...Tommy Milone, LHP, Athletics

As far as underrated prospect who will breakout into a solid major leaguer this season goes.

Like Goldschmidt in 2011, Milone is not showing up on any top 100 prospect lists and is barely cracking the lists of A's top 10 prospects.

Like Goldschmidt, Milone has put up great minor league numbers at the lower levels, but being overlooked by scouts because of a glaring weakness.

*with Goldy it was the strikeouts despite his great plate discipline and power production

*with Milone it is his lack of velocity despite his great control and minor league strikeout rate

Like Goldschmidt, Milone has a clear path to playing time at the major league level.

Take a flier on this guy late in your fantasy leagues this year and reap the benefits!

P.S. Unlike Goldschmidt who has power from the right side, Milone has power from the left side!

Tom Milone- first pitch in majors

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser /> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->

I made this numbers based off BA staff top 150 voting numbers posted in the latest ASK BA segment. For those of you in deep fantasy leagues, this list is a nice complimentary reference list to the top 100.

Baseball America 2012 Top Prospects 101-200

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->

101 Neil Ramirez RHP Rangers
102 Brian Goodwin OF Nationals

103 Justin Nicolino LHP Blue Jays

104 Austin Hedges C Padres

105 Jose Fernandez RHP Marlins

106 Luis Heredia RHP Pirates

107 Francisco Martinez 3B Mariners

108 Lance Lynn RHP Cardinals

109 Robbie Erlin LHP Padres

110 Jose Campos RHP Yankees

111 Alex Meyer RHP Nationals

112 Dante Bichette Jr. 3B Yankees

113 Joe Wieland RHP Padres

114 Grant Green OF A’s

115 Marcell Ozuna OF Marlins

116 A.J. Pollock OF Diamondbacks

117 Sammy Solis LHP Nationals

118 Garin Cecchini 3B Red Sox

119 John Lamb LHP Royals

120 Alex Colome RHP Rays

121 Drew Smyly LHP Tigers

122 Kelvin Herrera RHP Royals

123 Jonathon Villar SS Astros

124 Anthony Ranaudo RHP Red Sox

125 Paul Clemens RHP Astros

126 Tommy Joseph C/1B Giants

127 Brandon Nimmo OF Mets

128 Daniel Corcino RHP Reds

129 Aaron Sanchez RHP Blue Jays

130 Noah Syndergaard RHP Blue Jays

131 Matt Purke LHP Nationals

132 David Holmberg LHP Diamondbacks

133 Tyler Pastornicky SS Braves

134 Matt Barnes RHP Red Sox

135 Tyler Thornburg RHP Brewers

136 Trey McNutt RHP Cbus

137 Drew Hutchinson RHP Blue Jays

138 Dillon Howard RHP Indians

139 Eddie Rosario 2B/OF Twins

140 Tim Wheeler OF Rockies

141 Aaron Hicks OF Twins

142 Johnny Hellweg RHP Angels

143 Brandon Jacobs OF Red Sox

144 Alex Torres LHP Rays

145 Derek Norris C A’s

146 Ryan Lavarnway C Red Sox

147 Deck McGuire RHP Blue Jays

148 Heath Hembree RHP Giants

149 Domingo Santana OF Astros

150 Francisco Peguero OF Giants

151 Joe Ross RHP Padres

152 Joe Panik SS Giants

153 Austin Romine C Yankees

154 Robert Stephenson RHP Reds

155 Todd Frazier OF Reds

156 Bryce Brentz OF Red Sox

157 Jesse Biddle LHP Phillies

158 Jeurys Familia RHP Mets

159 Tim Beckham SS Rays

160 Ravel Santana OF Yankees

161 Sean Gilmartin LHP Braves

162 Oswaldo Arcia OF Twins

163 Dillon Maples RHP Cubs

164 C.J. Cron 1B Angels

165 Mikie Mathook OF Rays

166 Levi Michael SS Twins

167 Matt Dominguez 3B Marlins

168 Chris Reed LHP Dodgers

169 Wade Miley LHP Diamondbacks

170 Steve Lombardozzi 2B Nationals

171 Trevor Story SS Rockies

172 Liam Hendricks RHP Twins

173 J.T. Realmuto C Marlins

174 Eduardo Sanchez RHP Cardinals

175 Cody Buckel RHP Rangers

176 Jackie Bradley Jr. OF Red Sox

177 Keyvius Sampson RHP Padres

178 Welington Castillo C Cubs

179 Christian Bethancourt C Braves

180 Sebastian Valle C Phillies

181 Edward Salcedo 3B Braves

182 Jonahton Pettibone LHP Phillies

183 Christian Colon SS Royals

184 Chance Ruffin RHP Mariners

185 Chris Owings SS Diamondbacks

186 Enny Romero LHP Rays

187 Matt Carpenter 3B Cardinals

188 Parker Birdwell RHP Orioles

189 Casey Crosby LHP Tigers

190 Asher Wojciechowski RHP Blue Jays

191 Robbie Grossman OF Pirates

192 Cesar Puello OF Mets

193 Garrett Gould RHP Dodgers

194 Tony Wolters SS Indians

195 Keenyn Walker OF White Sox

196 J.R. Murphy 3B/C Yankees

197 Chad James LHP Marlins

198 Phillipe Aumont RHP Phillies

199 Brett Oberholzer LHP Astros

200 Eric Surkamp LHP Giants

