Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Top Pacific Coast League Players of 2009

Continuing our series of minor league rankings. Today we hit the Pacific Coast League a hitters league. I love these lists, they help motivate me to do further research on prospects that appear higher or lower than expected. All of the data presented is courtesy of FanGraphs.com

Top 25 Pacific Coast League Batters (minimum 50 at-bats)

Name Team BB% K% AVG OBP SLG ISO Spd BABIP wOBA
Jake Fox Cubs 11.40% 18.90% 0.409 0.495 0.841 0.433 5.6 0.431 0.554
Chris Young Diamondbacks 14.30% 24.10% 0.37 0.46 0.667 0.296 6.9 0.447 0.474
Travis Snider Blue Jays 13.80% 26.90% 0.337 0.431 0.663 0.326 3.3 0.395 0.462
Brandon Allen Diamondbacks 12.10% 17.20% 0.324 0.413 0.641 0.317 5.8 0.324 0.458
Tommy Everidge Athletics 10.30% 16.90% 0.368 0.428 0.632 0.264 2.5 0.4 0.453
John Bowker Giants 16.80% 17.50% 0.342 0.451 0.596 0.254 5.3 0.37 0.447
Carlos Gonzalez Rockies 10.30% 16.70% 0.339 0.418 0.63 0.292 6.8 0.367 0.446
Hector Luna Dodgers 8.20% 16.60% 0.351 0.414 0.61 0.259 5.6 0.381 0.441
Chris Coghlan Marlins 11.10% 10.40% 0.344 0.418 0.552 0.208 7.1 0.361 0.438
Sean Rodriguez Angels 12.30% 32.60% 0.299 0.4 0.616 0.318 6.8 0.369 0.437
Mitch Jones Dodgers 9.40% 26.40% 0.297 0.364 0.651 0.354 5.3 0.32 0.426
Tony Abreu Dodgers 5.20% 17.00% 0.353 0.385 0.615 0.261 5.1 0.388 0.425
Khalil Greene Cardinals 3.50% 7.30% 0.345 0.368 0.618 0.273 1.4 0.319 0.424
Randy Ruiz Blue Jays 9.20% 21.40% 0.32 0.392 0.584 0.264 2.6 0.364 0.418
Joe Inglett Blue Jays 9.00% 11.20% 0.36 0.422 0.516 0.155 4.5 0.393 0.415
Howard Kendrick Angels 8.20% 15.40% 0.346 0.414 0.526 0.179 5.3 0.391 0.414
David Dellucci Blue Jays 8.70% 28.60% 0.317 0.38 0.556 0.238 2.6 0.405 0.408
Chris Davis Rangers 13.20% 23.60% 0.327 0.418 0.521 0.194 2.9 0.4 0.407
Corey Patterson Brewers 6.10% 20.20% 0.331 0.366 0.597 0.266 7.6 0.383 0.407
Joel Galarraga Athletics 12.50% 23.80% 0.357 0.449 0.476 0.119 5.4 0.469 0.407
Alex Gordon Royals 16.30% 23.90% 0.313 0.435 0.493 0.179 4.7 0.388 0.405
Luke Carlin Diamondbacks 16.00% 23.20% 0.321 0.43 0.481 0.16 2.8 0.394 0.405
Ryan Shealy Royals 17.10% 28.70% 0.345 0.454 0.425 0.08 1.5 0.484 0.403
Cory Aldridge Royals 6.30% 24.30% 0.316 0.361 0.582 0.266 3.2 0.366 0.402
Adam Heether Brewers 13.50% 22.20% 0.293 0.4 0.501 0.208 3.6 0.341 0.4
Allen Craig Cardinals 7.30% 20.10% 0.322 0.374 0.547 0.225 3.4 0.359 0.4
Michael Saunders Mariners 9.20% 19.40% 0.31 0.378 0.544 0.234 6.1 0.342 0.4
John Hester Diamondbacks 6.30% 19.80% 0.328 0.375 0.535 0.207 7.3 0.388 0.399
Mark Hamilton Cardinals 9.10% 26.20% 0.308 0.375 0.531 0.223 1.6 0.378 0.396
Ruben Gotay Diamondbacks 21.60% 18.60% 0.272 0.429 0.45 0.178 2.8 0.309 0.395
Chris Shelton Mariners 12.50% 21.20% 0.314 0.396 0.509 0.195 2.9 0.368 0.394
Dee Brown Dodgers 12.60% 15.90% 0.29 0.382 0.523 0.232 4.1 0.306 0.394
Eric Patterson Athletics 10.00% 17.40% 0.307 0.376 0.494 0.187 8.8 0.351 0.393
Jason Dubois Cubs 10.60% 28.40% 0.303 0.392 0.506 0.203 2.9 0.388 0.393
Matt Murton Rockies 9.50% 13.90% 0.324 0.389 0.499 0.174 5.2 0.353 0.392











