have you guy heard anything about him signing?  i'm in SoCal and don't get much info on the M'sdown here obviously, but  I havent' heard a word about him.  The kid looked dirty in college and figured he'd be on the fast track to at least a  setup role depending on if Putz bounces back.  Anyway, thought you guys might have heard something.  Thanks in advance for any info on him

thanks

Got back from Philly/Reading a few days ago, caught three games, one vs Binghamton and two  vs Altoona. . .

My takes on some of the prospects that were there.

Mc Cutcheon-Wasn't wow'd by him, great speed, but at the plate skills weren't all that impressive.  A lot of people here knock Ellsbury b/c he doesn't have a dynamic bat, and I don't see that in Cutch either, solid leadoff hitter, but not a number three type guy for me.

Neil Walker--love his bat from the left side, reminds me of Ian stewart, loading his hands quite high, great bat speed, discipline and all that.  His glove will hold him back initially, very rough footwork.  Much more impressed with his offensive package than McCutcheon.

Stephen Pearce--I'm predicting a 4A type guy, but i could be wrong.  Kills mistakes, good bat speed, but just don't love his swing.

Yoslan Herrera--pitched at 86-88 with a nice curveball he was throwing at 70-74.  Don't think too much of him b/c of the fastball, command isn't good enough to throw 86 or so.  Time off could be reason for the lack of velo, if he can kick it up could be back of the rotation guy.

Carlos Carrasco--Struggled with his command, especially with his change up.  Got lucky, because he was jut promoted the day we got there.  Nice total package, he settled down, worked around 92-93, topped out at 94.  Not many hard hit balls off of him and it didn't look like he had his best stuff.  Grinded out five innings or so.

Fernando Martinez--Like him a lot, oozes tools and i think the power will come.  Plays above his age, uses whole field,did everything well.

Mike Costanzo--Will play for Philly, but won't be a star, made some very nice plays in the field.  Kind of a feast or famine guy, don't see a very high average coming from him.

Bobby Parnell-Good FB, back of the rotation type guy, which ain't that bad.  Mainly used the fastball.

Mike Carp--Wasn't all that impressed, pretty good stick, but reminded me of a lefty Chris Shelton.  Will have to watch his weight, not too athletic.

I liked this other kid on the phillies a bit,Greg Jacobs, don't have much info on him, but was like a lenny dykstra type with more pop.  A gamer that can do a little of everything.

here's some pics from the games (battery died, and left charger at home 3000 miles away)

(Yes, i know the pics are huge)

hey guys, I'm gonna be headin back east next week and will be in Philly for a week or so where I will try to attend a few Reading Phillies games.  Altoona and Binghamton are gonna be in town.  Been very busy this year and haven't been able to keep up too much on sleepers etc.  I'll be taking my camera so if anyone has any players to watch or whatever, outside of the big named guys, any input would be appreciated.  Hopefully none of the guys get promoted before I get out there, I missed out on Upton in the Cal and a few others by a few days when they got bumped to AA.

respect

The below "King Weaver" diary got me thinking, so I figured a little smackdown may be in order here, involving the two Angel youngsters, Jered Weaver, and Ervin Santana.  They both seem like they will anchor the Angel rotation for years to come, and I guess I'm looking for you's guys's thoughts on who will have the better career.  Obviously they are both young and have virtually unlimited potential, but feel free to chime in and/or vote.

"King Weaver"  -Has had a huge year for the Angels, stepping in for the injured Bartolo Colon.  He throws a plus fastball, a plus change and a good curveball.  The first thing people that aren't really in his corner bring up is his flyball tendencies, but his other numbers have been filthy this year, and throughout his college career (and pretty solid minor league numbers too).  His best attribute seems to be his control, some saying it rivals that of Greg Maddux.  He can throw any of his pitches in any count, and his delivery creates great deception with his unorthodox delivery so his ball really gets on hitter's even faster than a normal 92-94 fastball would.  

Ervin Santana-- Ervin has some of the better stuff in the A.L.  He throws a fastball that tops out at 97, usually pitching around 92-94.  He also has a solid change up and a plus slider.  He seems to have overcome any injury concerns, as this year was his second relatively injury free season in a row (there were concerns in the minors).  Accross the board, Ervins numbers are solid, but he has regressed a bit in the second half of the season.  My biggest knock on Ervin is he seems somewhat disinterested at times on the mound, and he doesn't seem to be very intense on the mound.  Perhaps this is why he seems to have one bad inning every outing.  

So. . . long term, who do you think has the better career, Ervin or Weaver??????

Seems everyone is contributing to the community top 50, and that is great.  It seems like everyone pretty much has their own 50 guys in mind, and the format for the community list can leave out particular guys that we may be higher on than other people (which is really the beauty of doing your own list.  I figure I'd get the ball rollingand post mine, so you guys can bang on me for whatever reason.  Keep in mind though, if you criticize, then feel free to post your own.

As far as I go, I watch a lot of baseball, and go to quite a few Cal league games, and this is reflected in my list.  I will tend to go off of my own judgement from seeing a guy in person, rather than watching scouting film or statistical analysis.  

