2009 Projection: Ryan Flaherty

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2009 Projection: Ryan Flaherty

MLB projection: Starting 2B

Strengths: Switch hitter for average and power, athletic, mature, bloodlines

Weaknesses: lack of range, errors, high K rate, older

 

There are many statistics and clues to follow any minor league prospect throughout the season. Each player has a different set of expectations to meet the projection of their MLB prospect status. Here are a set of reasonable variables to follow Ryan Flaherty in 2009 on his projection as a starting 2B.

 

Was Flaherty drafted with Chase Utley in mind? Granted, Utley is at the extreme end of projection. They have a similar college background of success and Flaherty is expected to be a run producing middle infielder that bats primarily from the left side. If he has a good spring training, he will start at Daytona. Peoria is okay if he is assigned to Daytona by mid-season. Flaherty should be a team leader and any report of this would reinforce his status. At some point, he will change positions. If so at Daytona, this may be a bad sign of his fielding ability (uncharacteristic of his glove and arm reports). The high end of his projection is .300 avg./20HR/80+RBI/900OPS. The Cubs recent college age middle infield prospects have not grown as expected. Flaherty is the best so far and if he does not pan out, the onus will be on the Cubs development program.

 

Good variables to maintain status (Starting 2B):

Leads team in AB

.260+ avg.

12+ HR (FSL skew)

60+ RBI

25+ 2B

.350+ OBP

OPS .800+

Hitting streak of 12 games or more (2 weeks)

Strikeout ratio of 1/4

Plays in league all-star game

Fewer than 30 errors (will play SS)