UK1679666180

I'd love to see a game for free at Wrigley.

Bears priorities: O-line WR HB QB LB S DT The Bears are most likely in a position for best player avail. rather than a specific need. I'll wait for to see how the draft plays out, but I hope they address the O-Line in FA and then WR, HB, and QB in the draft. The only reason why Grossman and Benson should be in a starting role next year is b/c the Bears were not able to improve that position b/c they ran out of time, money, etc. rather than being content w/either of them ove the long-term. Both have played below avg. with the ceiling of an avg. player at each position.

If it was choice between Jay Payton and 5 mil. and Nook Logan for a minimal salary, I'd rather go with Logan (which isn't saying much) as far as a platoon partner.

I made that look fat when I was 15, stupid growth spurt.

wow I can't believe they lost to mexico.

The game to watch is tonight between both dominican teams. Licey has Belliard, Jose Bautista of the Bucs, Ramon Ortiz, Marmol as you mentioned. Cibao Aguilas has Tejada, Edwin Encarnacion, Rafeal Furcal and other who played in the majors, they're the two best teams. Licey will win it all with a win tonight.

I think it would be a bad trend if Boras became more visable in Latin American prospects.

Stats are only part of the equation, it's better to have that part as part of the gathering process than without it. No need to exclude it if it helps you evaluate a player, especially if you're evaluating a ML player.

I can't see it from Fukudome. I'm expecting .285/.355/.455 or something similar. To get into .300s, you either have to have plus power or Abreu bbs, he won'thave either.

I can see why the Cubs are likely not going to get him, but I would like to see the Cubs loosen those purse strings to get him and con't to increase signing money internationally.

Not that 1st year though, evev Matsui had to have been in the .270s that 1st year. He'll probably need a year to fully adjust to the states and the pitching.

vladdy doesnt have much bbs to fall back on and PECOTA thinks his power is a ticking bomb (dunno why). not slugging 500 this year. dunno why. I don't think Fukudome will come close to a .303 EqA, he'll be closer to .280-.285, if I was to bet. Guerrero is going to decline, his defense already has and the bat speed is next. But, he's still going to be 32 in a few days and there's plenty left. I think he'll be around .300 as far as EqA.

A couple of points: Fukudome won't match Guerrero's numbers. Francouer's production doesn't match his ability cause he doesn't put himself in a position to win most of the battles, hard to beat pitchers when you're expanding your strike zone and falling behind. What's a WEE NUG man?

It improves UK's ranking to ahead of Marshall instead of being tied. :x

I would assume EqA.

