BA Top 20 Prospect: Midwest League

[Outshined_One]

It's technically not out yet, but it's on the BA website.

 

Link

 

Peoria Chiefs who made it:

 

#7 - Ryan Harvey

#15 - Sean Gallagher

#16 - Eric Patterson

[Outshined_One]

And now that they have the scouting reports posted, I'll give a quick summary of the BA report on each.

 

Ryan Harvey

 

-Second highest ceiling among MWL positional prospects.

-Best attributes are his raw power, arm, and above average speed.

-Still filling out.

-Main problem is in his approach at the plate (long swing). Good fastballs and breaking balls fool him.

 

Sean Gallagher

 

-Everyone loves his intelligence, presence, and command on the mound.

-Best curveball in the league, with good movement and placement.

-Fastball (works at 88-90) and change are both seen as average at best.

-Has pretty much filled out his frame, so the addition of velocity is unlikely.

 

Eric Patterson

 

-Old for the league, but still was good enough to make an impression.

-Opinions differed on him: some saw him as a complete hitter with a nice upside, others worry he might end up like his brother Corey since they have some of the same flaws at the plate (contact, long swing, swings for the fences too much, etc).

-Decent power and good speed.

-Still has a ways to go at 2B defensively, but is athletic enough to make the most of it.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

What impressed me the most was the MWL's top 10 prospect list from 5 years ago. Wow:

 

FIVE YEARS AGO

 

1. *Josh Beckett, rhp, Kane County (Marlins)

2. *Juan Cruz, rhp, Lansing (Cubs)

3. *Chris Snelling, of, Wisconsin (Mariners)

4. *Austin Kearns, of, Dayton (Reds)

5. *Albert Pujols, 3b, Peoria (Cardinals)

6. *Ramon Santiago, ss, West Michigan (Tigers)

7. *Jacob Peavy, rhp, Fort Wayne (Padres)

8. *Adam Dunn, of, Dayton (Reds)

9. Gerik Baxter, rhp, Fort Wayne (Padres)

10. Mike Nannini, rhp, Michigan (Astros))

*Has played in major leagues

[burnt out cubbie fan]

GO JUAN CRUZ!!!!

[ChiefsVoice]

i dont have a lot of problems with the top 20 list. I didnt like Plouffe at all as a SS or hitter and Rafael Rodriguez has been a "prospect" in this league for 3 years and i have never been impressed he has always been hit hard in games ive seen.

 

as for the analysis of the 3 Chiefs i think Gallagher's curve is better, not sloppy, i dont think they gave harvey;s defense enough credit and they definitely are wrong on eric's defense. he turned a better DP than any 2nd baseman i saw all season and any Chiefs 2b i have seen in 3 years.

 

i thought Ryan would be top 5-7 and Sean maybe 10. Eric 11-14 so in all its about as i expected.

if you have any specific questions on any of these players, please put them in the Q & A for me and I'll get to them. I saw every player on this list at least once this season....

[TruffleShuffle]

Patterson is about 15 spots too low. If the Cubs were, for some reason, only able to keep one of him and Harvey in their organization, I would dump Harvey and keep Patterson, no question. Harvey might have a very high ceiling but I'm pretty down on his chances of actually reaching it.

[1908]

Patterson is about 15 spots too low.

I'd love to see EPatt duplicate his numbers in an age appropriate league. Until he does so, I can't see how you can rank him over players like Carlos Gonzales, a 19-year-old who hit .307/.371/.489.

[BigbadB]

What impressed me the most was the MWL's top 10 prospect list from 5 years ago. Wow:

 

FIVE YEARS AGO

 

1. *Josh Beckett, rhp, Kane County (Marlins)

2. *Juan Cruz, rhp, Lansing (Cubs)

3. *Chris Snelling, of, Wisconsin (Mariners)

4. *Austin Kearns, of, Dayton (Reds)

5. *Albert Pujols, 3b, Peoria (Cardinals)

6. *Ramon Santiago, ss, West Michigan (Tigers)

7. *Jacob Peavy, rhp, Fort Wayne (Padres)

