Diego

13t Derek Holland, p Texas

15. Cameron Maybin, of Florida

16t Chris Coghlan, of Florida

16t Trevor Cahill, P Oakland

18t Matt Laporta of/1b Cleveland

Tommy Hunter, Brad Bergesen, Casey McGehee, and Randy Wells all drew less than 5% last round and are temporarily dropped from the poll. All will return in a later poll, although beginning with the results of this round (going into round 20), players who have extremely low support (initially the bar is set at 0%) will not be returned to any subsequent poll in order that players with the best support can be considered during the final rounds.

J.A. Happ, Daniel Bard, Ricky Romero and Drew Stubbs are returned for another chance this round and we will give Cliff Pennington his first shot.

temporarily dropped from the poll (percentage and round in parens) Marc Rzepcynski 2% (15), Jeff Neimann, 2% (16), Luis Valbuena, 0% (16), Gerardo Parra 0% (16), Julio Borbon 1% (16), Tommy Hunter 2% (18), Brad Bergesen 1% (18), Casey MGehee 1% (18), Randy Wells 0% (18).

With just 6 rounds left after this one I am going to list players who I am considering adding before this poll ends in hopes that this will generate some discussion. Among hitters I am thinking of Garret Jones, Brett Gardner, and Taylor Teagarden. Among pitchers, a longer list including Clayton Richard, Scott Richmond, Gio Gonzalez, David Hernandez, Brett Cecil and Brian Duensing among starters, and Aceves, Sipp and Mijares among relievers. I am probably going to have room to add about 8-10 players the rest of the way, so if you like someone on this list, and especially if you like someone not on this list, please mention them below.

Poll

Who is the best prospect for future major league performance among the following, who used up thei rookie eligibility in 2009?

Andrew Bailey, P Oakland

23 votes

Kyle Blanks, of San Diego

44 votes

Nolan Reimold, of Baltimore

29 votes

Mat Gamel, 3b Milwaukee

12 votes

Everth Cabrera, ss San Diego

7 votes

J.A. Happ, p Philadelphia

10 votes

Daniel Bard, p Boston

26 votes

Ricky Romero, p Toronto

24 votes

Drew Stubbs, of Cincinnatti

16 votes

Cliff Pennington, ss Oakland

2 votes

other (please specify below)

2 votes

195 votes | Poll has closed