The Top 25 Pacific Coast League Pitchers (minimum 50IP)

Name Team K/9 BB/9 HR/9 WHIP BABIP LOB% ERA FIP
Guillermo Moscoso Rangers 7.71 1.93 0.26 1.01 0.282 75.80% 2.31 2.63
Jeff Stevens Cubs 9.52 3.9 0.16 1.04 0.251 77.60% 2.03 2.71
Chris Narveson Brewers 9.08 3.11 0.36 1.13 0.291 61.10% 3.7 2.78
Lenny DiNardo Royals 7.54 2.25 0.3 1.17 0.308 69.10% 3.32 2.8
Matt Belisle Rockies 7.25 2.31 0.31 1.25 0.323 75.50% 3.09 2.81
Chad Paronto Astros 6.79 2.44 0.17 0.93 0.236 86.10% 1.39 2.81
Felix Romero Giants 8.43 1.95 0.49 1.24 0.339 64.90% 4.28 2.85
Neftali Feliz Rangers 8.73 3.49 0.23 1.28 0.319 66.50% 3.49 2.88
Hyang-Nam Choi Dodgers 12.02 3.28 0.94 1.25 0.345 84.90% 2.34 2.97
Jose Ascanio Cubs 8.24 3.16 0.18 1.27 0.32 69.00% 3.16 3.02
Brad Kilby Athletics 10.94 3.41 0.71 1.01 0.256 86.40% 2.13 3.03
Jason Vargas Mariners 8.01 2.61 0.52 1.22 0.311 74.80% 3.14 3.05
Rick VandenHurk Marlins 7.69 2.41 0.45 0.99 0.254 72.20% 2.87 3.05
Mike Ekstrom Padres 6.21 2.31 0.29 0.96 0.24 84.20% 1.73 3.06
Blake Hawksworth Cardinals 7.03 2.47 0.37 1.11 0.28 66.00% 3.58 3.08
Alex Hinshaw Giants 12.38 5.5 0.52 1.41 0.34 71.40% 3.96 3.2
Josh Banks Padres 6.84 2.59 0.43 1.25 0.307 70.90% 3.46 3.22
Billy Buckner Diamondbacks 8.39 3.93 0.44 1.32 0.307 73.90% 3.32 3.31
Jerry Blevins Athletics 8.81 2.56 0.71 1.31 0.34 73.80% 3.84 3.31
P.J. Walters Cardinals 8.4 3.27 0.45 1.42 0.348 62.80% 4.54 3.32
Vin Mazzaro Athletics 6.99 2.7 0.32 1.04 0.257 77.20% 2.38 3.32
Ramon Ortiz Giants 7.91 2.36 0.76 1.22 0.31 73.60% 3.05 3.33
Adam Eaton Rockies 5.67 1.82 0.45 1.22 0.307 71.30% 3.18 3.35
Geno Espineli Giants 4.7 1.97 0.3 1.4 0.333 69.30% 3.64 3.35
Doug Fister Mariners 6.69 0.93 0.85 1.34 0.356 72.40% 3.81 3.39
Bud Norris Astros 8.4 3.98 0.45 1.31 0.302 78.00% 2.63 3.41
Jeremy Johnson Astros 5.4 2.56 0.38 1.29 0.304 66.70% 3.51 3.43
Carlos Rosa Royals 10.14 4.06 0.76 1.42 0.344 66.20% 4.56 3.44
Doug Mathis Rangers 6 2.37 0.47 1.39 0.332 75.50% 2.84 3.45
Jay Marshall Athletics 5.33 2.66 0.36 1.34 0.311 69.50% 3.2 3.48
Jose Marte Diamondbacks 7.91 4.27 0.38 1.42 0.318 67.10% 4.52 3.49
Brian Gordon Rangers 5.94 2.33 0.58 1.19 0.286 70.60% 3.49 3.5
Blake Parker Cubs 10.26 4.86 0.54 1.24 0.276 74.00% 3.06 3.5
Casey Daigle Astros 8.57 4.04 0.49 1.54 0.358 82.60% 2.91 3.51
Brandon Morrow Mariners 6.55 3.76 0.33 1.33 0.294 70.20% 3.6 3.53

Monday, September 21, 2009

Top International League Players of 2009

I am going to be working my way through the stats of minor leaguers over the next couple of weeks. I figure I'll share some lists ranked by FIP for pitchers and WoBA for hitters.

