BA's 2008 NWL Top 20 Prospects

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Two Cubs made it and Vitters was the top prospect in the league.

 

1. Josh Vitters, 3b, Boise (Cubs)

2. Martin Perez, lhp, Spokane (Rangers)

3. Christian Friedrich, lhp, Tri-City (Rockies)

4. Neil Ramirez, rhp, Spokane (Rangers)

5. Conor Gillaspie, 3b, Salem-Keizer (Giants)

6. Wilfredo Boscan, rhp, Spokane (Rangers)

7. James Darnell, 3b, Eugene (Padres)

8. Tim Murphy, lhp, Spokane (Rangers)

9. Jharmidy DeJesus, 3b, Everett (Mariners)

10. Charlie Blackmon, of, Tri-City (Rockies)

11. Blake Tekotte, of, Eugene (Padres)

12. Ryan Flaherty, ss, Boise (Cubs)

13. Dennis Raben, of, Everett (Mariners)

14. Simon Castro, rhp, Eugene (Padres)

15. Tyson Gillies, of, Everett (Mariners)

16. Matt West, 3b, Spokane (Rangers)

17. Jason Christian, ss, Vancouver (Athletics)

18. Dusty Coleman, ss, Vancouver (Athletics)

19. Cole Figueroa, 2b/ss, Eugene (Padres)

20. Collin Cowgill, of, Yakima (Diamondbacks)

 

1. Josh Vitters, 3b, Boise (Cubs)

 

B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 210 Age: 19 Drafted: Cubs '07 (1)

 

The third overall pick in 2007, Vitters was the highest-profile player in the NWL this season. He started 2008 in low Class A but developed tendinitis in his left hand and was assigned to Boise after recuperating in extended spring training. Vitters tied a NWL record with a 26-game hitting streak and led the league with 25 doubles.

 

Vitters has an easy swing and plenty of bat speed, which produce above-average power. Unlike many young hitters, he hangs in well on breaking balls. He showed improvement at third base and should become an average defender with a strong arm.

 

"He's a good-looking player," Salem-Keizer manager Tom Trebelhorn said. "He's a prototypical third baseman. At 21, you'll have a real man. He has good bat accuracy and doesn't panic."

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/artman2live/uploads/1/jvitters08267300ra.jpg

 

12. Ryan Flaherty, ss, Boise (Cubs)

 

B-T: L-R Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 200 Age: 21 Drafted: Cubs '08 (1s)

 

The cleanup hitter behind No. 2 overall pick Pedro Alvarez in Vanderbilt's lineup, Flaherty has more offensive potential than most middle infielders. His smooth lefty swing is conducive to hitting for average, and he has increased his power production as he has filled out his 6-foot-3 frame. He can get a little pull-conscious at times.

 

Flaherty played shortstop in college and the Cubs gave him a chance to stay there, but he committed 16 errors in 52 pro games there. He's a good athlete with a strong arm, but his range already was in question. He'll probably wind up at second base, his position with Team USA last summer.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/league-top-20-prospects/2008/266886.html

[Guest]

Can't say the top 4 were surprising (though I thought Ramirez would be ahead of Friedrich). The Cubs were apparently one of the runners up trying to sign Martin Perez in the summer of 2007, shame they couldn't nab him.

 

I was hoping to see Drew Rundle and one of Aaron Shafer or Chris Carpenter (they had enough innings to qualify) sneak in there.

[Guest]

Chat is at 2 pm CT: http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/chat.php?id=2008092201

 

Flood them with Hawks questions!!

[rawaction]

Can't say the top 4 were surprising (though I thought Ramirez would be ahead of Friedrich). The Cubs were apparently one of the runners up trying to sign Martin Perez in the summer of 2007, shame they couldn't nab him.

 

I was hoping to see Drew Rundle and one of Aaron Shafer or Chris Carpenter (they had enough innings to qualify) sneak in there.

 

Yeah, I'm surprised Rundle didn't sneak in there at 18-20. My guess is if the list was expanded that Rundle would be one of the next 3 names.