Which of the following "Future Franchise Players" would you rather have on your franchise, taking into account both upside and risk?

Xander Bogaerts 3B/OF- Huge power potential, decent average, likely to move from SS to 3B or corner OF Comp: Adrian Beltre?

Franciso Lindor SS- Pure fielding SS who will stick there, switch hitter with good bat, nice speed but not too much power, Comp: Jose Reyes with less speed?

Josh Bell OF- Switch hitting corner OF with plus power potential. Probably a ways away from the majors. Comp: Matt Kemp?

Christian Yelich- Left-handed hitting corner outfielder. 1st Base still a possibility. Pure hitting skills. Should hit well over .300 but has limited power potential. Comp: Joey Votto with less power?

There is an opening of an excellent team in a 14 team dynasty league. League started in 2004 and this franchise has won the league 3 times. If interested send email to- muellercraig@hotmail.com

Vast knowledge of the minor leagues required. Below is roster of open team plus league constitution.

Open Franchise

C Victor Martinez

1B Ryan Howard

2B Rickie Weeks

3B Ty Wigginton

SS Jose Reyes

MI Alex Gonzalez

CI Casey Kotchman

OF Ryan Braun

OF Delmon Young

OF Johnny Damon

OF Ichiro Suzuki

DH Mark Trumbo

U Omar Infante

P Madison Bumgarner

P Jake Peavy

P Zach Britton

P Edison Volquez

P Mike Pelfrey

P Tim Stauffer

P Joakim Soria

P Jon Papelbon

Minors

1. Nolan Arenado 3B

2. Tijuan Walker P

3. Martin Perez P

4. Tyler Matzek P

5. Alex Torres P

6. Sammy Solis P

7. Hank Conger C

8. Collin Cowgill OF

9. Asher Wojchechowski P

10. Mike Foltynewciz P

11. Luke Jackson P

12. Drew Vittleson OF

League Constitution

• 14 team league in 3 team divisions. (5,4,5)
• AL and NL players
• 42 players on each roster (21 active, 9 bench, 12 minor league)
• Dynasty Keeper League (Keep 13 position players, 8 pitchers, and up to 12 minor leaguers)
• Head to head scoring – 1 game a week – 22 regular week season (4/3 week through 8/29 week)

DRAFT

• Free agent draft will be 9 rounds to fill reserve roster spots.
• Draft order will be in reverse order of last year’s records for every round. No snake draft. In the event of a tie, the team with the lowest overall points will pick higher.

KEEPER RULES

• Teams can keep up to 33 players (21 active, 12 minors). Each team can keep up to 13 position players and 8 pitchers when submitting active keepers. Each team does not have to keep any minor league players, but can keep up to 12 that are eligible. All minor league keepers must meet the minor league requirements (less than 500 career AB-150 career starter Ip/75 career reliever IP) to be kept in those roster spots.
• Keepers must be submitted by Feb. 1st.

ROSTERS

• 42 player maximum/21 player minumum
• C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, MI, CI, OF (4), DH, U, 8 pitchers (any combo), 9 bench players, 12 minor league players, 2 DL spots
• All rosters must be legal – illegal rosters will not accrue points
• Line-up changes will be permitted after the daily noon EST deadline on an as-needed basis. Please do not abuse this – if this gets out of hand, this will be rescinded. All requests need to be via email and has to be before any of the involved players teams games have started. My clock is offical. If a change cannot be honored, you will be notified. This does not apply to vacations or extended periods – if you are going to be gone and need to make daily changes, get someone else to do it for you
• Once rosters are filled and the season starts, players are permitted to be moved around as needed. For example, if a minor league player is called up and is used in the 21 man active lineup, any players can be put in the minor league spot. This rule caused much confusion last year (even defection) – the easiest way to understand this is that you can have 12 minor league qualified players on your team at any time and can move these around as desired. If you have less than 12 minor league qualified players, you only have that many minor league designated spots on your roster. Minor league eligibilty is based on less than 500 career abs or 150 IP (starters)/ 75 IP (relievers) going into the season. Minor league eligibility is not lost during the season, even if player passes benchmarks. If player passes benchmarks during season, they will not be minor league eligible for the next season.


