NL Call-up Report

Jason Michael Barker

As advertised, it's time to take a look at the National League's late-season call-ups, separating the top prospects from the usual suspects. The class features several very highly regarded players, including J.D. Drew of the Cardinals and Atlanta's Bruce Chen.

Bruce Chen, P, Atlanta. The rich get richer. Chen is the top pitching prospect in an organization loaded with good pitching prospects, and features a good fastball as well as an above-average curve and changeup. The 21 year-old Panamanian dominated the AA Southern League this season before a late-season promotion to AAA Richmond, where he struck out 29 batters in 24 innings.

Due their already stellar starting rotation, the Braves have the luxury of giving Chen a full year at AAA next season to polish his game. Conversely, they might decide to deal a starter (say, Denny Neagle) to fill their hole at 2B, in which case Chen might begin the year in the Braves' rotation.

George Lombard, OF, Atlanta. Lombard finished up a stellar season at AA Greenville, in which he hit 22 home runs and stole 35 bases, showing a tremendous all-around game. Always noted as a "tools" player (read: raw athlete) who struck out too much, he improved his walk rate this season, giving hope for the future. He still whiffed 140 times in 422 at-bats, but his 71 walks were certainly a good sign. The Braves are very high on Lombard, and refused to trade him in their pursuit of an established closer this July.

Alex Gonzalez, SS, Florida. With Edgar Renteria injured, Gonzalez has been given the job for the rest of the season. The hot rumor around Marlins' camp is that Renteria will be moved to 3B next season to accommodate the 21-year old Venezuelan. Gonzalez is solid in the field, but leaves much to be desired at the plate. Although he has decent power (19 home runs at AA last season at age 20), he has shown little in the way of plate discipline. However, he's still young, still growing, and still building strength, and could easily develop into a solid big-league hitter in a few years.

Michael Barrett, SS/C/3B, Montreal. There's a story behind the three positions listed. Barrett originally came up as a shortstop, but the Expos moved him behind the plate in 1996 to take advantage of his strong throwing arm. This season they've moved him back out to the infield, this time to third. All this defensive shifting doesn't seem to have hurt him at the plate, as he hit .320 with 19 home runs and 32 doubles at AA Harrisburg this season. An aggressive hitter, Barrett drew just 27 walks this season while striking out 47 times in 453 at-bats. At 21 he's a year away from the bigs, but a player with his versatility and solid offense will be able to find a job when the time comes.

Roberto Petagine, 1B/OF, Cincinnati. A favorite of statheads, Petagine is hailed as a player who should have had a starting job by now, but has been stuck in the minors without ever having been given a real shot. Named MVP of the International League in 1997, his biggest skill is his plate discipline. During his late call-up with the Reds this season, he's drawn 15 walks in just 71 plate appearances. He's batting just .255, however, so despite a .408 OBP this trail may be viewed as a failure by management. At 27 he's too old to be considered a top prospect, but he could help a club if given a shot.

Ronnie Belliard, 2B, Milwaukee. Not a name you hear much about, but Belliard's a good infield prospect. This season with AAA Louisville (International League), he hit 14 home runs to go along with seven triples and 36 doubles, for a .503 SLG, a nice number for a player just 5'9" tall. His home run power this season came as something of a surprise, as he hit just seven in the last two years combined. There are no questions about his defense, however, which is excellent. He also drew 69 walks (along with 77 strikeouts) this season, and stole 32 bases.

J.D. Drew, OF, St. Louis. Here's a name I'm sure you've heard of. Originally drafted by the Phillies in 1997, Drew asked for more money than the Phils were willing to pay, and returned to the draft pool where he was taken by the Cardinals, who spent the money required to sign him. A natural "five-tool" talent, his major league debut was overshadowed by Mark McGwire's 62nd home run. Since then Drew has done all he can to overshadow Big Mac, hitting five home runs in just 28 at-bats for a 1.000 SLG, to go along with stellar defense in the outfield. Just 22, Drew is going to be a very good player for years to come.

Jeff Kubenka, P, Los Angeles. Kubenka, a 23 year-old, smallish (6'0", 190) lefty, is nearly unhittable at times. He relies on a very good screwball, accompanied by a below-average fastball and developing curveball. Coming into this season, his minor league totals included a 1.90 ERA, 171 strikeouts, 29 walks, and 65 hits allowed in 104.1 innings. He's been used exclusively as a reliever, and may wind up being a very good closer one day. If he can further develop his fastball, he'll be able to dominate big-league hitters with regularity. In his late call-up, he has struck out nine batters in 7.1 innings, allowing just three hits.

Matt Clement, P, San Diego. Clement took over the title of "best pitching prospect in baseball" this season, taking the mantle from Montreal's Carl Pavano after Pavano joined the Expos this spring. A pure power pitcher, Clement relies on a good sinking fastball and a hard slider. This season was his obligatory "full season at AAA" that I always call for, so the 23 year-old should be ready to join the Padres' rotation next season. They may need him, as ace Kevin Brown is a pending free agent. Injury-free and very durable throughout his career, Clement projects as a #1 or solid #2 starter at his peak.

 

about the author

Jason Michael Barker has no excuses for his school's football team being embarrassed by the University of Nebraska yesterday, so don't bother asking him about it. Anything else is fair game, though, so feel free to email your comments and questions to jmb@strikethree.com.