RICE 2007 RECORD. Overall: 56-14 (advanced to College World Series). Conference: 22-2 (1st/Conference USA). Coach: Wayne Graham (740-284, 16 years). First Game, 2008: Feb. 22 at No. 21 Long Beach State. OVERVIEW: The last two Rice teams won 56 and 57 games respectively; the 2003 national champion Owls won 58 games. Coach Wayne Graham has averaged more than 45 wins a season in his 16 years at Rice, so a pre-season No. 19 ranking isn’t much to get excited about. The Rice offense has lost four of its top five hitters to pro ball, with 1B/LHP Joe Savery (.356-6-60) and SS Brian Friday (.336-3-30) being the biggest losses. But junior LF Aaron Luna, junior DH-OF Jared Gayhart, junior 2B Jess Buenger and senior RF Jordan Dodson all have powerful bats and plenty of experience. The pitching staff loses Savery (11-1, 2.99), along with two outstanding relievers, LHP Bobby Bramhall (7-2, 2.35) and RHP Ryne Tacker (9-1, 3.01), but returns sophomore RHP Ryan Berry and will have senior LHP Cole St. Clair at full strength, closing from the left side. Most of all, it seems that Rice just lacks its normal sure-fire, All-American/first-round draft pick to push them over the edge, such as Savery was last year. St. Clair could be that player, as could Luna or Berry. If they are, Rice could match their glossy win totals of the last two years. X-Factor: The Owls start two freshmen in the middle of the field in SS Rick Hague and CF Chad Mozingo, but both will be shielded from having too much pressure on them by an otherwise veteran lineup. Both come with excellent high-performance credentials. Another mid-field defender, C Adam Zornes, is an excellent defender who was highly scouted as a draft-eligible sophomore reserve last year. If he hits, he could make a real difference to the Rice lineup and his own draft possibilities. PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP C: Adam Zornes, Jr. (.203-4-9). 1B: J.P. Padron, Sr. (.310-1-10). 2B: Jess Buenger, Jr. (.306-7-47). 3B: Diego Seastrunk, So. (.304-1-42). SS: Rick Hague, Fr. (HS—Spring, Texas). LF: Aaron Luna (4), Jr. (.315-*13-*66). CF: Chad Mozingo (1), Fr. (HS—Klein, Texas). RF: Jordan Dodson, Sr. (.302-8-55). DH: Jared Gayhart (3), Jr. (.339-4-42). 1/Starter: Ryan Berry/R, So. (*11-3, 3.01, 122 IP/*125 SO). 2/Starter: Matt Langwell/R, Jr. (8-2, *2.35). 3/Starter: Lucas Leutge/L, Jr. (7-0, 3.10, 58 IP/70 SO at San Jacinto, Texas, JC). Closer: Cole St. Clair/L, Sr. (0-0, 1.91, *9 SV). Projected leadoff hitter (1), No. 3 hitter (3) and cleanup hitter (4) noted as appropriate KEY PLAYER LOST: LHP-1B Joe Savery (*.356-6-60, *11-1, 2.99). * 2007 team leader BEST TOOLS Best Athlete: Aaron Luna. Best Overall Hitter: Diego Seastrunk. Best Power Hitter: Aaron Luna. Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Aaron Luna. Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Joseph Paylor (6.40 seconds). Best Base Runner: Aaron Luna. Best Defender: Jess Buenger, 2b. Best Infield Arm: Diego Seastrunk, 3b. Best Outfield Arm: Jared Gayhart. Best Fastball (velocity): Cole St. Clair (92 mph). Best Breaking Ball: Ryan Berry. Best Changeup: Bobby Bell. Best Command: Ryan Berry. TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Matt Evers, lhp. Evers is mature both physically at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds and on the mound as well. He pitches in the 88-92 mph area and has an 80 mph slider that is a potential out-pitch. Evers should get an early chance to prove that he’s ready to contribute as a freshman. TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Ryan Berry, rhp. Berry was perhaps the top freshman pitcher in college baseball last spring, going 11-3, 3.01 in 122 innings; he then backed it up with an outstanding performance for Team USA during the summer. He has three solid pitches in an 87-90 mph fastball, hard curveball and changeup, as well as excellent control and feel for pitching. TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Aaron Luna, of. Luna began his career at Rice at second base and scouts still hold out hope that he can return to that position in the future. He’ll play left field as a junior. His big tool is his bat; Luna has excellent power (16 home runs as a freshman, 13 as a sophomore) and strong all-around hitting ability. TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Cole St. Clair, lhp. St. Clair entered the 2007 season as a potential first-round pick but suffered a strained biceps weight lifting and missed the first half of the season, then only gradually regained his top stuff. He ended up pitching 28 innings and chose to return to college for his senior year. At his peak, St. Clair has a deceptive delivery and a low-90s fastball that has touched 95 mph, along with a nasty slider and good changeup.