I am more of a "tools" guy than SABR guy, but I do use stats as a large part of my "analysis", but I don't get into the BP stats such as Vorp, Pecota and all that, typical box score stats are fine w/ me.  

So, here's my list, and some pics of a few of the guys that I took (another hobby).  This is based on LONG TERM VALUE, and the level the player is currently at has little, if any effect on where they are ranked (see Carlos Gonzalez ahead of Carlos Quentin).  Yes, I know i have left off some very good players, and I do have reason for that (IT'S MY LIST!!).  Some guys have been called up since I started compiling the list, so certain guys may/may not be on the list for that reason.

With all those caveats or whatever, here it is, with brief comments. . . .
1    Alex Gordon    Upside is as high as high or higher than the rest, but his chances or reaching his ceiling seem to be greater
2    Delmon Young    Silver medalist in the group of three guys (maybe four) that all could claim the top spot.  Only drawback is the makeup
3    Howie Kendrick    When will the hit machine get his chance?  He needs to play every day, not just against lefties.

4    Justin Upton    Upside is huge, and would/could claim top spot if he does what everyone thinks he should be doing in A ball.
5    Brandon Wood    Can't ignore the last year and a halfs numbers.  Are the strikeouts a byproduct of increased PD putting him in pitchers counts?
6    Stephen Drew    Complete package for a shortstop, offensive ceiling isn't as huge as #5's, but can hit like his brother
7    Billy Butler    Advanced approach at the plate will get him to KC soon, already better than most of the guys in KC now, defense improved, but still sloppy
8    Lastings Milledge    One of the most exciting guys in the minors, one more injury to Floyd could have him in LF to stay in late 06
9    Homer Bailey    Flashed some of the most electric stuff at the Futures Game, pretty much just throwing fastballs  (is he the top pitching prospect though?)
10    Andy Marte    Demonstrated raw power winning the AA HR contest. . . Should be in Cleveland sooner rather than later.
11    Philip Hughes    Some (mainly Yankee fans) may say he's the best pitching prospect.  Looked like was pressing and overthrowing at Futures.  Great stuff/makeup
12    Jose Tabata    Don't like low A guys this high usually, but this kid impresses in all facets of the game. . . Maybe most impressive of the Futures bunch.(surprisingly)
13    Ian Stewart    Not ready to give up on him just yet.  Was one of the top five in the Cal last year in a loaded crop.  Impresses more on the field than the stat sheet.
14    Carlos Gonzalez    Has all the tools in the shed, and the game seems easy for him, but maybe too easy.  Seems to go through the motions at times.
15    Carlos Quentin    Doesn't have the flash of some of the other top OF's, but steady and consistent Dback should be in AZ to stay shortly.
16    Jay Bruce    One of the bigger movers on the list, can bring a lot to the table.  Could be the next solid OF to be traded out of Cincy(?)
17    Troy Tulowitzki    Showed off his glove and range in Pittsburgh, should unleash the rest of his package in Colorado some time next year
18    Nick Adenhart    At the beginning of the season his upside rivaled that of Weaver's, He may have passed him despite Weaver's hot start in Anaheim. . Great poise on the hill too
19    Scott Elbert    Lefthanded version of Danny Cabrera?  Well, not quite that bad, expect walks numbers to decrease as he figures out nobody can hit him
20    Jason Hirsch    Similar mannerisms to SD giant Chris Young, but Hirsch brings an explosive fastball/slider combo, and developing change.
21    Andy Laroche    Fire Plug third basemen generates huge power from strong foundation at the plate.  If LA is in another division (and not in a race) he'd probably be there already
22    Yovanny Gallardo    The numbers from the past year and a half  are a lot more impressive than the way he looked in the Futures Game, where his stuff looked Normal
23    Chris Young    Hopefully AZ can develop some pitching (and it looks like they are), b/c their OF is loaded w/ talent.  This kids tools and talent are almost ready for the big time
24    Daric Barton    Whoever you wanna compare him too, everyone agrees he'll hit.  I believe the power will come too. . . Recent injury could be a concern
25    Matt Garza    Another great year for the former Bulldog. . . Twins rotation should be set for the next ten years
26    Humberto Sanchez    Aaron Neville lookalike had some of the dirtier stuff at the Futures.  Is probably ready now, but may end up traded.
27    Cameron Maybin    This is WAY too low,He should be around 14 or so, and I will move him when the guys at ESPN stop calling him Marvin
28    Joel Guzman    Dodgers gave him the Angels treatment, bringing him up to the show, switching positions and was basically a pinch hitter. .. Stock is dropping but has great tools
29    Hunter Pence    The most non respected OF in the minors? His Gabe Kapler esque swing keeps puttin up the big numbers
30    Josh Fields    Along with Jay Bruce, one of the bigger movers, nice breakout year for ChiSox but will he or Crede man the hot corner for the next few years
31    Jarrod Saltalamacchia    Probably wishes he could wipe the slate clean on this season, but is still probably the top catching prospect out there, this season is a fluke
32    Jeff Mathis    SEE ABOVE---is way better than he showed in Anaheim, and probably not as good as he's done in AAA, but is steady in all facets of the game
33    Adam Jones    Converted infielder may be rushed by promotion, but it looks like CF is his unless Sea brass handles him like the Angels handled their youngens
34    Jeff Clement    Maybe Daric Barton without the power concerns?  Maybe not an MLB catcher, but "have bat will travel"
35    Trevor Crowe    Big start in A ball has him passing up other Tribe OF's on depth charts
36    Jacoby Ellsbury    His development and quick rise will make it easier for the Sox to let Trot walk at the end of the year, but who will play RF?
37    Ryan Braun    Has been hitting in the public eye since he stepped on the field as a SS in Miami, Millwaukee is looking good for the next ten years
38    Ryan Shealy    Just trade him already!!!  Could be a Travis Hafner type with his big bat getting a chance as a late twenties basher
39    Joey Votto    Huge power from the left side and it looks like 1b is his as Hatteburg's name is ready to be erased from the starting lineup
40    Adam Loewen    Live armed Canadian Lefty hopes to flash back to WBC form in second stint in Baltimore.  Should be there to stay.
41    Jose Arredondo    Kid can bring it as hard as anyone, whether he stays an SP or goes to pen depneds on developing split, which looks more like a cutter
42    Andrew McCutcheon    Pitt fans may have to wait a few more years, but this toolsy kid will finally be the long term answer to the CF issues they are having
43    Reid Brignac    A Brandon Wood (lite) type of breakout in the Cal makes Upton's move to third an easier decision, should be next to Upton by 2008
44    Neil Walker    Huge upside for this guy, maybe a move from behind the dish will let us see what he can do for a full, healthy season
45    Evan Longoria    Hot pro debut.  If he continues his hot hitting, he will be a fast riser, through the charts, and through the system.
46    Dustin McGowan    An average start at the wrong time might have prevented him from joining Tor's rotation, has electric stuff if he can harness it
47    Kurt Suzuki    Former Fullerton backstop will bring his A's game to the table when Kendall's contract is off the books.
48    Felix Pie    All the tools you look for in a prospect, but needs to begin translating that to performance to avoid Corey Patterson comps (the bad ones)
49    Jake McGee    Live armed lefty is putting up huge K numbers along with high walks, but has huge upside.  Tampa is finally developing some arms!!
50    James Loney    Seems he gets knocked for lack of power more than Barton, but if you outhig Kendrick, you gotta fit on this list somewhere