8. *Adam Dunn, of, Dayton (Reds)

9. Gerik Baxter, rhp, Fort Wayne (Padres)

10. Mike Nannini, rhp, Michigan (Astros))

*Has played in major leagues

 

I believe Gerik Baxter was the prospect that died in the Mike Darr car accident about 3-4 years ago. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[NCCubFan]

I believe Gerik Baxter was the prospect that died in the Mike Darr car accident about 3-4 years ago. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

They were killed in separate accidents (Baxter in 2001, Darr in 2002). An A's prospect was killed in the same accident as Baxter. The other person killed with Darr was not a player (although a Padres minor leaguer, Ben Howard, was injured).

[ChiefsVoice]

Patterson is about 15 spots too low.

I'd love to see EPatt duplicate his numbers in an age appropriate league. Until he does so, I can't see how you can rank him over players like Carlos Gonzales, a 19-year-old who hit .307/.371/.489.

 

 

Then again it was Mr. Gonzales' 2nd go-around in the MWL so you would hope he would improve/learn something.

 

Patterson should have been a bit higher. He was penalized for playing college ball which is pure crap. The MWL is a big step above the ACC (or any college ball for that matter).

[BigbadB]

I believe Gerik Baxter was the prospect that died in the Mike Darr car accident about 3-4 years ago. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

They were killed in separate accidents (Baxter in 2001, Darr in 2002). An A's prospect was killed in the same accident as Baxter. The other person killed with Darr was not a player (although a Padres minor leaguer, Ben Howard, was injured).

 

Ahh. That's right. Thanks for the correction. What a relief that I at least got the names right. :-k

[1908]

Then again it was Mr. Gonzales' 2nd go-around in the MWL so you would hope he would improve/learn something.

If he were Patterson's age, I'd agree with you. But it's hard to hold repeating the level against an 18-year-old in the MWL. He could repeat two more times and still be younger than Patterson was this year.

 

Patterson should have been a bit higher. He was penalized for playing college ball which is pure crap. The MWL is a big step above the ACC (or any college ball for that matter).

I wouldn't argue if they had ranked him a few spots highers. I don't think he belongs in the top 10, though. Hopefully, he'll tear up AA next year and make this discussion look silly in hindsight.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Here are the Chiefs related questions from the chat.

Q: Jon from Lexington, KY asks:

Where does Grant Johnson factor into the prospect rankings in the Midwest League? I know his stats aren't exactly eye popping, but where does he rank with the rest of the Cubs pitching prospects?

 

A: Jim Callis: He was in the discussion. Johnson took a while to get back on the mound because of shoulder and hamstring issues, and he looked rusty most of the times. His plus fastball-slider combination was rarely on display. He'd be at the top of the second tier of Cubs pitching prospects.

Q: Joe from Newport News, VA asks:

Should the Cubs have started Eric Patterson at Daytona this season? Since they started him at Peoria, should they have promoted him in-season? If so, when?

 

A: Jim Callis: I'm all for letting a guy get off to a good start and Patterson didn't play last summer, so I could see assigning him to the MWL to start his pro career. But he proved he could dominate the league by midseason, and should have moved on at that point. Some managers thought he could have handled Double-A.

Q: Al from Port Chester, NY asks:

It seems that although Ryan Harvey was given a very respectable #7 overall ranking in the league, it sounds as though you aren't too optimistic about his chances to hit at higher levels. If you had to make a predicition, would you say he: A) never reaches the Majors B) will reach the Majors but won't be an impact player C) will be an impact player in the Majors? Thanks for taking my question!

 

A: Jim Callis: Harvey was a tough guy to rank. He has the tools to become the best player in the league, but every scout I talked to brought up a different flaw in his swing or approach. I'll take B. I think he'll reach the majors and be a regular, but can't bank on him being a star.