The Top 25 International League Pitchers (50 IP minimum)

Name Team K/9 BB/9 HR/9 AVG WHIP BABIP ERA FIP
Winston Abreu Rays 13.59 2.82 0.71 0.138 0.76 0.221 1.94 2.14
Tommy Hanson Braves 12.21 2.31 0.68 0.176 0.86 0.265 1.49 2.42
Edwar Ramirez Yankees 10.94 2.82 0.53 0.213 1.08 0.306 3.18 2.47
David Hernandez Orioles 12.4 2.83 0.78 0.206 1.05 0.309 3.3 2.62
Luis Valdez Braves 9.46 2.4 0.5 0.247 1.19 0.33 3.28 2.63
Jeremy Hellickson Rays 10.99 2.35 0.63 0.161 0.8 0.228 2.51 2.66
Chris Tillman Orioles 9.22 2.42 0.47 0.238 1.15 0.315 2.7 2.76
J.D. Martin Nationals 6.44 1.02 0.41 0.232 0.97 0.277 2.66 2.77
Garrett Mock Nationals 8.47 2.29 0.35 0.2 0.96 0.262 2.65 2.77
Nelson Figueroa Mets 7.55 1.93 0.4 0.224 1.03 0.279 2.25 2.77
Charlie Morton - - - 7.79 2.13 0.38 0.217 1.02 0.274 2.26 2.85
Mark Melancon Yankees 9.17 1.87 0.51 0.198 0.91 0.263 2.89 2.86
Tom Gorzelanny Pirates 8.79 3.1 0.31 0.229 1.18 0.304 2.48 2.87
Jim Miller Orioles 8.21 2.64 0.42 0.26 1.28 0.331 2.64 2.91
Casey Fien Tigers 10.24 2.33 0.78 0.238 1.14 0.32 3.41 2.92
Alberto Castillo Orioles 9.35 2.94 0.35 0.25 1.27 0.337 2.77 2.95
Carlos Torres White Sox 9.14 3.94 0.28 0.21 1.19 0.285 2.39 2.98
Frank Herrmann Indians 5.92 1.54 0.36 0.279 1.26 0.327 2.96 2.99
Ehren Wassermann White Sox 8.06 2.54 0.42 0.286 1.41 0.36 3.68 3.06
Yohan Pino - - - 8.03 1.8 0.69 0.211 0.95 0.26 2.49 3.06
Matt Maloney Reds 7.87 1.51 0.69 0.262 1.17 0.322 3.08 3.1
Lucas French Tigers 7.93 2.2 0.66 0.236 1.11 0.291 2.98 3.16
Juan Morillo Twins 11.69 6.85 0.13 0.229 1.6 0.35 3.9 3.17
Brian Duensing Twins 5.26 2.27 0.24 0.291 1.41 0.335 4.66 3.21
Clay Buchholz Red Sox 8.09 2.73 0.64 0.194 0.98 0.24 2.36 3.23
Daniel McCutchen Pirates 6.94 1.83 0.63 0.265 1.22 0.316 3.47 3.24
Fernando Cabrera Red Sox 8.72 3.76 0.51 0.212 1.18 0.275 1.71 3.26
Joe Bateman Rays 9.19 5.03 0 0.196 1.24 0.276 3.02 3.26
Mike Koplove - - - 8.28 3.48 0.33 0.215 1.16 0.279 1.82 3.27
Dale Thayer Rays 6.25 2.13 0.43 0.248 1.17 0.294 2.27 3.28
Bob Keppel Twins 4.53 2.1 0.16 0.245 1.15 0.279 2.43 3.29
Nate Bump Tigers 4.37 1.32 0.4 0.232 1 0.257 2.38 3.33
Jeff Manship Twins 5.36 3.04 0.18 0.272 1.39 0.317 3.22 3.34
Andy Sonnanstine Rays 5.65 1.41 0.63 0.296 1.34 0.337 4.4 3.37
Jonathon Niese Mets 7.82 2.48 0.67 0.263 1.28 0.324 3.82 3.38

The Top 25 International League Hitters (minimum 50 at-bats)