TEXAS 2007 RECORD. Overall: 46-17 (advanced to NCAA regional). Conference: 21-6 (1st/Big 12). Coach: Augie Garrido (478-231, 11 years). First Game, 2008: Feb. 22 vs. Virginia Commonwealth. OVERVIEW: Augie Garrido enters his 40th year as a college head coach with one of the most unusual talent mixes he has likely ever had. His staff calls this group of freshmen one of the most talented they have ever seen and many, particularly RHP Cole Green and OF Kevin Keyes, will be expected to contribute immediately. There is an unusually large group of equally talented transfers, including two California natives who will start in the middle infield: junior 2B Michael Torres and sophomore SS David Hernandez, who have transferred from USC and Fresno State, respectively. Sophomore RHP Casey Whitmer, a Texas native who spent his freshman year at Florida State, begins the year as the Saturday starter, although there is a deep staff behind him should he falter early. And, of course, there is a trio of highly-acclaimed veterans, all of whom are potential first-round draft picks. It would be hard to expect junior OF Kyle Russell to repeat his record-setting 2007 season that included 28 home runs and 71 RBSs, but junior OF Jordan Danks and red-shirt junior C Preston Clark could post breakout seasons in support of Russell. Garrido has averaged almost 42 wins per season during his Hall of Fame career; 2008 shouldn’t hurt that average. X-Factor: Junior RHP Kenn Kasparek hurt his elbow in July 2006 and didn’t pitch for 16 months following surgery. At 6-foot-9, he’s an intimidating figure on the mound and has a extreme downhill angle on his 89-92 mph fastball. He’s penciled in as the Longhorns Friday starter and while he unquestionably has the talent, the question will be in his durability and the rust factor. A host of talented arms that include LHP Riley Boening (injured in 2007), RHP Garrett Clyde (a transfer from San Jacinto, Texas, JC) and LHP Kyle Walker (1-0, 10.80) will be ready to give support. PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP C: Preston Clark, Jr. (.286-8-45). 1B: Brandon Belt, So. (.421-9-57 at San Jacinto, Texas, JC). 2B: Michael Torres, Jr. (.253-1-10 at Southern California). 3B: Travis Tucker (1), Jr. (.307-1-34, *21 SB). SS: David Hernandez, So. (.250-0-6 at Fresno State). LF: Russ Moldenhauer, So. (.278-6-32). CF: Jordan Danks (3), Jr. (.332-4-38). RF: Kyle Russell (4), Jr. (.336-*28-*71). DH: Kevin Keyes, Fr. (HS—Austin, Texas). 1/Starter: Kenn Kasparek/R, Jr. (DNP—Injured in 2007). 2/Starter: Casey Whitmer/R, So. (1-0, 4.40 at Florida State). 3/Starter: Austin Wood/L, Jr. (8-1, 3.15). Closer: Cole Green/R, Fr. (HS—Coppell, Texas). Projected leadoff hitter (1), No. 3 hitter (3) and cleanup hitter (4) noted KEY PLAYER LOST: Bradley Suttle, 3b (.359-12-68). *2007 team leader BEST TOOLS Best Athlete: Jordan Danks. Best Overall Hitter: Russ Moldenhauer. Best Power Hitter: Kyle Russell. Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Jordan Danks. Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Runey Davis, of (6.54 seconds). Best Base Runner: Travis Tucker. Best Defender: Preston Clark, c. Best Infield Arm: David Hernandez, ss. Best Outfield Arm: Kevin Keyes. Best Fastball (velocity): Brandon Workman (94 mph). Best Breaking Ball: Cole Green. Best Changeup: Austin Wood. Best Command: Kenn Kasparek. TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Kevin Keyes, of. Keyes was a 2007 Aflac All-American who could develop into an intimidating force with his tools and 6-foot-4, 225-pound build. He has classic right-field tools, including home run power and a plus/plus arm but will defer to All-American Kyle Russell at that position for another year. TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Brandon Belt, 1b-lhp. Belt came out of high school as a highly-regarded lefthanded pitcher with a large bonus offer from the Boston Red Sox (11th round) and a Texas scholarship offer. Along the way, he ended up as a first baseman at San Jacinto JC for a year before returning to Austin as a power-hitting first baseman. The 6-foot-5 Belt is an outstanding athlete who plays the game easily. TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Kyle Russell, of. Russell’s huge numbers, including an NCAA-leading 28 home runs; his huge swing, which has led to glaring strikeout numbers, especially with wood bats; and his huge contract demands as a draft-eligible sophomore all led to his returning to Texas for another year. Can he repeat his 2007 season? Texas coaches say he’s worked hard to shorten his swing and is ready for another big year. TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: The Longhorns do not have a senior who is expected to contribute this year and only one senior, backup catcher Todd Gilfillan, even on the roster. Kasparek is a fourth-year junior, having missed the 2007 season with injuries

