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Eric Mack

Highlighting top AL West prospects for '08

By | Senior Fantasy Writer


With September here and minor league seasons over, we turn our prospect attention to breaking down the top talents in each division. We always start with the teams in the East, so let's change it up and start with those in the AL West.

We break down the top five prospects for each organization for 2008, taking into consideration: games, at-bats, innings and major-league service time. We expect these players to have rookie status remaining heading into next year.

According to MLB rules: "A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the major leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a major league club or clubs during the period of 25-player limit (excluding time in the military service and time on the disabled list)."

L.A. Angels of Anaheim

Top Angels prospects
Player Age Pos. 2007 minor league stats
1 Brandon Wood 22 3B/SS Triple-A: .272 AVG, 23 HR, 77 RBI, 73 R, 10 SB (.338 OBP, .497 SLG)
His 120 Ks and inconsistency keep him from being an elite guy perhaps.
2 Nick Adenhart 21 RH SP Double-A: 10-8, 3.65 ERA, 116 Ks, 65 BB, .273 BAA
A so-so season has tempered expectations; he'll enter '08 in Triple-A.
3 Hank Conger 19 C Class A (combined): .289-11-51-35-9 (.333-.466)
He is arguably the top long-term catching prospect in the minors now.
4 Sean Rodriguez 22 SS/OF Double-A: .254-17-73-84-15 (.345-.423)
There's pop here for an infielder, but he comes with K baggage, too.
5 Sean O'Sullivan 20 RH SP Class A: (10-7)-2.22-125-40-.227
We wouldn't be surprised if he whipped past Adenhart next year.
Best of the rest: OF Terry Evans, P Luis Mendoza, P Nick A. Green, 2B Ryan Mount, C Bobby Wilson, OF Matt Sweeney, SS Hainley Statia, P Stephen Marek, 1B Mark Trumbo, P Rich Thompson, P David Herndon, P Barret Browning, OF Nick Gorneault, P Young-Il Jung.
2007 rookies to lose eligibility (expected): OF Reggie Willits, P Dustin Moseley, C Jeff Mathis.

Oakland Athletics

Top Athletics prospects
Player Age Pos. 2007 minor league stats
1 Daric Barton 22 1B Triple-A: .293-9-70-84-3 (.389-.438)
Numbers don't suggest he'll be any better than, or as good as, Dan Johnson.
2 Trevor Cahill 19 RH SP Class A: (11-4)-2.73-117-40-.220
'06 second-rounder is a rare A's draftee out of high school -- a wise one.
3 Landon Powell 25 C AA-Triple-A (combined): .292-14-42-49-1 (.385-.525)
Numbers are good enough to think he could push for a job next spring.
4 Dan Meyer 26 LH SP AA-Triple-A (combined): (8-2)-3.39-107-55-.247
Once the key piece of the Tim Hudson deal, Meyer's back as a late bloomer.
5 Henry Rodriguez 20 RH SP Class A: (6-8)-3.07-106-58-.214
Remains a little wild, but he has knockout potential that others don't have.
Best of the rest: P Andrew Bailey, C Anthony Recker, P Jerry Blevins, 2B Kevin Melillo, OF Javier Herrera, OF Richie Robnett, P Justin Simmons, 1B Sean Doolittle, P Vincent Mazzaro, P Jared Lansford, OF Danny Putnam, SS Cliff Pennington, P Jason Windsor, OF Jermaine Mitchell, P Chad Lee, OF Matt Sulentic, P Shane Komine, P Conor Robertson, SS Josh Horton, OF Grant Desme, OF Corey Brown, P Sam Demel, P Travis Banwart, 2B Justin Sellers.
2007 rookies to lose eligibility (expected): OF Travis Buck, C Kurt Suzuki, P Dallas Braden, P Santiago Casilla, P Jay Marshall, P Andrew Brown, 2B/SS Donnie Murphy.