Name Team BB% K% OBP SLG ISO Spd BABIP wOBA
Nolan Reimold Orioles 14.20% 22.90% 0.485 0.743 0.349 3.5 0.453 0.53
Oscar Salazar Orioles 6.10% 13.60% 0.408 0.618 0.246 2.9 0.395 0.441
Adam Rosales Reds 9.90% 13.80% 0.408 0.596 0.248 7.3 0.371 0.437
Desmond Jennings Rays 14.30% 13.20% 0.419 0.491 0.167 7.9 0.354 0.426
Mike Morse Nationals 8.30% 16.40% 0.404 0.558 0.218 4.7 0.379 0.424
Luis Valbuena Indians 17.00% 16.70% 0.436 0.538 0.218 5.7 0.355 0.424
Ryan Raburn Tigers 13.00% 27.70% 0.357 0.638 0.383 4.4 0.241 0.423
Juan Francisco Reds 4.20% 26.10% 0.384 0.598 0.239 3.9 0.444 0.422
Andy Marte Indians 6.80% 16.70% 0.369 0.593 0.267 3.7 0.345 0.419
Jonny Gomes Reds 8.40% 27.50% 0.361 0.58 0.298 4.7 0.326 0.412
Elijah Dukes Nationals 11.70% 13.20% 0.388 0.529 0.25 3.8 0.286 0.412
Ian Desmond Nationals 10.10% 17.40% 0.428 0.461 0.107 5.7 0.425 0.408
Brian Myrow - - - 15.10% 19.20% 0.419 0.496 0.189 2.8 0.346 0.404
Don Kelly Tigers 10.40% 13.70% 0.404 0.465 0.134 7.3 0.371 0.402
Jorge Padilla Nationals 7.20% 10.30% 0.424 0.482 0.116 5.7 0.4 0.401
Shelley Duncan Yankees 12.40% 20.80% 0.37 0.546 0.27 3.3 0.29 0.401
Matt LaPorta Indians 11.10% 16.60% 0.388 0.53 0.231 3.4 0.317 0.401
Kevin Barker Reds 13.20% 22.60% 0.376 0.551 0.266 3.3 0.313 0.398
Todd Linden Yankees 10.20% 25.70% 0.381 0.515 0.203 6.5 0.396 0.397
Jordan Brown Indians 6.70% 15.30% 0.381 0.532 0.197 2.7 0.37 0.397
Kelly Johnson Braves 7.10% 15.40% 0.339 0.596 0.288 5.6 0.317 0.396
Jeff Fiorentino Orioles 11.60% 17.00% 0.387 0.51 0.197 6.3 0.351 0.393
Matt Wieters Orioles 12.40% 21.30% 0.387 0.504 0.199 3.7 0.358 0.391
Scott Sizemore Tigers 9.00% 16.80% 0.378 0.473 0.164 5.8 0.349 0.39
Chris Richard Rays 12.50% 22.70% 0.364 0.521 0.258 2.1 0.279 0.39
Darnell McDonald Reds 5.40% 20.00% 0.349 0.539 0.225 6.6 0.367 0.386
Andrew McCutchen Pirates 7.80% 11.90% 0.361 0.493 0.189 8.1 0.329 0.384
Jon Weber Rays 11.00% 21.70% 0.382 0.497 0.195 2.1 0.36 0.383
Fernando Martinez Mets 5.90% 18.80% 0.337 0.54 0.25 4.5 0.319 0.382
Juan Miranda Yankees 11.20% 23.10% 0.369 0.498 0.208 3.3 0.34 0.382
Rhyne Hughes - - - 6.20% 31.80% 0.357 0.51 0.21 3.5 0.411 0.381
Todd Frazier Reds 8.70% 19.00% 0.362 0.476 0.175 3.2 0.347 0.381
Michael Restovich White Sox 10.60% 24.10% 0.366 0.505 0.215 3.1 0.346 0.381
Clete Thomas Tigers 12.90% 28.00% 0.39 0.417 0.126 6.7 0.4 0.381
Matt Joyce Rays 13.80% 23.50% 0.373 0.482 0.209 5.2 0.323 0.379


Thursday, September 17, 2009

Chase Utley Posting Career High Fantasy Stats

Last night, Chase Utley stole his 20th and 21st bases of the season. It is even more impressive than it sounds at this late point in the season, when you consider that we were all at least slightly worried about him coming into the season. It may seem like centuries ago now, but Utley had hip surgery last off season and the earliest reports all predicted that he could miss the first month of the season. Instead Utley was ready on day one and has had another in a string of great (possibly even underrated) seasons. In fact he is on pace to set career highs in Walks, OBP, Home Runs and Stolen Bases.