MISSOURI 2007 RECORD. Overall: 42-18 (advanced to NCAA regional). Conference: 19-8 (2nd/Big 12). Coach: Tim Jamieson (441-298, 13 years). First Game, 2008: Feb. 22 vs. No. 96 Connecticut at DeLand, Fla. (Stetson tournament). OVERVIEW: Missouri will be favored to win every series it plays this spring, the result of having perhaps the top starting pitching prospects in both the 2008 and 2009 draft classes in junior RHP Aaron Crow and sophomore RHP Kyle Gibson. Throw in experienced junior LHP Rick Zagone as a buffer between the two on Saturday and Missouri may have the best starting rotation in college baseball. The staff is deep in talent, if not experience. Senior DH Jacob Priday, who led the team in home runs and RBIs last year, keys the offense. A pair of athletically-talented outfielders, junior Ryan Lollis and sophomore Aaron Senne, could both blossom this year into All-American level players. Sophomore C Trevor Coleman was one of the top freshman catchers in the country last year and his ability to handle the staff’s hard-throwing pitchers, along with contributing with the bat, is a big plus. X-Factor: Aside from Coleman, the Tigers are very inexperienced up the middle of the diamond. Sophomore 2B Greg Folgia (5-4, 4.50 as a pitcher in 2007), senior SS Lee Fischer and CF Kurt Calvert had a total of 116 at-bats as reserves last year, hitting a combined .172-0-10. Projected closer Ryan Allen comes from the same background; he has plus stuff but pitched only 14 innings last season with limited success. He’ll share the job in the early going with Folgia and junior LHP Scooter Hicks (4-0, 2.73, 6 SV) in the early going. PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP C: Trevor Coleman, So. (.282-9-42). 1B: Steve Gray, Jr. (.333-10-81 at Scottsdale, Ariz., CC); Dan Pietroburgo, Sr. (.227-0-6). 2B: Greg Folgia, So. (.111-0-0). 3B: Kyle Mach, Jr. (.294-2-25). SS: Lee Fischer, Sr. (.169-0-7). LF: Aaron Senne (3), So. (.289-7-43). CF: Kurt Calvert (1), Sr. (.214-0-3). RF: Ryan Lollis, Jr. (.294-3-52). DH: Jacob Priday (4), Sr. (.297-*13-*59) 1/Starter: Aaron Crow/R, Jr. (*9-4, *3.59, 118 IP/*90 SO). 2/Starter: Rick Zagone/L, Jr. (7-2, 5.03). 3/Starter: Kyle Gibson/R, So. (8-3, 4.12, *7 SV, 68 IP/77 SO). Closer: Ryan Allen/R, So. (0-0, 7.53, 1 SV, 14 IP/15 SO). Projected leadoff hitter (1), No. 3 hitter (3) and cleanup hitter (4) noted KEY PLAYER LOST: Evan Frey, ss (*.348-4-35). *2007 team leader BEST TOOLS Best Athlete: Greg Folgia. Best Overall Hitter: Aaron Senne. Best Power Hitter: Jacob Priday. Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Trevor Coleman. Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Kurt Calvert (6.50 seconds). Best Base Runner: Lee Fischer. Best Defender: Kurt Calvert, cf. Best Infield Arm: Greg Folgia, 2b. Best Outfield Arm: Aaron Senne. Best Fastball (velocity): Aaron Crow (97 mph). Best Breaking Ball: Kyle Gibson. Best Changeup: Aaron Crow. Best Command: Kelly Fick. TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Nick Tepesch, rhp. Tepesch’s raw stuff is better than either Crow’s or Gibson’s out of high school, although the veteran Tigers staff and Tepesch’s lack of polish and experience may keep him from using his 95 mph fastball much as a freshman. TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Kyle Gibson, rhp. The 6-foot-6 Gibson, who is originally from Indiana, is the top-ranked 2009 college prospect in the country according to PG Crosschecker. He throws in the low 90’s and may have the best curveball in college baseball. His command is a potential plus as well. TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Aaron Crow, rhp. Crow will be on the short list for teams picking at the top of the 2008 draft. He has outstanding command of a mid-90s fastball, along with polished off-speed pitches. His performance, both at Missouri and in the Cape Cod League last summer, backs up his raw ability. TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Jacob Priday, dh. Priday has led Missouri in home runs the last three years and has 33 for his college career. He’s very strong and has developed into a polished hitter, although he is limited defensively.