ELIGIBILITY

• Players must have 10 games played (previous or current season) at a position to be eligible
• Rookies are only eligible at their CBS listed positions when they first play and then are eligible as above

TRANSACTIONS

• FA pickups are first-come first-served. There are no waivers
* Owners will be allowed to add a maximum of 5 players from the waiver wire each week. To not make this rule not negatively affect rebuilding teams scouring the minors for talent, owners who add players currently in the minor leagues at the time, will not count toward the 5 weekly adds cap. Fantasy weeks are officially Monday through Sunday.
• Trade deadline is August 15.
• All trades are subject to review. If anyone has an issue with a trade, please contact commish via email and explain the complaint. I will then review and make a decision based on what I feel is best for the league. Trade contesting is one of the most divisive issues in fantasy sports – my stance is this: Unless you feel the trade is a case of people cheating (colluding, etc) then lodge a complaint. If it’s just the fact you don’t like it or it does not seem level to you, that is not a basis for complaint. We cannot outlaw stupidity or questionable value, but we can cheating. There are several head-scratcher deals in MLB every year, this league is no different. This is especially true when dealing with prospects. We have to keep in mind that each of us has the right to do whatever we want with our team and don’t need everyone to agree on that method. We need to guard against cheating (which I do not feel is an issue in this league), not tell people how to run their teams

FINANCES

• Entry fee is $60 ($50 league, $10 CBS)
• All money received is paid out, with the exception of the CBS fee
• Total money pool after CBS fee($150) is $690 (14 x $60). Top 2 Division winners each get $50. Champion gets $260, 2nd place $120, 3rd place $75, 4th place $60, 5th & 6th place get $25. The winner of the 7-14 non-playoff tournment will receive $25. *

*Note: The following season's franchise fee ($60) will automatically be deducted from any winnings.


SCORING

• Head-to-Head scoring is used – teams with highest total of active players wins. Tiebreaker will be bench player points.
• Scoring will be as follows – Batters: BB (1), 1B (1), 2B (2), 3B (3), HR (4), RBI (1), Run (1), SB (2), HBP (1), CS (-.5), K (-.5). Pitchers: IP (1), K (1), Win (10), SV (9), QS (5), HD (5), RW (-5), BS (-2), ER (-1), BB (-.5), HA (-.5)

PLAYOFFS

• 3 division winners and 3 wild-cards make playoffs, with top 2 division winners getting first round bye. Bottom 8 teams are seeded 7-14 and the winner of that playoff will receive $25.
• Round 1 starts week 9/3, lasts one week
• Round 2 starts week 9/10, lasts one week
• Round 3 starts week 9/17, lasts two weeks

* Tie Breakers are as follows: 1. Total Points 2. Head to Head 3. Division Record

Paul Goldschmidt- Minors Batting thru 2010

Year                              AB     R     H   2B  HR  RBI  BA    OBP   SLG  OPS

2009 Rookie Ball      287   51   96   27  18   62   .334  .408  .638   1.046

2010 Cal- Low A       599  102 165  42  35 108  .314  .384  .606     .990

Sickels 2011 Ranking and Comment

9. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Grade B-: California League power monster has strikeout issues that could prevent a good batting average/OBP at higher levels.

other 2011 Top 10 Diamondback Rankings

6. Paul Goldschmidt- Top Prospect Alert

10. Paul Goldschimidt- Future Shock “Two Star Prospect”- Kevin Goldstein

Paul Goldschmidt NOT in 2011 Diamondbacks Top 10 prospect lists

Baseball America

Hardball Times

Diamond Futures

MiLB Prospects

+_Many others also did not make hardly ANY 2011 Top 100 prospect lists.