Utley plays in the middle of the best lineup in the National League. As long as the group of Utley, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez stay together he should continue to have great Run and RBI totals. He is in his prime years as a hitter and should have at least a couple more years before his age starts to show in his stats. His manager obviously doesn't have an issue with Utley stealing bases. How could he when Utley is always successful? That's right, Utley has 21 stolen bases and has not been caught this season. With a consistently high batting average, OBP, SLG, his ability to hit homeruns, steal bases, and stay in the lineup despite everything --how could you do better?
Year Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
2003 PHI 43 134 13 32 10 1 2 21 11 22 2 0 .239 .322 .373 .696
2004 PHI 94 267 36 71 11 2 13 57 15 40 4 1 .266 .308 .468 .776
2005 PHI 147 543 93 158 39 6 28 105 69 109 16 3 .291 .376 .540 .915
2006 PHI 160 658 131 203 40 4 32 102 63 132 15 4 .309 .379 .527 .906
2007 PHI 132 530 104 176 48 5 22 103 50 89 9 1 .332 .410 .566 .976
2008 PHI 159 607 113 177 41 4 33 104 64 104 14 2 .292 .380 .535 .915
2009 PHI 140 511 102 151 27 2 31 90 83 98 21 0 .296 .414 .538 .952

Utley's incredible production and his own only slightly diminished production must put the mind of Alex Rodriguez to rest. A-Rod had a temporary procedure done, a patch of sorts, to allow him to play through a hip injury very similar to Utley's. In April, I did not have high hopes for A-Rod based on the temporary nature of the fix and the simultaneous steroid controversy that was raging at the time. Obviously, I mis-judged both Rodriguez and his chances at a productive season. I now have considerably more faith that A-Rod will emerge from his off-season surgery (the real fix) as productive as he ever was.

Chase Utley is a worthy first round pick for fantasy owners in almost any kind of league. I would have no problem taking him in the top ten and even in the top three just after Albert Pujols and Hanley Ramirez. His position puts him ahead of Ryan Braun, Miguel Cabrera, Cecil Fielder and even AFB favorite --Matt Kemp. Joe Mauer is also approaching this territory for me but I'm not quite sold on jis ability to repeat his power numbers yet.

Here is how Yahoo ranks the Top 25 Fantasy Players coming down the stretch:

1) Albert Pujols 1B St. Louis Cardinals
2) Hanley Ramirez SS Florida Marlins
3) Tim Lincecum SP San Francisco Giants
4) Dan Haren SP Arizona Diamondbacks
5) Zack Grienke SP Kansas City Royals
6) Ryan Braun OF Milwaukee Brewers
7) Prince Fielder 1B Milwaukee Brewers
8) Matt Kemp OF Los Angeles Dodgers
9) Joe Mauer C Minnesota Twins
10) Chase Utley 2B Philadelphia Phillies
11) Mark Reynolds 3B Arizona Diamondbacks
12) Chris Carpenter SP St. Louis Cardinals
13) Derek Jeter SS New York Yankees
14) Javier Vazquez SP Atlanta Braves
15) Felix Hernandez SP Seattle Mariners
16) Miguel Cabrera 1B Detroit Tigers
17) Carl Crawford OF Tampa Bay Rays
18) Matt Holliday OF St. Louis Cardinals (This one deserves a post of its own)
19) Ryan Howard 1B Philadelphia Phillies
20) Mark Teixeira 1B New York Yankees
21) Adam Wainwright SP St. Louis Cardinals
22) Bobby Abreu OF Los Angeles Angels
23) Justin Verlander SP Detroit Tigers
24) Roy Halladay SP Toronto Blue Jays
25) Derrek Lee 1B Chicago Cubs

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Brian Fuentes Demoted? Matt Kemp Rising! Tomko Dealing?!?!

To baseball in a minute. Has anyone out there seen Whiteout yet? Its based on this Graphic Noveland stars Kate Beckinsale. It has to be worth seeing, right?



Los Angeles Angels manager, Mike Scioscia, is calling Kevin Jepsen a co-closer to Brian Fuentes. "Both guys have been an important part of the back end of the bullpen," Scioscia said on Monday night. "But if there are some matches that could be advantageous [to use Jepsen], we will try to take advantage of [them]." Jepsen is probably gone in deeper leagues but any Fuentes owners still in contention should be checking the waiver wires. I doubt this is a situation that would continue into 2010 but it may be worth grabbing Jepsen in keeper leagues where he is still available. You never know.