Q: Greg Tabeek from Florida asks:

Just need to ask a question about why you guys continue to bash Sean Gallagher. Your paper goes out of its way to harp on this kid. Yes you guys did have him mentioned a couple of times on the Hot Prospect sheet but only cause he was pitching lights out. Lets get the facts straight 19yr old 12th rd was supposed to start season in extended but due to injuries gets shot a Low A. Pitches lights out 1st half and starts MWL All-star game. Gets selected for midseason and Post Season All-star teams. Led MWL in wins and was top ten in every other stat. Promoted to Daytona Beach and pitches lights out. For this kid to do what he did in his 1st season as a 19yr old, nobody expected this. As for projectibility thats a bunch of crap. I saw a pitcher listed in your Top 20 MWL Prospects who you guys are infatuated with who had a not so good season and continued when promoted and had to skip starts. Seans heart and determination to succeed are all that he needs. Oh by the way Oneri Flieta(cubs player director) called sean yesterday to congratulate him on being selected Cubs Minor league Pitcher of the Year.

 

A: Jim Callis: No one is bashing Gallagher, Greg. He had a very good year, especially considering his age and draft status. But we're not ranking who achieved or overachieved the most. We're ranking who the best long-term major leaguers will be. Making the Top 20 in a 14-team league at age 19, wow, I'd look at that as a pretty nice compliment. The reason Gallagher didn't rank higher is that scouts aren't convinced his stuff is any better than average. His fastball is fringe average, and while some guys liked his curveball, others said it was an average and loopy pitch that overmatched MWL hitters because he could locate it.

Q: Keith from Nebraska asks:

Who would you rather have at this point, Ryan Harvey or Chris Lubanski?

 

A: Jim Callis: Ryan Harvey. He has more upside and I don't think he's significantly more risky than Lubanski, who went right ahead of him in the 2003 draft.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/chat/050926jc.html

[Laura]

Q: Greg Tabeek from Florida asks:

Just need to ask a question about why you guys continue to bash Sean Gallagher. Your paper goes out of its way to harp on this kid. Yes you guys did have him mentioned a couple of times on the Hot Prospect sheet but only cause he was pitching lights out. Lets get the facts straight 19yr old 12th rd was supposed to start season in extended but due to injuries gets shot a Low A. Pitches lights out 1st half and starts MWL All-star game. Gets selected for midseason and Post Season All-star teams. Led MWL in wins and was top ten in every other stat. Promoted to Daytona Beach and pitches lights out. For this kid to do what he did in his 1st season as a 19yr old, nobody expected this. As for projectibility thats a bunch of crap. I saw a pitcher listed in your Top 20 MWL Prospects who you guys are infatuated with who had a not so good season and continued when promoted and had to skip starts. Seans heart and determination to succeed are all that he needs. Oh by the way Oneri Flieta(cubs player director) called sean yesterday to congratulate him on being selected Cubs Minor league Pitcher of the Year.

 

A: Jim Callis: No one is bashing Gallagher, Greg. He had a very good year, especially considering his age and draft status. But we're not ranking who achieved or overachieved the most. We're ranking who the best long-term major leaguers will be. Making the Top 20 in a 14-team league at age 19, wow, I'd look at that as a pretty nice compliment. The reason Gallagher didn't rank higher is that scouts aren't convinced his stuff is any better than average. His fastball is fringe average, and while some guys liked his curveball, others said it was an average and loopy pitch that overmatched MWL hitters because he could locate it.

 

Gallagher will continue to be a tough guy to rank becaue he does have a beautiful breaking ball that I think he can throw a couple of different ways. He knows how to pitch, though he doesn't always interview like it. And later in the season, he didn't always throw it well.

 

If he's topped out already, we'll know that pretty soon next year. I don't think that's the case. I think it's harder to teach how to pitch than how to develop pitches at this point. I would worry about his stamina, and I'm a little puzzled that they said not to do anything at all in the off-season. He'll be a great half-season pitcher ... he needs to work up to a full season.

[Brian]

or go to the bullpen

[CubinNY]

It seems like everyone is infatuated with the the radar gun these days. The old adage location, location, location is so true. Location is much more important than velocity. If Sean continues to put up good numbers in AA next year, I wonder how the scouts will find a way to knock him.

[Tim]

It seems like everyone is infatuated with the the radar gun these days. The old adage location, location, location is so true. Location is much more important than velocity. If Sean continues to put up good numbers in AA next year, I wonder how the scouts will find a way to knock him.