[Guest]

The 5 years ago lists are always fun to check out:

 

FIVE YEARS AGO

 

1. *Felix Hernandez, rhp, Everett (Mariners)

2. *Conor Jackson, of, Yakima (Diamondbacks)

3. *Nate Schierholtz, of, Salem-Keizer (Giants)

4. *Wes Littleton, rhp, Spokane (Rangers)

5. Todd Jennings, c, Salem-Keizer (Giants)

6. Jeremy Cleveland, of, Spokane (Rangers)

7. *Sean Marshall, rhp, Boise (Cubs)

8. Sean Thompson, lhp, Eugene (Padres)

9. *Billy Petrick, rhp, Boise (Cubs)

10. Chin-Lung Lo, rhp, Tri-City (Rockies)

15. Brian Dopirak, 1b, Boise Hawks (Cubs)

*Has played in major leagues.

[davell]

Very disappointed with what was said about Searle......Soft body and has makeup concerns basically. Someone to watch, but not top tier is what was basically said......

[Guest]

Dan McDaniel, Ryan Searle, Josh Vitters, Ryan Flaherty, Chris Carpenter, Andrew Cashner and Ryan Keedy came up in today's chat:

 

Q: Patrick from Chicago, IL asks:

Who were the next five prospects who just missed this list?

 

Nathan Rode: This seems to be one of the most popular questions when we do rankings, deservedly so. In no particular order, guys that just missed were Sawyer Carroll, Steven Hensley, Dan McDaniel, Daniel Thomas and Carlos Pimentel. Carroll's power is intriguing and there are some that believe his bat is well polished. He has some work to do to stay in the outfield, but the bat could profile for first base. The other guys are interesting arms. McDaniel and Thomas got some love from managers and scouts with good fastballs and performance. Hensley has a four-pitch mix, but its really overwhelming.

 

Q: Patrick from Chicago, IL asks:

What kind of stuff does Ryan Searle have? How does he project?

 

A: Nathan Rode: Couple of questions about this guy. Searle, a RHP out of Australia, reportedly has a fastball that is 88-91 with a decent slurve. However, he's got a soft body and I've heard the makeup needs a lot of work. He's got a good arm and is interesting, but probably not top-tier for the Cubs.

 

Q: Jeff F from asks:

Will the Cubs kick themselves for drafting Vitters over Wieters or will he be able to man the hot corner for the cubs the next decade (2011-2020) averaging .300, 25 HR's with big production? Is Flaherty someone to get excited about or was he WAY too polished to be in this league? I'm reserving optimism until he can do this at high A or AA ball in a year or two. Thoughts?

 

A: Nathan Rode: I think the first two teams can kick themselves for not taking Wieters in hindsight, but they did get elite prospects with their picks in Price and Moustakas so its moot to me. As for the Cubs, sure they don't have Wieters, but don't knock on Geo Soto. Vitters was a level behind the other high schoolers drafted high (Heyward, Moose, Freeman, Dominguez, etc.) but he played very well this season, overcame an injury and still has tremendous upside. It's still early in his career and if I'm the Cubs, I'm still very satisfied with that pick.

 

Q: T. Miller from Las Vegas asks:

A couple statements that I've read on Baseball America lately indicate that BA is down on Josh Vitters. Do you share this opinion? Tell us more about his potential.

 

A: Nathan Rode: I wouldn't say BA is down on Vitters. Was his debut last season disappointing? Certainly. Disappointing this year? Depends on how you look at it. He started at Low A and developed tendinitis. Then he was sent to short-season and stayed there. The way I see it is he battled some adversity and overcame it and managers had nothing but great stuff to say about him. He can stay at third base and he has one of the easiest swings I've ever seen. It's still early so hang in there.

 

Q: Kyle from Peosta, Iowa asks:

I was wondering how close Ryan Flaherty was to making the Top 20 and do you think he will stick at SS? Thanks.