I think the St. Louis Cardinals made a serious mistake this season. While I love Matt Holiday and his impact on the Cards playoff chances is undeniable, they should have found a way to do it without losing top prospect Brett Wallace. The Athletics had to deal Holiday. They had no shot at retaining him and offering a player like Holiday arbitration in uncertain financial times can be extremely risky. Wallace may not be a stellar defensive player at third base. He may not even be average. But to dump him when your team has such a glaring hole at the position and such a need for a bat like Wallace...It continues to boggle my mind all these weeks later.

Instead the Cardinals continue to use Joe Thurston at third with a very rare dose of Troy Glaus when his fragile bones allow. Glaus has managed just 18 at-bats this season. Is the defense from Joe Thurston and Glaus so much more valuable than a potential all-star bat? I seriously doubt it.

Is Brett Tomko an improved pitcher or is this just a nice run of good luck for him? His 5.39 FIP says it isn't. His strikeout rate is still a barely mediocre 5.18, less even than his career 5.98 rate. His walk rate is down this year to 2.04 per nine innings. But walks have never really been Tomko's problem. The HR9 starts to get at his problem. He has a career rate of 1.26 which is bad enough but this year it stands at 1.88 which is probably still a sign of bad luck even for Tomko. His FB rate is up significantly but since it hasn't really hurt him I think it is safe to assume that he is being aided greatly by Oakland Collesium (or whatever they call it now). The A's defense and bullpen have also helped Tomko build a 84.8 LOB% which is another sign that luck is playing a huge factor in his performance. I'm sure he's tempting to those that are streaming pitchers down the stretch. I would still stay away. Rostering Tomko is like trading your cow for a sack of magic beans.

RotoCommunity.com has lots of great articles you should check out. But of particular interest may be their expert league fantasy football draft results. My team got destroyed in week one. It didn't help that my thin receiving core was counting on Anthony Gonzalez to step up into a quasi-number one type. I have serious work to do. It is not too late to gain some value from looking at this draft. It could confirm an idea or turn you off on another one.

Over at FanGraphs, Dave Cameron is predicting the rise of the center fielder.
There is so much talent in center field that we could be seeing the dawning of the greatest group of talent to ever play the position at the same time. Seriously, just take a look at the current crop of players manning the position.
This spawned nearly 100 comments from readers. Many had a problem with the groupings that Dave used which in my opinion is a little silly. The groupings have little to do with the overall point -- that this is a historic period for center field talent. A few seemed to have a problem with how Matt Kemp was classified. Some arguing that he is overrated and others that he is potentially the best in the game. A couple of the older guys suggested that the Duke Snider/Mickey Mantle/Willie Mays era was easily the best. This is interesting reading that you'll want to check out.

Justin Morneau Out for the Season

Back injuries are the worst. Not only are they hard to rehab but once you hurt your back the chance of a recurrence increases significantly. You have probably heard that Justin Morneau will miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his back. I have not heard when exactly his back was injured but Morneau has been slumping pretty badly for more than a month. The Minnesota Twins have announced that he will not need surgery and through rest and rehab should be prepared to start the 2010 season on time.

As bad as this news is for Morneau owners it should give a slight boost to those owners still holding on to Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young. Both players have been extremely disappointing this season. Gomez was reduced to part-time play and has just 11 stolen bases in 17 attempts. He'll become the regular center fielder for the balance of the season. So, if you could use a few extra steals down the stretch (and can take the slight hit to your batting average) Gomez could be your man. Young's July hot streak was apparently just a mirage and not a sign that he was starting to get it. At least that is the only conclusion to make where the stats are concerned. Young still has those tools and will receive a boost in at-bats with Michael Cuddyer moving to first base.

Monday, September 14, 2009

BA's Player of the Year and Lots More

Jason Heyward is Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year. No one who follows prospects is surprised. He is truly the total package. He has the tools to do anything on the baseball diamond. He has patience, discipline, developing power, baserunning skills, and a cannon right-field arm. I'm drooling over the possibilities of owning him in my leagues. Yes, I am the guy in your league obsessed with prospects. Fortunately, I have enough control to avoid letting it change my draft or auction...most of the time. The article compares him to Francouer which I think is pretty stupid statistically since he never did have any real patience at the plate.