Location, decption, movement and velocity all figure into how hard a pitcher is to hit. If you've got the first three nailed, you can get by without velocity and still be very good.

 

But it sure is easier to be a great pitcher if you have velocity.

[ChiefsVoice]

Sure seems like everyone likes to knockdown Sean and Eric. They are two of the three best players I have seen come through Peoria in four years (Daric Barton being the other). Sean is 19 and just getting started. And I don't understand knocking Eric because he went to college. Sure he was older than other players but you can't blame or knock him for his performance here. He didnt decide where he was playing or when he was moving up. He did what he was supposed to do and played hard and get hits. I can't knock either one for any of their performances in 2005. I also don't think Sean has a stamina issue. He lost focus on his mechanics for a few starts and when he and Tom Pratt got those ironed out he was fine in his last few outings here and in Daytona. Also the pressure doesn't get to either of these guys. Patience is the key here. I've seen numerous 3 year college guys spend most or all of a season in peoria or the MWL and get to the pros with success (Danny Haren for one). Oh and don't forget that Matt Murton was a college guy who played a short season in NYPenn league, then a full season in A ball before this year...and i think that turned out ok. I guess my point is that I peronally think saying "age-appropriate" league as a reason for putting someone down is 100 percent garbage.

[rawaction]

I agree with you. It's one thing to be old for the league, but it's another thing to be old for the league and lead it in every major offensive category in your first year of professional baseball, and actually have projectability and talent.

[1908]

I agree with you. It's one thing to be old for the league, but it's another thing to be old for the league and lead it in every major offensive category in your first year of professional baseball, and actually have projectability and talent.

Do you disagree with Baseball America's list, Raw? Where would you rank Patterson?

[1908]

They are two of the three best players I have seen come through Peoria in four years (Daric Barton being the other).

Well, Peoria was part of the Cardinals system for the three years before this one. :D

 

And I don't understand knocking Eric because he went to college. Sure he was older than other players but you can't blame or knock him for his performance here. He didnt decide where he was playing or when he was moving up. He did what he was supposed to do and played hard and get hits.

 

 

I've seen numerous 3 year college guys spend most or all of a season in peoria or the MWL and get to the pros with success (Danny Haren for one). Oh and don't forget that Matt Murton was a college guy who played a short season in NYPenn league, then a full season in A ball before this year...and i think that turned out ok. I guess my point is that I peronally think saying "age-appropriate" league as a reason for putting someone down is 100 percent garbage.

I haven't been blaming Patterson for anything. I think being ranked in the top 20 of a 14-team league is a solid accomplishment. And I don't think Baseball America penalizes prospects for playing college ball. Travis Buck just missed their top 5. That said, I am not going to dismiss age relative to league as an evaluation tool. We'll just have to disagree on that point.

[Tim]

I don't think of it as penalizing EP for being old. I think of it as rewarding the other guys for being young.

[ChiefsVoice]

They are two of the three best players I have seen come through Peoria in four years (Daric Barton being the other).

Well, Peoria was part of the Cardinals system for the three years before this one. :D

 

 

Yep and there are more guys from our teams in those three years with NL Central Champion Champagne sitll in thier hair than those who played in Lansing and are about to finish 4th :lol:

 

On a more serious note...we can agree to disagree on age-appropriateness, but we had more players in Peoria this season that played college ball than players who didnt and from the looks of what we expect for next year its going to be more of the same so maybe it is something you should get used to...

[1908]

Yep and there are more guys from our teams in those three years with NL Central Champion Champagne sitll in thier hair than those who played in Lansing and are about to finish 4th :lol:

You've lost me.

[rawaction]

I agree with you. It's one thing to be old for the league, but it's another thing to be old for the league and lead it in every major offensive category in your first year of professional baseball, and actually have projectability and talent.

Do you disagree with Baseball America's list, Raw? Where would you rank Patterson?

 

I don't necessarily, disagree. I haven't seen as much MWL baseball as I have in previous years, so I really can't say where I would rank him. I would have guessed he would come in at about 8-12, though