UCLA 2007 RECORD. Overall: 33-28 (advanced to NCAA super-regional). Conference: 14-10 (3rd/Pacific-10). Coach: John Savage (81-94, 3 years). First Game, 2008: Feb. 22 vs. No. 45 Oklahoma. OVERVIEW: The Bruins have come on by leaps and bounds since going 15-41 in 2005, John Savage’s first year as Bruins coach. It all started coming together two years ago when C Ryan Babineau, 1B Cody Decker, 3B Jermaine Curtis, SS Brandon Crawford and OF-LHP Tim Murphy were freshmen and the centerpiece of a dynamite recruiting class. Those players have come of age as juniors yet the onus will not fall entirely on that class as the team’s top two returning hitters are senior 2B Alden Carrithers and sophomore OF Gabe Cohen. The Bruins top returning winner is talented sophomore LHP Gavin Brooks. While this year’s freshman class may one day rival the vintage crop from two years ago, the opportunity for significant playing time probably won’t be there as it was two years—a sign of how far the Bruins have come in a short period. X-Factor: Murphy’s talent has intrigued scouts since he was an 11th-round pick out of a San Diego high school in 2005. He could have signed then as either a pitcher or outfielder, so varied is his talent, but he has played both roles with limited success in his first two years at UCLA. As a freshman, he hit .254-1-7 in limited outfield duty while not pitching at all. A year ago, he hit just .244-0-5 while concentrating more on pitching—with mixed results. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Murphy projects as a possible first-round pick in June because of a fastball in the 88-92 mph range, a power curveball in the mid-70s and a developing changeup, but he may need to perform consistently like a first-rounder for the Bruins to maximize their success this season. PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP C: Ryan Babineau, Jr. (.272-5-37). 1B: Cody Decker (4), Jr. (.307-*14-*57). 2B: Alden Carrithers, Sr. (*.352-2-32). 3B: Jermaine Curtis (1), Jr. (.329-4-33). SS: Brandon Crawford (3), Jr. (.335-7-55, *11 SB). LF: Justin Uribe, So. (.285-2-18). CF: Blair Dunlap, So. (.167-0-0). RF: Gabe Cohen, So. (.345-10-36). DH: Casey Haerther, So. (.263-1-15). 1/Starter: Gavin Brooks/L, So. (6-7, 4.47). 2/Starter: Tim Murphy/L, Jr. (5-4, 5.68, 76 IP/96 SO). 3/Starter: Charles Brewer/R, So. (0-1, 5.40). Closer: Jason Novak/R, Sr. (3-0, 4.83, 0 SV). Projected leadoff hitter (1), No. 3 hitter (3) and cleanup hitter (4) noted KEY PLAYER LOST: Tyson Brummett, rhp (*10-6, 4.04, 138 IP/*111 SO). *2007 team leader BEST TOOLS Best Athlete: Brandon Crawford. Best Overall Hitter: Jermaine Curtis. Best Power Hitter: Cody Decker. Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Jermaine Curtis. Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Blair Dunlap (6.60 seconds). Best Base Runner: Brandon Crawford. Best Defender: Brandon Crawford, ss. Best Infield Arm: Brandon Crawford, ss. Best Outfield Arm: Justin Uribe. Best Fastball (velocity): Tim Murphy (92 mph). Best Breaking Ball: Jason Novak. Best Changeup: Gavin Brooks. Best Command: Gavin Brooks. TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Dan Klein, rhp. One of five Bruins freshmen to be selected in last year’s draft, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound righthander was a 24th-round pick of the Baltimore Orioles. While Klein’s workload may be limited in 2008, he has a good, clean delivery, and an above-average fastball and changeup. TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Gavin Brooks, lhp. Brooks was inconsistent as a freshman, even as he walked 30 and struck out 98 in 111 innings. But he came a long way after missing most of his junior and senior years of high school with an arm injury. His upside is so considerable that he has already been mentioned prominently as a potential first overall pick in the 2009 draft. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound lefthander has a fastball that is a steady 92-94 mph and tops at 96, and he complements it with an above-average slider and changeup. TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Brandon Crawford, ss. Crawford has legitimate five-tool ability and could be the first college shortstop drafted in June. He is an excellent defender with sound hands and footwork. While he had a poor summer at the plate in the Cape Cod League, he has shown good overall power and hitting ability in two years at UCLA. TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Brady Dolan, of. Carrithers was UCLA’s top hitter in 2007, but the 5-foot-10, 165-pound second baseman has limited upside. There isn’t another senior of real significance on a young Bruins roster but scouts believe Dolan (.280-1-7), a part-time player, has the best chance to be drafted. He’s a much improved hitter and good defensive outfielder capable of playing all three positions.