Seattle Mariners

Top Mariners prospects
Player Age Pos. 2007 minor league stats
1 Adam Jones 22 OF Triple-A: .314-25-84-75-8 (.382 OBP, .586 SLG)
Had a great season before not doing much for M's; but likely a starter in '08.
2 Jeff Clement 24 C Triple-A: .275-20-80-76-0 (.370-.497)
Resurgent prospect blocked with M's, but best C prospect in baseball.
3 Wladimir Balentien 23 OF Triple-A: .291-242-84-77-15 (.362-.509)
Jones might be a better prospect, but Balentien might have more pop.
4 Robert Rohrbaugh 23 LH SP AA-Triple-A (combined): (13-8)-3.12-111-47-.258
Lefty made one of the biggest jumps in status with steady numbers.
5 Carlos Triunfel 17 SS Class A (combined): .296-0-39-51-7 (.333-.367)
Numbers won't wow you yet, but he's a 17-year-old Dominican SS.
Best of the rest: P Phillippe Aumont, 1B Bryan Lahair, 3B Matt Mangini, 2B Yung Chi Chen, P Tony Butler, P Mark Lowe, P Chris Tillman.
2007 rookies to lose eligibility (expected): P Ryan Feierabend, P Brandon Morrow, P Eric O'Flaherty, P Ryan Rowland-Smith, P Sean White.

Texas Rangers

Top Rangers prospects
Player Age Pos. 2007 minor league stats
1 Edinson Volquez 24 RH SP A-AA-Triple-A (combined): (14-6)-3.67-166-60-.190
We've waited for him to finally harness knockout stuff; now he has?
2 Chris Davis 21 3B A-Double-A (combined): .297-36-118-90-2 (.347-.598)
Breakthrough slugger might be able to replace lost Mark Teixeira pop.
3 Taylor Teagarden 23 C A-Double-A (combined): .310-27-83-94-2 (.426-.586)
Big-time U. of Texas star finally hit stride in pro ranks; can he catch?
4 Kasey Kiker 19 LH SP Class A: (7-4)-2.90-112-41-.237
Long term we like his chances to star over all of Texas' pitching prospects.
5 Eric Hurley 22 RH SP AA-Triple-A (combined): (11-9)-4.00-135-55-.227
Rangers SP prospects are cursed, but perhaps this one can make it.
Best of the rest: 2B German Duran, C Max Ramirez, P Luis Mendoza, P Michael Main, SS Elvis Andrus, P Matt Harrison, OF Julio Borbon, P Omar Poveda, OF John Mayberry, P Armando Galarraga, P Thomas Diamond, P Neil Ramirez, P Tommy Hunter, SS Joaquin Arias, OF David Murphy, OF Engle Beltre, P Doug Mathis, 3B John Whittleman, P Bill White, P Jesse Ingram, P Omar Beltre, P Beau Jones, P Josh Rupe, P Francisco Cruceta, C Chad Tracy, OF Anthony Webster, 2B Jose Vallejo, C Guillermo Quiroz, P Neftali Feliz.
2007 rookies to lose eligibility (expected): C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, P Kason Gabbard, 3B Travis Metcalf.

You can e-mail Emack your Fantasy Baseball prospect questions to dmfantasybaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: AL West prospects in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses or answers to all questions.

 
 