Speaking of lack of patience, the Giants astound me. They have a nice stadium and resources but they still haven't got a clue how to build an offense. They have a lineup full of guys who hit for a decent batting average but without patience or power. Now, one or two guys like that (who also play excellent defense) would be okay. But a whole lineup of them (sans Pablo Sandoval and Bengie Molina) is just stupid. How does Brian Sabean keep his job? Lincecum could have won another Cy Young with just a little run support.

Our friends over at MLB Fantasy Prospects have a feature article on Jaff Decker. The article, #23 MLB Fantasy Prospect: Jaff Decker (OF, San Diego Padres) - Scouting Report is part of a series on the best prospects of 2009. It gives us the origins of Jaff's unusually spelled name. Who they call John Kruk Jr, a nice compliment unless he becomes a Baseball Tonight analyst... But seriously, add these guys to your RSS Feeds and follow them Twitter, it will be worth it.

I think the idea that Theo Epstein would make the silly offer to the Blue Jays described in this article is not based in reality. The Red Sox are probably one of the few teams that could survive after ravaging their farm system that way but Theo would never do it. He is just too smart.

Thanks AaronGleeman.com! I know for a fact that Fat Kids do indeed love bacon.



Baseball-Intellect
takes a look at the injuries that have plagued pitching prospects in the New York Yankees system. I don't think this is a sign that the Yankees have a problem with their minor league coaches and trainers. I think it is more that the Yankees take chances with pitchers that in some cases they draft with the knowledge that they may eventually require surgery. The downside is a lot of wasted dollars (which the Yankees can afford) the upside is a deeper system with upside arms that the low-drafting Yankees would never otherwise get to draft.

Evil E is my favorite Fantasy Basketball analyst. His site RotoEvil.com is a must visit if you are serious about your fantasy basketball. His 50 Players to Target for the 2009-10 Fantasy Basketball Season is in progress right now. I can't wait for his Draft Guide...You should join his Free Fantasy Basketball Mailing List by signing up here.

Not to short change another of the lesser Fantasy Sports (just kidding) RotoRob.com has released their top 20 left-wingers as part of their Fantasy Hockey Draft Kit. Go see if he placed Alexander Ovechkin at number two, just for fun. RotoRob.com also has a Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit that you should be keeping up with.

Okay, to keep this from turning into an All-Sports Blog I will second Roto Think Tank's notion that you should roster Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond. Not only is he playing well down the stretch he looks like the starting shortstop in 2010. He raised his walk rate in the minors this season to a respectable 10.1 percent while cutting his strikeouts to 17.4 percent. He is for real.

The Braves have accumulated quite the collection of starters this season. Tim Hudson is back from surgery and has been solid. They now have Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Hudson, Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens and Kenshin Kawakami all pitching effectively. They have a couple of holes on offense primarily in the outfield. I have a solid hunch that Heyward will take over in right field next season. Could the Braves trade a starter for a left fielder or first baseman this winter?

As the Major League Baseball season comes to a close and the National Football League, National Hockey League, and National Basketball Association get going you want to be sporting the hottest new gear don't you? Well, if you're leaning towards buying a new cap or sports jersey please consider doing it through one of the advertisements on the site. You'll be getting exactly the high quality products you're looking for while helping to keep me in hot dogs and ramen noodles. Thank you for your support, it is and always will be much appreciated.

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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Baseball America's 2009 Top 20 Standout Prospects

If you are going to play Advanced Fantasy Baseball you will need to stay current with prospects and future prospects. Baseball America is an excellent source of information on minor leaguers, college players, high school players, independent leagues, and the winter leagues. Although they keep most of their material behind the subscription wall there is always very useful information available for free.

One useful free resource is their Baseball America Prospect Report. This is a FREE daily e-mail that updates you on the performances of players in the minors. It also keeps up with the players participating in Winter Leagues so it should be useful if you, like me, are too poor to journey to Arizona every Fall.

The Prospect Hot Sheet is Baseball America's weekly update on who the hottest minor leaguers are. This week for the last week of the report for the season they shared their Top 20 Standout Prospects from the 2009 season. I'm reproducing the list but you'll have to visit the link to read their comments and see the stats these guys put up this year. Any comments are all mine.

1. Jason Heyward RF Atlanta Braves - Almost universally considered the best prospect in the game. He should begin a long reign as the Braves best player in 2010.

2. Buster Posey C San Francisco Giants - The Giants have an under-hyped group of position players that will certainly help them upgrade their offense. Posey leads that pack and could be starting for the Giants in 2010.

3. Chris Carter 1B Oakland Athletics - The next Jason Giambi may be in the Oakland clubhouse in 2o10. Though the A's may want to give him a bit more time at AAA to work on cutting down those strikeouts.