Paul Goldschmidt was drafted in 8th round of 2009 draft by the Diamondbacks and

 mashed his first two seasons in the minors before “breaking out” in 2011 and ascending all the way the majors and helping the Diamondbacks go from worst to first in the NL West.  If anyone watched his at bats in the 2011 NLDS against Milwaukee, it will be obvious to them that “Goldy” has a terrific approach at the plate and should be a hitting machine for the D-Backs for years. 

My question is this: How did the baseball prospecting community miss the boat on this guy?  He was not to be found in 2011 pre-season Top 100 propect lists and didn’t even make many Top 10 Diamondback prospect lists.  Based off the numbers he put up in 2009 and 2010 (listed above), I don’t fully understand how the prospect community had such a swing and a miss with Paul as a legitimate prospect. 

What are your thoughts on how this happened?  Do you think he will regress?  Do you think he will be a potential all-star caliber hitter?

The Brew Crew Review 2011 First Round Draft Mock Draft through pick #15. 

Video Link

http://vimeo.com/23652169

Thoughts?

This was videotaped two weeks ago.  Which players are moving up into the top 15 picks since then?  Which players are falling?  

Which team will take the chance/pony up the money for Matt Purke?  Which team will take a shot at Jackie Bradley? 

The Milwaukee Brewers have selections #12 & #15.  Will the Brewers be able to land a better prospect this year with the compensation pick (#15) for not being able to sign RHP Dylan Covey last year?

Please rank these young hurlers with rotation potential (#1-5 starter) and ETAs if possible:

Alex Wimmers, RHP Twins

Deck McGuire, RHP Blue Jays

Zach Lee, RHP Dodgers

Anthony Ranaudo, RHP Red Sox

Stetson Allie, RHP Pirates

A.J. Cole, RHP Nationals

Manny Banuelos, LHP Yankees

Tyler Skaggs, LHP Diamondbacks

Thanks!

Here are my thoughts:

1. Zach Lee, RHP Dodgers- #1 Starter ETA 2015

2. Manny Banuelos, LHP Yankees- #2 Starter ETA 2014

3. Anthony Ranaudo, RHP Red Sox- #2 Starter ETA 2013

4. A.J. Cole, RHP Nationals- #2 Starter ETA 2015

5. Alex Wimmers, RHP Twins- #3 Starter ETA 2013

6. Deck McGuire, RHP Blue Jays- #3 Starter ETA 2012

7. Stetson Allie, RHP Pirates- #3 Starter/Closer ETA 2015

8. Tyler Skaggs, LHP Diamondbacks- #4 Starter ETA 2014

This is the time of year when most leagues hold their fantasy baseball minor league drafts.  Please post your leagues results in this thread so we can compare how highly certain 2010 draftees are being regarded.

Below is the resutls of my league: 

Disclaimer: This league heavily favors starting pitching.

Round 1

1 - BRYCE HARPER
2 - JAMESON TAILLON
3 - CHRIS SALE
4 - DREW POMERANZ
5 - ALEX WIMMERS
6 - MANNY MACHADO
7 - MATT HARVEY
8 - TSUYOSHI NISHIOKA
9 - JOSH COLLMENTER
10 - ANTHONY RANAUDO
11 - ZACH COX
12 - JEAN SEGURA
13 - NICK CASTELLANOS
14 - BRYAN MORRIS
15 - BRODY COLVIN
16 - DECK MCGUIRE
17 - YASMANI GRANDAL
18 - ZACH LEE
19 - STETSON ALLIE
20 - TYLER SKAGGS

Supplemental 1st round

21 - JOSH SALE
22 - KOLBRIN VITEK
23 - TRAYVON ROBINSON
24 - BRYCE BRENTZ
25 - WADE MILEY

2nd Round

26 - MICHAEL CHOICE
27 - A.J. COLE
28 - JESSE BIDDLE
29 - BRANDON WORKMAN
30 - ASHER WOJCIECHOWSKI
31 - CHRISTIAN YELICH
32 - ANDREW BRACKMAN
33- DRAKE BRITTON
34 - SAMMY SOLIS
35 - KELLIN DEGLAN
36 - TYRELL JENKINS
37 - CHRISTIAN COLON
38 - CARLOS MARTINEZ
39 - KALEB COWART
40 - JURICKSON PROFAR
41 - JOHNNY GIAVOTELLA
42 - JESSE HAHN
43 - BILLY HAMILTON
44 - CARLOS PEREZ
45 - ZACK COZART

