The Oakland Athletics High-A affiliate in Stockton has a ridiculous starting rotation.  And all four of them had very strong debuts this year.

 

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Does everyone remember when Luis Rivas was working his way through the Twins system?  The comment was always, "his numbers are crap, but he's so young for his league, so he is a prospect". The same thing happened with Cesar Izturis.

I think that some base level of production is required in order for a "super young" prospect to be legitamite, especially free agents who are signed before the age of 18.

Tabata, injured wrist and all, looks like a prospect.  Andrus does not.  

He's the new darling of the "free talent" set of players toiling away at AAA.  Since getting back surgery, his minor league numbers have been off the charts.  I'm kind of surprised he hasn't gotten a chance somewhere....

2007. 312/395/590, 43/31 BB/K
      
2006. japan
      
2005. 360/459/631
      
2004. 325/400/665

Is this guy going to become the next Olmedo Saenz, or has his shot at a MLB career already passed him by?

What is it with soft tossing righthanded pitching prospects these days?  Are these guys doing something different this year.  Both moved up a level, and seen their numbers improve.

Slowey pitched a complete game 3-hitter last night and managed to lose 2-1.  He picked up another 7 strikeouts, and didn't walk anybody.  His line now stands at:

41.2 IP, 1.51 ERA, 24 H, 2 BB, 38 K

His Tampa Bay doppleganger, Andy Sonnanstine, also has compiled some impressive numbers:

45.2 IP, 2.17 ERA, 33 H, 7 BB, 47 K

Will this success translate in the majors?  Or will these guys get beat up because of their fastballs don't break 90 on a good day?

Inquiring minds want to know!