The All-American game is tomorrow at Wrigley at 1:05 and it will also be broadcast on ESPNU.  I will be in attendance and hope many of you will be too.  It will be a great opportunity to see the top high school talent going in to next year's draft.  Shoot me an email if you are going and would be interested in meeting up (I will be getting there by 11 30 or so, to assure getting close to home plate).   6 kids drafted in the first 16 picks of the 09 draft were at the game last summer.

Pitchers to watch...

Jameson Taillon, RHP-  Taillon is one of the best high school arms to come around in the last 5 or 6 years.  His massive 6'7", 230 lb. frame lets him throw in the mid-90's with ease and he has an already very impressive curveball that sits just above 80.  Though he hasn't used a changeup frequently, Taillon has shown good feel for it.

A.J. Cole, RHP-  Cole also has a big frame, standing in at 6'5" and still has plenty of room to fill that out (currently weighing in at 190 lbs).  He has thrown as high as 97 and has been sitting in the mid-90's while showing a good curve and solid control. 

Stetson Allie, RHP-  This guy throws major gas.  Hitting 99 with some frequency and sitting in the 96-98 range most of the time.  He also has a decent, but inconsistent slider that he throws in the high-80's.  Problem is, Allie has MAJOR difficulty throwing strikes.  Will certainly be fun to watch, but likely nothing more than a future closer. 

Kevin Gausman, RHP-  Though not a flame-thrower, Gausman throws in the low to mid-90's with a very clean delivery.  He has plenty of room before he fills out his nice, 6'4" frame.  Has shown a nce curveball, but still needs some improvement.  

There are only 3 LHP's on the roster and I do not really know anything about any of them and am looking forward to see how they stack up against the top right-handed talent.

Hitters to watch...

Yordy Cabrera, ss-  Though listed as a short-stop, at 6'4", 190 lbs.  odds of him sticking there are slim.  That said, there is a good chance he can become a plus defender at 3b due to his strong arm and soft hands.  He has a strong bat as well, that should lead to some impressive pop down the road.

Reggie Golden, of- The top 5-tool prospect at the game, Golden is only 5'11", but incredibly strong and very fast.  Has earned Bo Jackson comps, but recently gave up football to concentrate solely on baseball.  I will keep a close eye on him at the plate.

Austin Wilson, of-   Probably the #2 prep outfielder heading in to next year's draft, Wilson has an excellent bat and plenty of power potential as well.  Not to mention, he has hit 98 on the gun so....good luck running out him.  Wilson has a much bigger frame than Golden (6'4" 200 lbs.) and is more likely to play right-field in pro ball.

Zach Alvord, ss-  Maybe the only short-stop at the event that should project to stick there in pro ball.  Alvord has smallish frame (5'11" 175 lbs) that should allow for solid range to go along with a very strong arm.  Alvord has been playing in wood bat leagues since he was 14 and has hit well and has shown some nice power. 

Click here to look at the full list of players at the event.  Use this as a place to post scouting reports for those of you attending.  Enjoy!

The baseball draft means nothing to a lot of people, but it is one of my favorite days of the year.  The draft will take place on June 9-10 this year.

In case you have not heard by now, Stephen Strasburg is hands down the no. 1 talent and odds are incredibly high that he goes to the Nationals with the first pick.  Strasburg is a RHP out of San Diego State.  Some people are saying he may be the best pitching prospect ever to come out of the draft (certainly the best since Mark Prior).  He sits at 97-99 with the fastball (regularly touching 100) and his main off-speed pitch is what he calls a slider, but is really more of a curve with 2-plane break (not traditional 12-6, however).  He is the hardest thrower and has the best off-speed pitch in the draft, but perhaps the most impressive thing is his ability to locate those pitches.  Strasburg has walked a mere 13 hitters in 70.1 IP this season, while striking out 135!  This gives him just over a 10/1 K/BB.  He is also on pace to break Ryan Wagner's collegiate K/9 record of 16.8.

Some are paranoid about his mechanics, and I understand the concerns, but there is no way you pass up on this kind of a talent.  The only way the Nationals might is if they are scared off by the $50 mil price tag Scott Boras has thrown out there.  He will not end up getting that much, I would envision closer to $25 mil, which will still shatter the previous record. 

Ok, so Strasburg is really good, but who can the Cubs get....

The Cubs pick late in the first round this year, 31st overall (Angels, Nationals and Diamondbacks pick in front of the Cubs 2 times for losing type A free agents, or, in the Nationals case, not signing last years 1st rd pick, Aaron Crow).