3rd Round

46 - PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT
47 - CODY SCARPETTA
48 - JAY JACKSON
49 - BRETT EIBNER 
50 - HAYDEN SIMPSON
51 - PETER TAGO
52 - MIKE FOLTZYNEWICZ
53 - LANCE LYNN
54 - KYLE PARKER
55 - DREW SMYLY
56 - TAIJUAN WALKER
57 - JAKE SKOLE
58 - SETH BLAIR
59 - CHRIS CARPENTER
60 - GARIN CECCHINI 
61 - JOSE IGLESIAS
62 - MICHAEL YNOA
63 - RUBBY DE LA ROSA
64 - NOAH SYNDEGAARD
65 - JEFF LOCKE

The Nationals agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Yunesky Maya on a major-league contract, adding him to their 40-man roster. Maya, 28, pitched for Cuba in the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classics, going a combined 1-1 with a 0.87 ERA (1 ER/10 1/3 IP) in six games/one start. GM Mike Rizzo told the Washington Post Maya is the Nationals' "first major international signing that we think is going to impact our major-league ballclub immediately." Maya joins the Nationals after a stellar career in the Cuban National Series, which is Cuba's Major League Baseball equivalent. Pitching for the Pinar Del Rio Vegueros, Maya earned Cuba's equivalent of the Cy Young during his final season in his homeland, going 13-4 with seven complete games and a 2.22 ERA. During his six-year career with Pinar del Rio, Maya went 48-29 with a 2.51 ERA.

How does this guy rate compared to some current pitching prospects or even major league pitchers around 28 years of age that he could be compared to?

Does he have ceiling for a #2 starter a #5 starter or a bullpen arm?

Both players are off to a slow start, but how do you fell will have a better career as a hitter and why?  Klye Blanks or Travis Snider?

Full Name:  Kyle Nathaniel Blanks
Born:  Sep 11,1986  in  Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Height:  6-6  Weight:  270  Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right
High School:  Moriarty (Edgewood, New Mexico)
College:  Yavapai College


Drafted:  Selected by San Diego Padres in 42nd Round (1241st overall) of 2004 amateur entry draft (June-Reg)  

Full Name:  Travis James Snider
Nickname:  Moonraker
Born:  Feb 2,1988  in  Kirkland, Washington
Height:  5-11  Weight:  230  Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left
High School:  Jackson (Mill Creek, Washington)  "Timberwolves"
College:  None


Drafted:  Selected by Toronto Blue Jays in 1st Round (14th overall) of 2006 amateur entry draft (June-Reg)  (Signing Bonus: $1,700,000)

Check out this first round mock draft through the Brewers pick at #26, shot last weekend.  A couple of guys have been improving their draft stock this week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttf99JspBZY

The Brewers have 5 of the first 74 picks in this year's draft.  They have been very successful drafting first round hitters in the past decade (Fielder, Weeks, Braun, Lawrie), but have had little success with first round pitchers (Mike Jones, Mark Rogers, Jeremy Jeffess). 

Do you guys think the Brewers new scouting director (Bruce Seid) will stick with the best available player with each pick, or do you think the Brewers will(need to) focus on pitchers?  Do you think it would be wise for the Brew Crew to load up on a mix of college/high school arms with those first 5 picks this year and hope that they "hit" on a few of them?

What is the latest inside info on which players are high on the Brewers draft board?

Which Braves left-handed pitching prospect do you think will have a better MLB career and why?

Cole Rohrbough

Born:  May 23,1987  in  Medford, Oregon
Height:  6-3  Weight:  205  Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left
High School:  North Medford (North Medford, Oregon)
College:  Western Nevada College

Drafted:  Selected by Atlanta Braves in 22nd Round (670th overall) of 2006 amateur entry draft (June-Reg)  

Pitching Statistics

Jeff Locke

Born:  November 20,1987
Height:  6-2  Weight:  180  Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left
High School:  Kennett (Conway,NH)
College:  None

Drafted:  Selected by Atlanta Braves in 2nd Round (51st overall) of 2006 amateur entry draft (June-Reg)  

Pitching Statistics

Which pitcher do you think has a higher ceiling?

Sean West- 6'8 lefty returning from injury

Ross Detwiler- former pick 10 draft pick, lefty, returning from subpar season

Shooter Hunt- supplemental first round pick 2008, righty, outstanding debut \

FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER

FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER

FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER

FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER

FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER

FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER FILLER

RHP Josh Fields was a college senior at Georgia last year and was drafted in the first round (#20 overall) by the Seattle Mariners.  He was a college closer and drafted by the Mariners previous regime. Many Seattle Fans questioned the pick for a non-contending team. He has yet to sign and has until next June to sign.  If he doesn't sign, he can go back in the 2009 draft and Seattle will receive a 2009 1st round compensation pick. (#21 I believe).