 
Player News
Josh Johnson
JJ: 'I feel great. No problems'
Josh Johnson, SP, MIA
2/13/2012
News: The Associated Press reports Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said the team should be fully healthy heading into spring training. That includes ace Josh Johnson, who has been throwing off a mound after making only nine starts in 2011 because of right shoulder inflammation. "I feel great," Johnson said. "No problems. I haven't really been sore yet, and I've been letting it go." The Sports Xchange reported over the weekend that Johnson arrived to the team's spring training complex in Jupiter, Fla., on Feb. 9 and threw his first bullpen session of the year in Florida on Feb. 10.
Analysis: The fact we hear JJ talking about his promising progress is very encouraging. Now, he just has to avoid setbacks and stay healthy for an entire season. Fantasy owners do have to be aware of the risk of drafting him. Of course his potential makes it worth it, but JJ has made it past 30 starts just once in his career. Look to Johnson as more of a No. 2 Fantasy SP on Draft Day, but clearly he has the potential to be your ace if he can stay healthy.
Ike Davis
Davis 'good to go' as camp nears
Ike Davis, 1B, NYM
2/13/2012
News: The New York Post reports Mets 1B Ike Davis said he is "good to go" as he arrived to spring training on Monday. Davis who missed most of last season with an ankle injury said he no longer thinks about his injury. He elected not to have surgery and chose to rehab the injury instead. “It’s great to know I’m training for a season rather than training to see if I can get back on the field or have to have surgery,” Davis said. “I’ve been fine for a while now, so it’s what I expected. But it’s good to finally hit on the field and get this under my belt.” Davis might see more at-bats this spring as he tries to make up for lost time. “I have more of a drive and a want this year,” Davis said. “I always had it, but I never really saw the other side, when the game isn’t there. I know to take it slow. I have to get back into the rhythm of playing, but I’ve got plenty of time. It’s going to come back.”
Analysis: We really hope Davis is past his ankle problems like he says he is because he is one of the Mets' top offensive players when active. As productive as he was before the injury last year, Davis is a potential bargain with a middle-to-late-round pick and will only move up the draft boards with a strong spring. Continue to track his progress.
Roy Oswalt
Oswalt waiting to sign with Texas?
Roy Oswalt, SP, PHI
2/13/2012
News: The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Reds GM Walt Jocketty said he hasn't had contact with Roy Oswalt's agents in the last week, and Jocketty offered up his own opinion on the Oswalt sweepstakes. “I think he’s waiting for Texas to clear money,” Jocketty said.
Analysis: It's interesting to hear Jocketty say Oswalt wants to sign with Texas. At least it's a legit reason why the veteran right-hander hasn't signed with a team yet, despite being linked to the Reds and Cardinals. Oswalt is likely going to sign somewhere before the start of the 2012 season and should be in a rotation. Consider Oswalt more of a mid-to-late-round Fantasy pick on Draft Day. Don't forget about his chronic back problems.
Johan Santana
Santana looks 'great' playing catch
Johan Santana, SP, NYM
2/13/2012
News: The Wall Street Journal reports Mets SP Johan Santana (shoulder) played catch from 175 feet Monday. Manager Terry Collins said Santana looked "great" and he hopes the left-hander will throw off a mound by the end of the week. “I think I’ll be on the mound Thursday or Friday and we’ll see where we’re at,” Santana told the New York Post. “But I’m making progress and finally getting into a routine that will take me all the way to spring training and the regular season.” Santana would like to be ready by opening day, but he doesn't consider it a critical date. “Time will tell if I get there,” Santana said. “We’ll see once I compete. I have to get some competition and see how my arm and whole body reacts to it. When I get on the mound soon, I should be fine when spring training starts. I’m worried more about my mechanics and delivery more than anything. That’s the point I’m at. My biggest concern will always be my health, but it’s just a matter of time. I just want to compete.”
Analysis: Collins' assessment of Santana sounds like cautious optimism. After all it was just catch. Santana has bigger hurdles to clear in hopes of pitching for the first time since the 2010 season. Santana is coming off a serious shoulder injury and who knows if he can return to the dominant arm he once was. Fantasy owners should bear in mind that Chien-Ming Wang, who underwent the same procedure, needed two years to make it back to the majors, so Santana could wind up providing far fewer than 25 starts -- which is the Mets' goal for the lefty this season. Because of the playing time risk, he is a late-round option in mixed leagues at best.
Ryan Braun
Braun ruling coming soon?
Ryan Braun, LF, MIL
2/13/2012
News: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports there is no indication that a ruling will be announced Monday regarding Ryan Braun's appeal of a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. It appears the recommended guideline for a ruling will be extended.
Analysis: The entire baseball world want this issue to be put to bed, but it seems we might have to wait a little longer for a ruling. The Brewers remain upbeat about Braun's situation, but only time will tell what happens. If Braun avoids a suspension, then he remains a first-round Fantasy pick. If he is suspended 50 games, then he is going to tumble down draft boards a bit, but Braun would still be an early-round Fantasy selection based on potential once he becomes active.
Seth Smith
Cespedes to bump Smith?
Seth Smith, RF, OAK
2/13/2012