This will be Tim Wilken's 4th year as Cubs Scouting Director.  In the previous 3, he has taken a college position player (Tyler Colvin), a prep position player (Josh Vitters) and a college pitcher (Andrew Cashner).  Dating back to his days with the Blue Jays, Wilken has shown a mix of college and high school players, though he tends to lean towards position players in the first round. 

This is not a good draft for college bats, but there are some decent options that could be around when the Cubs pick.

The best realistic option, in my opinion, would be A.J. Pollock, an outfielder out of Notre Dame.  He is hitting .364/.457/.578 on the season as the Irish lead-off hitter.  Pollock has the ability to play a decent center-field, and though he is not a burner, runs decent enough and is supposed to have excellent instincts, allowing him to get good jumps.  The first thing I noticed with Pollock, was the impressive K/BB.  Pollock has walked only 17 times this season (in 154 AB's) while walking 24 times.  It is great to see a guy walking more than he is striking out.  Players who can do this are capable of hitting .300 with solid OBP's.  Pollock doesn't have a ton of upside, but is very polished and could be a very solid producer in a couple short years. 

Kendal Volz, a RHP from Baylor, was a guy who was originally expected to go in the top 10 or 15, but may have pitched himself down to the bottom, or even supplemental first rd. He used to sit at 94-95 with the fastball, but has lost a decent amount of velocity this season.  A friend of mine saw him pitch a couple weeks back, and he was not pitching above 91 mph.  Volz does have a really good slider as well.  He has had difficulty throwing strikes and I wonder if he is having some arm problems that we have not been made aware of yet.  The upside is there, but this is a guy who I would like to see the Cubs stay away from.

After those 2, there appear to be a lot of intruiging HS players that I do not know a ton about, except for what I see at Baseball America.  Matt Hobgood, a RHP out of a HS in California is ranked #33 on BA's mid-season list.  Hobgood is a big boy, at 245 lb. and has a fastball in the low-mid 90's along a solid curve. 

As I mentioned before, this is not a good year for hitters, but I like some of the college OF's and there appear to be some decent HS pitchers.  As the draft gets closer, I will write more about who the Cubs could be taking and how they are playing. 

Society for American Baseball Research.  I was at their website today, trying to find out more about what they do and what a membership would entail.  The price seems pretty reasonable ($45 if you are under 30) and it looks like they cool some cool stuff.

Anyone know how easy it is to get involved with their reasearch?  How are their publications?  Ever been to any of the chapter meetings?  Any info you have would be great.

The deal is 4 yrs, right around $60 million.  I am very disappointed to see the Cubs did not consider signing Lowe.  With all of the Peavy talks taking place throughout the offseason, we have some reason to believe there is more cap room before the Cubs hit there limit.  Peavy and Lowe will be paid nearly the same amount over the next 4 seasons.  Lowe is older and not as dominant, but incredibly consistent.  With a rotation containing Zambrano, Harden and a fly ball prone Ted Lilly, the Cubs need a consistent, middle of the rotation starter. 

Peavy is likely to continue having elbow trouble that started last season, and could very well not pitch more than 500 innings over the next 4 seasons.  Lowe will without a doubt give you right around 800 innings over that same time frame.  He would have been a much better fit than Jake Peavy.

I'm going to get right to it: Texas has it good. The farm system is doing quite well these days, and when it comes to catchers, they have a number of them:

• Taylor Teagarden, 24, His bat has almost caught up to his above average glove, although 2008's development was disappointing.
  
• Max Ramirez, 24. Appears to be more offense-oriented.
• Gerald Laird, 28, has played more than 100 games behind the dish only once.
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 23, only 198 AB's in the 2008 campaign.

My guess is that at least Saltalamacchia and Teagarden stay put, with Laird being dealt for what Texas never seems to have: pitching. Teagarden may continue to develop in the minors along with Max Ramirez, although one would need to backup Saltalamacchia with how much time Jarrod missed this season. This may mean a temporary backup gets signed, like a Paul Bako type, cheap. Texas is not in a position to move quickly as they are not totally ready to compete with the Angels (and A's, whenever they begin to improve).

Trade Candidates

• Gerald Laird: The odd man out in a weak class for catchers this winter, which should improve his value.
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Texas GM Jon Daniels says he would move Laird and Saltalamacchia if both deals were right, continuing on by using Teagarden and Max Ramirez. It seems that they would target good young starting pitching in return.
  
• Russell Martin: Early rumors that the Dodgers could move him. Doesn't make much sense unless they think they will get a massive haul.
  
• Kelly Shoppach: Indians could sell high if Victor Martinez is healthy.
  