4. Brian Matusz LHP Baltimore Orioles - The leader of an impressive crop of Orioles pitching prospects. He's already turning heads in the majors.

5. Desmond Jennings CF Tampa Bay Rays - Jennings is a personal favorite of mine. I love his combination of speed on the base paths and power potential. He is the only minor leaguer this season with more than 50 stolen bases and 50 extra-base hits.

6. Carlos Santana C Cleveland Indians - Santana looks ready to replace Victor Martinez in the Indians' lineup. He's not quite in Martinez's class as a hitter (not yet anyway) but he should be a very good fantasy option.

7. Derek Norris C Washington Nationals - The catcher of the future in Washington. Jesus Flores has the power but he does not have the skills that Norris displayed this season.

8. Christian Friedrich LHP Colorado Rockies - As a Rockies pitcher and a rookie he won't qualify for the Short List but his stuff is incredible.

9. Madison Bumgarner LHP San Francisco Giants - Another great pitching prospect for the Giants. He might be the left-handed Tim Lincecum if he can develop a complement to his great fastball.

10. Jeremy Hellickson RHP Tampa Bay Rays - Hellickson would probably already be dominating in the majors if he were not in an organization busting at the seams with pitching talent.

11. Jaff Decker LF San Diego Padres - This is the patient and power-hitting outfielder the Padres so desperately need.

12. Jesus Montero C New York Yankees - He broke a finger in August which probably cost him a September call-up. He could be the Yankees' next DH if he moves away from catching as most suspect he will.

13. Daniel Hudson RHP Chicago White Sox - Played at four different levels this season before finishing in the major league bullpen. He could be in the big league rotation next season.

14. Pedro Alvarez 3B Pittsburgh Pirates -He represents hope for Pirates fans. He was worth all the trouble the organization went through to sign his powerful bat even if it ends up at first base.

15. James Darnell 3B San Diego Padres - The Padres have a nice group of patient hitters in the pipelines. They may know what they're doing after all.

16. Thomas Neal LF San Francisco Giants - He played in High A at 22-years old but should be promoted quickly up the ladder next season.

17. Martin Perez LHP Texas Rangers - Perez is currently my favorite pitching prospect. The Rangers are on a role when it comes to developing pitchers and Perez will have the chance to establish himself as in the same class as Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz next season.

18. Ike Davis 1B New York Mets - Davis has serious power but has some work to do on his plate discipline.

19. Michael Taylor RF Philadelphia Phillies - Taylor could be proof that the Phillies are about to go on a run of success never before seen by a Philly baseball team. He has all the tools and produced big-time numbers this season.

20. Tyler Flowers C Chicago White Sox - He was a standout in the Arizona Fall League last year and produced like a future standout fantasy catcher this year.

Under Not Fantasy Sports but Still Awesome!

Dan Brown, author of the Di Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, has a new book coming out called The Lost Symbol. The new book also features the historian detective, Robert Langdon. Dan Brown writes books that are almost impossible to put down. Everyone you know will be talking about it very soon. The even greater news is that Amazon is offering an insane discount on the book right off the bat. You can get the Hardcover edition for just $16.17 which is 46 percent off the cover price. If you buy through one of my Amazon links you'll also be helping out Advanced Fantasy Baseball. In fact, if you buy stuff from Amazon.com you can always do so through the portals on this site and help me out while doing your shopping as usual.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Matt Kemp - 2010's Top Ranked Outfielder

Before this season began I predicted that Matt Kemp would become a top 10 outfielder and he has done it. I was prepared to call Matt Kemp the number one outfielder for the 2010 season but Paul Sporer of FanBall's OwnersEdge has beat me to it. Paul has just released some very early top 12 rankings at each position for the 2010 season. I have a few quibbles, but overall the lists are pretty close to what the better fantasy experts will be posting in the next few months. Paul of course has done it first.

Owner's Edge is a premiere site that charges a membership few in order to access their articles. But Paul was good enough to post his lists on the RotoJunkie Forums for people to see and comment upon. Here is the outfielder list, check out RotoJunkie and OwnersEdge for the others.

1. Matt Kemp
2. Ryan Braun
3. Carl Crawford
4. Jacoby Ellsbury
5. Grady Sizemore
6. Matt Holliday
7. Ichiro Suzuki
8. Carlos Beltran
9. Bobby Abreu
10. Justin Upton
11. Jason Bay
12. Adam Dunn