Mound Talk

1. Josh Vitters, 3B, A-. Vitters can hit for average and power and although his pro debut was pathetic, no one is doubting his ability yet. Defensively he should be able to handle third base.
2. Geovany Soto, C, MLB. At age 24, Soto had a big time breakout in 2007. After stalling offensively in the Pacific Coast League for two seasons, he suddenly was able to hit for average, and power. His defense has always been good enough but with his offensive explosion, he has been launched into top prospect status by the industry. Catchers typically develop on a later timetable than other position players so his age shouldn’t be much of a concern. What is a concern is how lucky he was as his great Triple-A season was fueled by a .409 BABIP and the fact that he hasn’t produced near this level at any other point in his professional career.
3. Sean Gallagher, RHSP, MLB. Gallagher has a decent fastball sitting in the low-90s but has superior control of it. His curveball is also good but needs a little more consistency. He’ll spend most of 2008 in Triple-A in all likelihood but should develop into a nice #3 or #4 starter.
4. Tyler Colvin, OF, AA. Colvin has a nice set of balanced skills. In particular, his swing is very fluid and easy with decent bat speed. He should be a good hitter for average and power with good speed to boot. Defensively he has good range in center field and an ok arm. He’ll spend 2008 in Triple-A and get a chance to work on drawing walks (he only took 15 in 492 at-bats between High-A and Double-A in 2007) and pitch recognition. He is presently fooled too often by offspeed stuff.
5. Eric Patterson, OF, MLB. Moundtalk looked at Patterson in more detail earlier this year but basically the guy offers speed, some power, some defense and some ability to hit for average. He’s nothing too special but should be a sufficient utility player capable of playing middle infield or outfield.
6. Josh Donaldson, C, A-. Taken as a supplemental first round pick this season, Donaldson went to Rookie Ball for 11 at-bats before being promoted to Boise where he hit .346/.470/.605 in 162 at-bats. He has good power to the pull side and controls the strike zone well. He will need to improve his ability to go the opposite way as he moves up. Defensively, he has a good arm but needs to work on his footwork and accuracy of throws.
7. Kevin Hart, RHSP, MLB. Hart developed a cut fastball this year to go along with a low-90s fastball and a decent change. His curveball needs a lot of work before he uses it effectively. His delivery is very easy and smooth with a repeatable motion. He threw as a reliever in the big leagues but will be moved back to the rotation in 2008.
8. Jose Ceda, RHRP, A. Ceda suffered a shoulder injury this season that limited him to 50 innings over 23 games. He converted to a reliever after that injury and that has made a tremendous difference. His fastball was elevated to mid-90s and his slider added bite to it. He needs to work on his conditioning and develop a repeatable motion. He tends to tip his pitches a little bit.
9. Tony Thomas, 2B, A-. Thomas is a good hitter with a nice swing and strong wrists. He has decent power and good speed. Defensively he needs a lot of work and there are serious doubts about him playing even average defense in the future.
10. Jeff Samardzija, RHSP, AA. Project. Project. Project. He has great velocity on his fastball and great sink. He has great potential in his slider. He just needs to control his pitches better and develop some consistency.
Flier. Robinson Chirinos, SS, AA. Chirinos plays a decent defense and has great patience. He just can’t hit very well. If he can learn to hit a little, he’ll be a nice utility man.

Overall the system isn’t that good. Many of the top prospects have serious glaring holes including inexperience, fluky seasons, mechanical problems and defensive deficiencies.