What are your thoughts on this situation?  Will or SHOULD Seattle even attempt to sign him? 

New GM Jack Z was a draft guru for the Brewers and many think he'd prefer to have the pick in 2009. 

However, now that the Mariners have traded closer J.J. Putz, they look to be in need of bullpen help.  If signed. Fields would be on a fast track to the majors.

If you are the Mariners, do you sign him or not?

If not, who do you think will be the future closer for the Mariners?

1) Brandon Morrow

2) Free Agent

3) Other in-house option

The following link is an interview with Mat Gamel, conducted in May 2008 in Huntsville, Alabama.  Mat was named Topps Minor League Player of the Year in 2008.  He is currently the Brewers top prospect. Here is a link to the interview on Youtube. He went to college in Cali and sounds like a laid back surfer dude.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJrWTAIYVs

What type of player do you think Mat projects to be in the majors?  What current or former MLB players do you think are his best comparables?  Due to his defensive challenges in the minors at 3B, do you think he will be able to stick there or have to move to a corner OF or 1B? Do you think he will spend all of 2009 at AAA Nashville, or what do you foresee his estimated ETA is at Miller Park?

I have 2 teams avail in 14 team CBS Sportsline Dynasty League with 30 man rosters and a 12 man minor league system. 21 players are kept and up to 12 minors each season. Minors qualify as any player, going into season, with less than 500 career AB or 150 career IP(75 IP for relievers). Free Agent Draft is in February.

Very active and fun. Very cool for those of you that follow minor leagues.

Thanks.  It looks as though I was able to find owners for the 2 open teams.

Thomas Hanson RHP, Atlanta Braves  age:22

Justin Masterson RHP, Boston Red Sox  age:23

Which pitcher do you think has a higher upside?  Which pitcher do you think has better pure "stuff"? Which pitcher would you rather have on your team for the next 5 years? How soon do you think Hanson will earn a spot in Braves rotation?  Do you think the Red Sox are committed to Masterson as a starter this season and beyond?

Filler Filler Filler Filler filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler

Filler Filler Filler Filler filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler

Filler Filler Filler Filler filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler Filler

Which prospect would you rather have?  Taylor Teagarden or Max Ramirez?  Both are catchers in the Rangers system blocked by Salty and Laird.  Do you think either will be the Rangers starting catcher in 2008 or do you think they will stick with Salty long term at Catcher now that Chris Davis is entrenched at 1B?  Teagarden has power and is a great defensive catcher.  Ramirez is a great hitter but is he more likely to switch positions?  I don't see why the Rangers don't look to trade one or the other for some young pitching.  Who would you keep/trade?  Thoughts?

Below is a link to an interview I conducted with Matt LaPorta in Huntsville in May 2008. 

He seems like a classy guy with his head on straight.  I think we will be a quality major league/middle of the lineup hitter for the Indians for years to come.  I think at a minimum he will become a player in the mold of Pat Burrell of the Phillies.  I think he'll hit 40+ homers in his prime.  We at The Brew Crew Review had LaPorta ranked as the #1 Brewer prospect and easily one of the top 20 prospects in baseball. Good luck and go Brewers and Tribe!

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Jay here.  The link this guy posted goes to a page that has been crashing many people's systems — horrible coding.  So I have removed the link.  The address for the link was "www.brewcrewreview.com" — check it out at your own risk.

For those who don't feel like crashing, check out MiLB.com's 2008 Player Journals, including six entries each from Buffalo 1B Jordan Brown and our new megaprospect Matt LaPorta — hat-tip to palcal.  [Jay]

Here's a link to a recent interview with Brewers OF Prospect Michael Brantley, son of former major leaguer Mickey Brantley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3FHPPZTfHg

Michael Brantley

Batting Statistics

Here's a link to a recent interview with Brewers OF Prospect Michael Brantley, son of former major leaguer Mickey Brantley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3FHPPZTfHg

Michael Brantley

Batting Statistics

How would you rank these three young leftys as far and starter ceiling (#1-5 starter)? Who do you thinks would be the "safest" bet to reach the majors soonest?

Brett Cecil Blue Jays
Danny Duffy Royals
Tony Butler Orioles

Personally, I think all three are currently underrated in prospect circles. I think Duffy could be better than Dan Cortes.  I'm also a big Tony Butler fan, as I know Sickels is high on him as well.