SB Nation User Blog: ILuvDaBush

Thoughts on Some Rising Prospects

ILuvDaBush — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:32:32 -0000

What are peoples' thoughts and grades on these five prospects:

Brett Lawrie (2B-MIL) : Has shown better speed but less power than originally anticipated. However, he still has to be considered one of the best 2B prospects in the minors and in my humble opinion, is the best.

Mat Latos (RHP-SD) : Has shown not only the arsenal but also the fortitude of strategy. Definitely has to be considered in the top 5-10 pitching prospects in baseball. Also as an aside, one would have to imagine his arm should play well at PetCo.

Evan Anundsen (RHP-MIL) : With an arsenal based around a low 80's sinker, he has put himself on the prospect radar. Not many people heard about him prior to this year, but now many know this product of Columbine (CO). Up until his most recent start... But his bandwagon will quickly empty and I should be able to find a better spot at the front of the bus.

Brandon Allen (1B-ARI) : Power...and more power. Is he a more athletic version of Ryan Howard? He hasn't shown ANY speed this year, and yet people are even higher than him now than before this year. But then again....power in AA and AAA will do that.

Brad Lincoln (RHP-PIT) : Was making his claim for justification of his draft slot...if that were even possible, before getting lit up. However his most recent start looks like the type of starts he was becoming accustomed to at AA. His arm looks to be back to its previous form. He has to be the top pitching prospect in Pittsburgh's farm system.

So what type of grades should we expect to see right now and really, what type of grade should we expect to see by year's end.

We'll go in ascending order for me.

Anundsen: C+...he's worth monitoring further at present. B- or possibly B if his last start is just a slight blip on his radar and he does make a late season push for the triple crown in the FSL. B+ possibility with a late season bump to AA if he dominates.

Lincoln: B at present. That last start got him some points with me. He could even be a B+ by year's end if he gets a promotion and gets some late season pub (but age keeps him from getting near the head of the class).

Allen: B+. A two sport athlete who took a little time to get his footing. Undeniable talent. If he keeps up the numbers...dare I say A- or A? But run kid! Show off the athleticism.

Lawrie: B+. He hasn't fallen on his face. Instead, he's held his own while showing glimpses of his limitless ceiling. I've said it before and I will say it again. His ceiling...Rogers Hornsby. High HIGH praise. But let's hold off until the end of his first professional season before getting his bust ready in Cooperstown.

Latos: A-. Stuff... Check. Results... Check. Pitcher's Park... Check. Worst offense in baseball... Last time I checked (then again, I think Adrian Gonzalez isn't in the top third of 1B in the majors).

Thoughts on three TINSTAPP

ILuvDaBush — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:10:49 -0000

What is the general opinion of:

Jeremy Jeffress (RHP-MIL)

Brad Lincoln (RHP-PIT)

Phillippe Aumont (RHP-SEA)

Jeffress definitely has the highest ceiling, and has dominated A+ hitters since he was demoted from Huntsville. The Brewers continue to claim his future is in the rotation, even though his fastball profiles best out of the bullpen.

Lincoln is the best PITCHER of the bunch, and is having the most success at the highest level. However, he also comes with the red flag of his past surgery. So far, he would seem to be the safest bet amongst the three to stick in a rotation (and not only because he's a Pirate pitching prospect).

Aumont is languishing in the bullpen in A+, and the Mariners have not shown a willingness to move him out of this role either. However, anyone who has seen the way the Mariners have handled Brandon Morrow knows that sticking him in the bullpen may not be permanent. Being deployed in shorter spurts allows his stuff to play almost up to the level of Jeffress (though Jeffress has arguably the best fastball in all the minors).

Thus my question is, between these three, which one is the most valuable to an organization? The starter languishing in the bullpen? The closer languishing in the rotation? Or the pitcher with the heightened risk of injury? I would probably go with ceiling, but it is not as if Lincoln is without a good ceiling. If given the choice, which TINSTAPP would you prefer?

Poll

Pick your Pitching Prospect.

Brad Lincoln

33 votes

Jeremy Jeffress

27 votes

Phillippe Aumont

37 votes

97 votes | Poll has closed

Chuck Lofgren

ILuvDaBush — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:52:26 -0000

What happened to this quasi-young lefty? Did he completely stall out at AA after failing miserably at AAA? Is it injury? Is it a complete lack of control? Is it in his head? Did he lose his arsenal? He showed such potential, and he is still fairly young. He's in an organization that is starving for young pitching, so he should be fast-tracked if and when he finally regains his form. Thus, is there any hope for him?