Mound Talk

As promised, here is a review of the Top 100 Prospects for 2007. I will post comments on some players. Specific questions can be sent to koby.schellenger@gmail.com or posted at the bottom.

Matt Albers had a disappointing season for at the big league level. He shouldn’t be discouraged too much and still has a shot at making it as a back-end guy.

I was impressed by Matt Harrison’s season in Double-A.

Kouzmanoff didn’t disappoint me. He was highly touted by some and proved he’s just a fringe big leaguer.

Yusmiero Petit might have run his course in baseball. He’s a bullpen guy.

Chris Parmalee’s season should not be treated as a negative. He played in the offense-depleting Midwest League. Strikeouts are the big key with him.

Eric Patterson had a tremendous season in Iowa. It’s just too bad for him that he’s got a lot of big-leaguers ahead of him in Chicago.

Anthony Swarzak had a good season in Double-A. Secondary stuff needs a bit of refinement.

Jeremy Jeffress’ supsension for what is being reported as a positive test for marijuana will hurt his development, but not his status.

Kurt Suzuki is looking more and more like a below average big league catcher.

Hank Conger’s only question is defense. His bat is outstanding and his line is incredible for the Midwest League.

Sean Gallagher spent time in two minor leagues and suceeded in both. I think he’s going to be a very underrated prospect coming into 2008.

Kory Casto figures to play a part in Washington next season, though he won’t be that good.

Eric Campbell’s stock took a dive in 2007. The good news is he stayed pretty close to the XXX/+.100/+.100 line good hitter have.

Craig Hansen has all but fallen off the map this year. Everything about him looks bad to me.

Wade Davis had two sucessful campaigns in High-A and Double-A and has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the minor leagues.

His teammate Jacob McGee had a great campaign in High-A. These two guys should make a great duo moving forward.

Chris Volstad kept doing what he does. In retrospect, he may have been overrated coming into the season but has shed light on a different type of pitching prospect.

Yunel Escobar has shown he can play at the major league level and the Braves may have found their second baseman of the future.

Carlos Gomez has struggled in the big leagues and overall, didn’t have a great season. He’s still loaded with potential (and just 21) so I’m not ready to write him off yet.

Elijah Dukes is what the girls on Laguna Beach would call “dun-zo”

Nolan Reimold had a good season in Double-A that was cut short.

Brandon Erbe took a tumble this year.

Sean Rodriguez had an ok season. Needs to cut down on strikeouts.

Kevin Slowey had an up and down season. He just seems like he can’t figure out the big leagues.

Blake DeWitt had a good season but needs to keep building his power.

Carlos Carrasco hit a snag in Double-A and will look to rebound in 2008.

Neil Walker made the move to third base this year and hit well. Strikeouts are a key stat for him.

Franklin Morales had a nasty season in Double-A.

Bill Rowell is still full of talent but is going to really need to turn it on in a hurry. He struck out in over 25% of his PAs.

Jeff Niemann is going to be in the big leagues next year but at this point, I’m a little pessimistic.

Donald Veal dropped like a rock. Too many walks.

Jacoby Ellsbury’s season is highlighted by two very short, but very good stints at the beginning and end of the season surrounding 403 Triple-A PAs that are very average.