 

A: Nathan Rode: He was extremely close. So close, in fact, that he landed in the top 20 at No. 12. Sorry, couldn't help it. His bat is interesting, but I don't think he'll stick at SS. He has a strong arm, but the range just doesn't play there. He'll get the chance to prove the Cubs wrong though.

 

Q: Chris Carpenter from Daytona asks:

What's up with my struggles in short-season A ball? I thought my stuff was good enough to move at least as fast as Jay Jackson.

 

A: Nathan Rode: You could chalk it up to nerves or simply transitioning to pro ball. Only you could really give us that straight answer. Your stuff is very interesting and could help you move quickly if you stay healthy.

 

Q: Justin from Nashville asks:

Kind of surprising a first rounder like Andrew Cashner didn't make the Top 20. Was he just not impressive during his stint with Boise?

 

A: Nathan Rode: Cashner didn't qualify by 10 innings. Had he qualified I'm sure I would've fit him in the Top 10 somewhere.

 

Q: pete from chicago asks:

as far as future upside how would you rank Flaherty, Christian, and Coleman??

 

A: Nathan Rode: You know, I like Christian. Call me bias if you want, being that I bleed maize and blue, but his glove has incredible potential and if the bat is even average he'll find a place. I'm a defensive-apologist I guess. I love it. After that, I like Flaherty over Coleman, but I'd be happy with either.

 

Q: Justin from Nashville asks:

If Daniel McDaniel had made the Top 20 cut, what would his scouting report have looked like?

 

A: Nathan Rode: He has a plus fastball and curve. 90-92 consistently and touched 93-94. When it's on, the curve has good downward break. Hitters had a hard time squaring him up. He was out of the bullpen mostly, but starting isn't out of the question. Throws a changeup and slider also but they're not on the same level as the curve and heater. Strong guy, loves to compete and really challenges hitters.

 

Q: Justin from Nashville asks:

Any Boise players besides Vitters and Flaherty catch your eye? I know you mentioned McDaniel earlier. Any other players of note?

 

A: Nathan Rode: Ryan Keedy got a little bit of attention. He was near the top in hitting. He has good plate discipline and good path to the ball. He also has a knack for letting bad pitches go. One manager describe his bat as a magic wand.

 

Q: Devi Cruz from Grosse Pointe, Michigan asks:

The Boise team this year was extremely talented. How quickly do you see a guy like Flaherty moving through the Cubs' system and do we see the Cubs try to keep him and Vitters together on the left side of the infield as they move through the system? Nice Job on the write up and really nice job on Northwest League coverage this year by Anthony Tynan

 

A: Nathan Rode: Flaherty could be up as early as 2010 if the bat keeps progressing. He may be given the chance to stay at short through the minors, but I think he has to move to second to in the big leagues.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/chat.php?id=2008092201&rnd=113

 

Very interesting to note that Dan McDaniel was one of the top 25 prospects in the league but not Drew Rundle. And my Rundle question wasn't answered. :(

[davell]

I'm surprised there wasn't a mention of Shafer actually. I figured he'd have made the top 20 or at least been in the next 5. I had a question on him they didn't answer either.

[Guest]

Very disappointed with what was said about Searle......Soft body and has makeup concerns basically. Someone to watch, but not top tier is what was basically said......

 

We'll see. Not sure what the "makeup concerns." He was impressive in his first month as a professional in the U.S. Sean Gallagher has a soft body too. Doesn't sound like Rode knows too much about Searle (he used "reported" when detailing his pitch repertoire).

[Guest]

I'm surprised there wasn't a mention of Shafer actually. I figured he'd have made the top 20 or at least been in the next 5. I had a question on him they didn't answer either.

 

Yeah, I had a question on him too. Not a good sign that a relatively well thought of draft prospect who went in the second round and had some fantastic outings can't make the top 25. I'm sure the decline in his stuff is their main concern.

[SouthSideRyan]

Very interesting to note that Dan McDaniel was one of the top 25 prospects in the league but not Drew Rundle. And my Rundle question wasn't answered. :(

 

Start submitting the questions as from Nivan. They're on to you and are sick of answering your questions.