Prospect Report:
Take One For The Team(s)

David Cameron

By the time you read this, the minor-league season will be under way. With hundreds of teams and over 5,000 players, it can be quite a task to determine which games to go watch. We're here to make that chore a bit easier, and to highlight some of the teams that all prospect-hounds need to see, given the opportunity.

As hard as I tried, I really can't recommend one AAA team as a circle-your-calendar type. Most teams use their highest affiliate as a holding area for veterans and career minor-leaguers, with young prospects being hard to find. If you must venture to a PCL game, try to catch the Fresno Grizzlies on a night when Jesse Foppert or Jerome Williams is throwing. You'll also get a look at outfielder Todd Linden and a few other potential role-players led by Tony Torcato.

Moving on down to AA, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more impressive pitching staff than what the Greenville Braves will roll out. Led by potential ace Adam Wainwright, the Braves will feature no less than four legitimate top arms. Following in the rotation will be Brett Evert, Kenny Nelson, and Matt Belisle. The Braves aren't all pitching either, led by the extremely underrated Kelly Johnson. The other infielders are worth noting as well, especially James Jurries.

The Eastern League isn't as loaded as it has been in past seasons, but the New Haven Ravens boast several future major-league players. Make a point of going on a night when Jason Arnold takes the mound, as the pitching is a bit thin after him. Second baseman Dominic Rich makes the leap to AA after dominating the FSL last year. The Ravens' outfield features former first round picks Gabe Gross and John-Ford Griffin. Also keep an eye on toolsy catcher Guillermo Quiroz, who attempts to show that last year's improvement with the bat was real.

The Texas League always has its share of standouts, but for the second consecutive year, the San Antonio Missions look like they could boast quite a bounty of major-league talent. Their pitching staff is especially strong, with 2002 strikeout king Clint Nageotte making his AA debut. Joining him are right-hander Rett Johnson and southpaw Travis Blackley.

Once Missions shortstop Jose Lopez recovers from his ankle injury, he'll become one of the youngest players in AA at just 19 years of age. Ryan Christianson returns again to justify his first-round selection and prove that he is still the Mariners' catcher of the future. Also, watch for former undrafted free agent Greg Dobbs, who is trying to stick at third base after impressing people with his bat the past few years.

Perhaps the most interesting team on a daily basis will be the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Jeff Mathis and Casey Kotchman are the organization's two best offensive prospects and they're among the best in the game at their positions. Their pitching staff is deep and talented, led by Ervin (formerly Johan) Santana, who has star potential. Joe Torres, Jake Woods, and Stephen Shell are quality arms in their own right, making it likely you'll see an interesting pitcher each time you watch the Quakes.

Not to overstate the Braves' system, but Myrtle Beach is also loaded with talent. Macay McBride, Zach Miner, and Gonzalo Lopez lead a strong rotation that should benefit greatly from the friendly confines in South Carolina. Offensively, the corners are stacked with third baseman Andy Marte and first baseman Scott Thorman, both of whom can pound a baseball.

Carlos Duran and Gregor Blanco are young outfielders with different games that both intrigue in their own way. Add in the potential for second-half promotions of Jeff Francouer and Dan Meyer and the Pelicans are going to have an awful lot of talent on the field this year.

The Florida State League doesn't appear to be as strong as it was last year, but the Vero Beach Dodgers will host some of the best young talent in the game. First baseman James Loney had a tremendous debut and is one of a small handful of players in the game with superstar potential. Across the diamond, Willy Aybar got a huge signing bonus and hasn't justified it to date, but he's still young. He needs to show something this year, however.

When Johnathan Figueroa comes off the DL, he'll add a dynamic arm to go with 19-year-old lefty Greg Miller. Vero Beach may not win the FSL this year, but they'll offer a rare opportunity to see good young talents competing against more experienced competition.

While the South Atlantic League is going to be overwhelmed with talent, the team to watch this year is the Charleston River Dogs. Tampa Bay's futility at the major-league level enabled them to snag the second pick in the draft, and each of their first four draft choices will make their full-season debut in Charleston this year.

Shortstop B.J. Upton gets the hype, but don't sell short the talented outfield of Jason Pridie, Elijah Dukes, and Wes Bankston. All of these kids were in high school a year ago but are pushing their way up the ladder towards Tampa Bay. The pitching isn't much to write home about, but 16th-round pick Mike Prochaska had an impressive debut and may be worth watching.

The lower levels of the Cubs' system are as good as anybody's, which is why the Lansing Lugnuts are going to be a team to see in the Midwest League. 6'9" lefty Andy Sisco will draw a lot of attention, but Justin Jones and Chadd Blasko can also pitch and will form a nasty rotation.

On the offensive side of the ball, Felix Pie has drawn as much hype as anybody after a torrid Arizona League debut. He'll try to repeat his success in full-season ball at the age of 18 and will be one to keep an eye on. Besides Pie, Jason Fransz is a sleeper who isn't getting much talk but has some power that is worth watching.

So, there's the preview. I'll be watching quite a few South Atlantic and Carolina League games over the next few months, and I'll be sure to let you know what I see. Now, get out to the parks and enjoy some baseball in person.

about the author

David Cameron can't say Felix Pie's name without thinking to himself, "Mmmm...pie..." Let him know it's not that there's anything wrong with that at dac@strikethree.com.