MP, while I don't dislike the Sox or anything like that, it's going to take 90+ wins to likely compete for 2nd in that division. I don't see the horses or the resources to acquire additional talent for them to compete with Clev. or Detroit. With that said, they're likely going to be the second best in the AL as far as improving their record over last year finishing between 80-85 wins.

Is Ramon Ortiz a FA? I like what I saw from him yesterday. 90-93 FB with more sink than I remember, he threw a cutter instead of a slider, and a nice chenge. Located well and shut down a good offense with Tejada, Furcal, and E. Encarnacion. Obviously, it;s only one start but I came away impressed giving Licey the advantage in the Car. World Series.

It's some BS that you all are trashing the kid, the only one that looks like an ass out of all of this is you not him. I liked what he had to say, he was abrasive at times as he was on the defensive all the time b/c of some narrowminded gangbang mentally on this board. Same thing with DueceBaseman, I disagreed with he had to say and thought he was attacking people who disagreed with him that was unnec., but this arrogant know it attitude is something to be seen for those who have a differing viewpoint. Same thing with Baseball7897, I know his coach at Kish, that kid busts his ass and for someone who doesn't know him or seen him pitch to make some smart-ass comment that is truly some BS.

If my math is right, it looks like Robbie Grossman is the collective pick.

http://pgcrosschecker.com/draft/2008/numplayers_drafted_bystate.aspx Interesting look to see which kids get drafted from which state, nothing too shocking, I'm glad Illinois is in the top 10.

I just checked Figgins career OPS and was shocked to see that it was very similar to Roberts. .754 .760 Given the near identical production, I would think the Cubs would have been better off filling the CF hole with a .760ish OPS, and sticking with DeRosa. Beside the ARAM for Figgins garbage, has there been any whispers about what the Angels are realistically asking for Figgins? I have no idea, I don't even know if he's avail.