• Yorvit Torrealba: Perhaps Colorado is still wondering if Iannetta will stick as the starter, but his $3 Million salary may get moved. The Mets were interested last winter, and Torrealba is less than pleased with being the backup.
• Mathis/Napoli: It doesn't look like either is out there, but the Angels may listen to an offer if they find a suitable backup.
• Bengie Molina: Steady behind the plate, cost $6.25 Million in 2008.
  
• Kenji Johjima: Anyone want a catcher who has steadily declined since arriving in 2006? Oh, did I mention he cost $6.3 Million in 2008 while hitting .227/.277/.332?
  
• Ramon Hernandez: Could be dished with his pricier salary, but may be holding down the job untill Wieters comes along.
  

Buyers

• Red Sox: Jason Varitek just did not get it done in Boston this year. Rumors are that they will pursue the Boras client for a one or two year deal, while he may be asking for more. They have been linked to Gerald Laird, but seem to be looking for some youth to help out at the position. EDIT: Theo Epstein may be looking at two years, $16 Million as terms to resign Varitek.
  
• Blue Jays: They're less than impressive combination of Rod Barajas ($2.5 Million team option, excersiced) and Gregg Zaun (age 38) may have left J.P. Riccardi wanting. A.J. Burnett seems to be priority #1, but Zaun may be on his way out, so at least a backup will be needed.
• Tigers: After shipping off Ivan Rodriguez, Brandon Inge performed courageously behind the plate, but his role is as Mr. SuperUtility. If Detroit finds this to be the case, they could pursue Jason Varitek if he is discarded by Boston. Inge could also share time with a Javier Valentin type...
  
• Reds: Cincinnati will be looking to ink someone to take the starting gig as Dave Ross and Javier Valentin are both free agents. Paul Bako isn't the answer, so perhaps Josh Bard could be a fit. If Dusty is on the VeteranProwl, he could take a look at Varitek after a potential Boras blowup.
  
• Nationals: It seems likely they will pluck someone out of the weak free agent class, unless Jim Bowden get creative at the winter meetings.
  
• Padres: With Nick Hundley as the only catcher on the roster, San Diego will be looking for someone other than Josh Bard or Michael Barrett, both of whom left for free agency. This should get interesting as the club is looking to shed payroll, maybe a cheap veteran from the free agent market is in order...
• Yankees: This depends on Jorge Posada's health for 2009. He had season-ending right labrum surgery on the 28th of July, and Jose Molina played 100 games at a .216/.263/.313 line. If Posada still has trouble throwing and is limited to 1st or DH, New York could wind up pursuing someone to split time with Molina.
  

Sellers

• Dodgers: Joel Sherman of the NY Post has rumored that other GM's believe the Dodgers are a bit down on Russell Martin's makeup. This could be complete garbage, but if there is an ounce of truth to it, Los Angeles could get quite a haul for the 25 year old.
• Rockies: Chris Iannetta played quite well in 104 games (264/390/505), leaving room to dish Yorvit Torrealba and his $3 Million pricetag.
• Angels: Their Jeff Mathis (94 games, .593 OPS) and Mike Napoli (78 games, .960 OPS) combo produced 29 homers. Will they look to dish one?
• Texas
  

Stay Put

• Indians: Between Kelly Shoppach's 261/348/517 line in 112 games and Victor Martinez' reputation, Cleveland seems ready for 2009.
  
• Twins: Joe Mauer. I think they're set.
• White Sox: They seem content with A.J. Pierzynski behind the dish, at a reasonable salary of $5.86 million. Toby Hall served his second season as backup for the club, and has an option for 2009.
• Orioles: Play Ramon Hernandez, and either trade him midseason or wait for the draft picks as he leaves for free agency. Then begins the Matt Wieters era in Baltimore.
• Rays: The AL Champs recieved a solid season with the bat and the glove from Dioner Navarro, playing 120 games at a 295/349/407 line.
• Athletics: Oakland looks to be committed to Kurt Suzuki and his 148 games played at catcher. At age 25, he hit a respectable 279/346/370.
• Mariners: With a bleak outlook for the future, they will depend on Jeff Clement's continued development at age 25. His limited ability to throw out runners will hinder his chances to stay behind the plate however. Kenji Johjima and his lack of production will be under contract for another 2 years as well, leaving little room to upgrade.
  
• Cubs: Geovany Soto. Pay Henry Blanco to continue to be his mentor.
  