News: Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes and the Oakland Athletics have agreed to a $36 million, four-year contract. Agent Adam Katz confirmed Monday the sides had reached agreement, with details still to be finalized. Cespedes' arrival means the A's could eventually bump Seth Smith to designated hitter.
Analysis: We will have to wait and see what happens when Cespedes finally arrives at A's camp, but the speculation is that the A's outfield alignment will eventually be Josh Reddick in right field, Coco Crisp in center field and Cespedes in left, which is where Smith is currently penciled in as the starter. But the A's could use a rotation at DH, which would still allow Smith to see regular at-bats, if Cespedes doesn't have to begin the year in the minors, which remains an option as well. Smith struggles against left-handed pitchers, so he might still be in a platoon situation like he was with the Rockies. Smith remains more of a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day.
Mike Napoli
Napoli's ankle still an issue
Mike Napoli, C, TEX
2/13/2012
News: ESPN.com reports Rangers catcher Mike Napoli said his injured left ankle is progressing, but he is still not 100 percent. Napoli turned his ankle in the World Series against the Cardinals last year. "I think I’m close," Napoli said. "I’m not really going to know until I get into the wear and tear of spring training and catching all the time. But I've been feeling good and getting better day by day." Napoli said he has been running on the ankle, and he is also hitting and throwing without pain. However, he is still concerned about how it will hold up with the constant squatting and baseball activity. "But I'm trying not to do that all the time so I'm not depending on that," Napoli said. "I'm working on getting my little muscles stronger."
Analysis: The Dallas Morning News reports GM Jon Daniels said exams by team physician Keith Meister said Napoli's ankle shows no structural damage, but Napoli is still experiencing soreness. "The fact he's still feeling it a few months later speaks to what he went through to play the rest of Game 6 and go back out for Game 7," Daniels said. "It was about as bad as it looked to the rest of us." You have to wonder if Napoli can't shake this injury if it will play into how much time he gets behind the plate. Nonetheless, if Napoli catches less that just means he will likely see more PT at DH and first base. The Rangers aren't going to take his bat out of the lineup. Napoli remains a top 5 Fantasy catcher on Draft Day.
Bobby Abreu
Abreu to have to earn PT
Bobby Abreu, LF, LAA
12:44 AM
News: According to the Los Angeles Times, Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto told OF Bobby Abreu during a phone call on Monday that the veteran will be given every opportunity to earn playing time during the spring. With the offseason addition of Albert Pujols, Mark Trumbo and Kendrys Morales will vie with Abreu for at-bats at the DH spot in 2012. Dipoto also added that he does not plan on trading the 37-year-old. “Bobby is an Angel,” Dipoto said. “Right now, he fits on our 25-man roster, in our clubhouse, on our team. Where he is in eight weeks is predicated on how he’s playing and everyone’s health. We have some unknowns with the health of Kendrys and the progress of Mark, but we know Bobby is healthy. As I told him, if he swings the bat like he can, we’re going to find a way to play him.”
Analysis: Abreu played in just 28 games in the outfield last season so seeing time at DH is really the only way he is going to play consistently in 2012. Things don't look good for him at this point but if Morales is still unable to return from his broken ankle, he could end up platooning with Trumbo. Trumbo is also a candidate to be traded so keep an eye on the situation going forward. Abreu batted .253 with eight homers, 60 RBI and 21 stolen bases last season and would be a worthwhile pick in deeper mixed leagues if he sees everyday at-bats for the Angels.
Hong-Chih Kuo
M's to be careful with Kuo
Hong-Chih Kuo, P, SEA
2/13/2012
News: MLB.com reports Mariners RP Hong-Chih Kuo threw his first bullpen session of the spring on Sunday, but the team will proceed with caution with Kuo, who is coming off October elbow surgery. "We've got to keep an eye on him and work to keep him healthy and available for us," manager Eric Wedge said. "He was dominant a couple years ago. He's had some injuries in the past, but he feels good now. It's a great opportunity for him as well as so many others. But when you look at his upside and what he's capable of doing when he's healthy, we're hoping we can keep him there."
Analysis: Kuo definitely showed promise during his tenure with the Dodgers from 2005-11. However, he had a rocky career that was filled with arm injuries and inconsistencies. He won't close for Seattle, but the Mariners hope he can be a setup man for closer Brandon League. Kuo remains just a low-end Fantasy RP in leagues that use middle relievers.
George Sherrill
Sherrill being held out as precaution
George Sherrill, RP, SEA
2/13/2012
News: MLB.com reports Mariners RP George Sherrill didn't throw his scheduled bullpen session Monday as a precaution, manager Eric Wedge said. Sherrill had a wrap on his elbow after practice. "We're going to give him a few extra days," Wedge said. "He has a lot of reps under his belt over the course of the years. Usually a guy who takes the ball and is left-handed, that often is the case when you've had success like he's had. We've got a long camp and one of the No. 1 reasons we're here is starting pitchers and making sure they're ready with starting out early in Japan. With the relievers, especially some of the veteran guys, we want to make sure we don't get them ready too quick."
Analysis: Sherrill went 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA last season for Atlanta. He bounced back after an awful 2010 and is expected to be a left-handed setup man for closer Brandon League. Sherill won't get many, if any save chances, so consider him nothing more than a low-end AL-only Fantasy RP.
 
 
 
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