Zack took a huge step back to KC today, tossing a complete game 2 hitter (1 run) and struck out twelve.  He ended the game by striking out the side.  Obviously KC is going nowhere, but should they "rush" him to KC.  Seems like the situation is very touchy and needs to be handled with kid gloves.  It's a great story regardless, and I wish him the best of luck in overcoming his issues.

any comments?

Nick Adenhart made his debut in Rancho Cucamonga today.  His final line wasn't great, but he overcame some early struggles as he was missing up in the zone a little bit.  He was pitching around 91 and topped out at 94 with good movement.  He also has a nice curveball and a change.  He seemed to vary the speed of his curve, and it's speed bottomed out in the mid to hi 70's, and his change was low 80's.  After the second inning he really seemed to settle down.  His final pitching line was 6 IP 8H 4R 4ER 3 W 4K's

A lot of the hits weren't hit real hard, in fact there were only a few hard hit balls off of him.  The three walks seemed kind of uncharacteristic for him, as he has shown impeccable control in Lo A ball.  

Here's a few pics from the game

Now that Jered is up, was wondering everyone's thoughts on the younger Weaver.  He looked very impressive the other day in his debut in LAA. I know a bunch of you will cite flyball tendencies and all that, but just compared to his brother, what kind of career do you see.  Jeff had some solid years, mostly in Detroit, then flamed a bit in NY and was a decent innings eater in LA.

So, who will have more career wins, Jeff or Jered Weaver. . . .here's a few pics from Jered's first start.

Went to Rancho last night to see him pitch vs the San Jose Giants (Hinshaw pitched and Marcus Sanders was on the pine).  The kid is dirty, and he didn't really have a good outing.  He walked three in two innings of work and then got pulled from the game.  I emailed the Quakes and also his agent to see why he got pulled, but haven't heard back yet. . . anyway, was throwing 94-97 with his fastball and also mixes in a slider and a split.  The splitty looks like a work in progress, and actually has more arm side run than drop, more like a cut fastball that is in the high 80's.  The plan is to build him up a bit this year, which is why he is starting, and then next year he goes to the pen.  He will probably be in AA next year, so it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that he gets promoted next year.  Not bad for a guy who has been pitching for two years.  

He was missing up in the zone in his brief stint last night, and if you look at the pic, you can see why.  His arm is lagging behind a bit and just cannot catch up.  He has tremendous arm speed, so he can usually overcome this, but it may be something to correct down the line.  Here's a few pics from last night.

Bartolo Colon just went on the DL and Hector Carrasco is filling in today and struggling (three runs right now two guys on in the first inning).  What should the Angels do, and what are you's guys's  thoughts on what the Angels should do.  The spot in the rotation will come up again on Tuesday, and I think Weaver would be up with pretty much normal rest or even an extra day or so, not sure on Saunders.