• Cardinals: Yadier Molina is pretty well entrenched as the starter.
• Brewers: Jason Kendall is under contract for another year, and they have a number of interesting prospects in the minors.
• Astros: J.R. Towles really underperformed in 2008, and Humberto Quintero should not start. Brad Ausmus should retire, and Houston will let Towles take another try in 2009.
• Braves: Brian McCann will be holding down the fort for the foreseeable future.
• Giants: With Bengie Molina providing a solid 145 games (292/322/445) and San Fransisco's need to upgrade elsewhere, they will stay put.

Somewhere In Between...

• Diamondbacks: They will be too busy deciding what to do with all of their draft picks from Dunn, Lyon, and Cruz departing via free agency. Chris Snyder and 237/348/452 line in 115 games should work just fine holding down the fort with Miguel Montero as backup. The Nationals could matchup here as they had interest in Montero last winter, perhaps this could be an opportunity for Arizona to infuse their ever-weakening system with a prospect or two.
• Marlins: As is usually the case in Florida, this all revolves around payroll. John Baker performed admirably in 61 games (292/392/457), but Paul Lo Duca and Matt Traenor were/are less than impressive. The penny-pinching club may give Baker the starting gig and let Traenor back him up in lieu of going outside the organization. Is an Ivan Rodriguez reunion in their future? Doubtful since he is one of the better FA's in a weak market.
• Pirates: Ryan Doumit sure can hit, although he is slightly better than a car wreck behind the plate. Along with Ronny Paulino, the Pirates seem set, and do not need veteran insurance unless they miraculously find themselves in contention. The only creative situation I see here is Paulino being dealt in part of a package to get some new blood in the starting rotation
• Mets: They seem to be content with Ramon Castro (52 games) and Brian Schnieder (110 games) behind the plate as a need for pitching seems to be more pressing. Omar Minaya may pounce if the right situation comes along, but they will be looking at other places to upgrade. Jon Heyman thinks Bengie Molina might be on their radar...
  
• Phillies: With only Carlos Ruiz (117 games) and Chris Coste (98 games) on the roster, Philly should be looking for someone to pair with Ruiz. His career 242/329/359 line is underwhelming, representing a gaping wound in their lineup. A more offensive counterpart could be added, although any free agent signing will be a gamble in that regard.
  

Free Agents

• Jason Varitek: I have the feeling the Boras represented 36 year old will encounter some tough negotiations with the Red Sox. They are looking to improve, while the aging backstop is on his way out of the league. If Jason wants to stay in Boston he will have to take a cheaper one to two year deal, and most likely give up the starting gig. One alternative could be Detroit, but they may not want to add more payroll for the aging vet. The Nationals could be an intruging option as they will need a solid option for 2009 (not that he won't get injured), as the club's new stadium in D.C. could be attractive. Could he be around long enough to be the battery mate of the #1 pick in this years draft, Stephen Strasburg?
  
• Ivan Rodriguez: Pudge hasn't been enjoying his best years as of late. At age 37, he may be hunting for his last destination before retirement in the form of a one or two year deal. Still somewhat of a defensive asset, my guess is that he will land with either the Nationals, Reds, Mets, or Phillies. His name and reputation may get Pudge more than he deserves in this market, with Scott Boras negotiating for him.
  
• Josh Bard: At age 30, he should get some looks for his past offensive performances. His splits away from Petco are encouraging from 2005-2007: .313/.371/.449 in 441 at bats. The Reds have shown interest, and I imagine he will recieve at least a two year deal, maybe more if he proves that he will be healthy for 2009. I don't see him going to Florida, as he may be more expensive, and the Red Sox have already tried Bard. The Nationals could throw some money at him, and Detroit may take a look as well if they stray from Inge as their starter.
• Michael Barrett: The offensive-minded catcher isn't looking so healthy with the bat anymore, being three years removed some semblance of a productive season. With a number of weaknesses behind the plate, he may ink a one year deal to prove his abilities while healthy. Where ever he does land, he will most likely see time at 3rd base as well. The Blue Jays, Marlins, and Phillies could potentially kick the tires.
  
• Gregg Zaun: Around the trade deadline the Marlins had shown interest, so perhaps the 38 year old will sign for cheap to return to Florida.
• Miguel Olivo: First he had a whine session over not having enough playing time and said he wouldn't be back in 2009, then he reconciled with the club. Olivo has a $2.7 Million option for next season.
• David Ross/Javier Valentin: Both have shown offensive value in the past, and should land somewhere easily as a result in the hitting-lite catching class this winter.
  
• The Rest of the Bunch: Brad Ausmus (age 40...retirement?), Paul Lo Duca, Johnny Estrada, Paul Bako, Jason La Rue

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