Prospect Report:
Salem Lights

David Cameron

Since I only write a column once a week, sometimes guys just slip through the cracks. Chicago Cubs right-hander Todd Wellemeyer made his major-league debut this week, earning a 17th-inning save by striking out the side. Unfortunately, I've never written one word about him, even though I think he's got a bright future.

He's been overshadowed in a Cubs system loaded with pitching, but has managed to sneak in behind Mark Prior and give Dusty Baker another young arm to slag. After a solid 2002 season, Wellemeyer really made a name for himself in the Arizona Fall League, posting 40 strikeouts in 35 innings and lighting up radar guns in October. He began 2003 at AA West Tennessee and pitched well, despite his 5.48 ERA. A promotion to AAA Iowa only lasted 13 innings before the Cubs came calling.

He's not going to overwhelm you with a 98-MPH fastball, but he has low 90s velocity with movement, which makes him tough to hit. His breaking ball is a cross between an overhand curve and a slider, and is very effective on right-handed batters. His command is major-league average right now, but his pitching intelligence is off the charts. On the same roster as Wood, Prior, Cruz, and Zambrano, no one will ever tab Wellemeyer as the ace of the staff. Don't be too surprised if he turns into a Jon Lieber-type pitcher, however, and is pitching at the front of the Cubs' rotation in several years.

I had the chance to take in a Carolina League game between the Salem Avalanche and the Winston Salem Warthogs last weekend. White Sox GM Kenny Williams decided the game had enough importance to attend, though I have to agree with the Braves' scout sitting in front of me; "In 11 years of pro scouting, I've never seen an Astros affiliate with this little talent."

I don't have 11 years of experience doing this, but I was disappointed in the talent that Salem rolled out. The Astros are a player-development powerhouse, but they are in the middle of a dry spell, and their high-A affiliate is a walking example.

The saving grace of the Avalanche is catcher Hector Gimenez, who is the only legitimate prospect in the lineup. Gimenez is starting everyday in the Carolina League at age 20, which is impressive in and of itself. His performance hasn't been overwhelming, but he's holding his own and making adjustments. He's not a big kid, and really could pass for a middle infielder if he grabbed a glove and trotted out to second base. There's little thickness anywhere on him, and I'll be surprised if he ever hits the 200-pound mark.

Despite his diminutive frame, Gimenez has some juice in his bat. His swing is fundamentally sound, though he's got a way to go in learning the fine art of hitting. He had problems with breaking balls, but got around on most fastballs he saw. Defensively, he's got a rocket, but there is room to improve his release. If he maximizes his defensive tools, he can be a shutdown-type catcher no one will run on.

On the White Sox side of the ball, there was a bit more to see. Southpaw Ryan Wing, the organization's second-round choice in 2001, was on the hill and looking to build on his early-season success. He flashed an 88-91 MPH fastball with tailing movement but only average command. There were stretches where he seemed to be guessing on where his fastball may end up.

Wing's secondary pitch has slider-type movement, but I was assured it is really a cut fastball. At 83-85 MPH and running away from left-handers, this can be a very solid second pitch. He didn't show much of a feel for a changeup, however, and had to rely on his cutter more than he would have liked.

There's definitely potential with Wing, but I can't say he distinguished himself from the rest of lefties trying to make the show. When you watch him throw, you don't walk away thinking "big-league pitcher". He's going to need a third pitch and improved command to keep moving up the ladder. I'll make an effort to see him again later this year and report on his progress.

When Wing was removed in the 7th inning, the Warthogs brought in fellow lefty Ryan Meaux, who hadn't been scored on prior to that night. Meaux is posting some impressive numbers despite a very average repertoire of pitches. He pitched his two innings at 85-86 with his fastball, several ticks below what I saw last fall with Kannapolis. He relied heavily on a 12-6 curveball with good drop, but it isn't a knockout pitch. He threw it up to 77 MPH, which didn't give him a big change in velocity from his fastball.

Meaux came from San Francisco last year in the Kenny Lofton trade, but I think it's a bit early for Giants fans to be lamenting the loss of a top prospect. Meaux may not be giving up runs, but there's not much there that makes you think he'll continue this success at higher levels. He reminded me of former White Sox LOOGY Ken Vining, who posted good numbers in AAA but was pounded every time he put on a big league uniform.

Also of note was Warthogs shortstop Mike Morse. He's a legitimate 6'3" and looks like a frail version of Nomar Garciaparra. He showed some pop in his bat and has gap power at a young age. Compared to most shortstops, he's got some real offensive promise.

Unfortunately, there's no reason to compare Mike Morse to most shortstops. I was taught to not say anything if I didn't have something nice to say, so I'll evaluate Morse's work with the glove like this: Kelly Johnson is now the second-worst defensive shortstop I've ever seen. Also, for those who may see him in the future, it is advisable to bring a sand timer with you. It is a much more effective way to clock Morse from home to first than a regular old stopwatch.

With the draft just over two weeks away, we'll shift our attention to amateur baseball for the next few weeks. If you've read Moneyball by Michael Lewis yet, you'll know that the A's are among several organizations who are attempting to reinvent the draft. Next week, I'll explain why Billy Beane needed Grady Fuson a lot more than he believes, and why the A's draft philosophy may be no wiser than that of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

about the author

Why yes, David Cameron does bring his sand timer to the ballpark. Suggest he should have chosen the sundial instead at dac@strikethree.com.