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Re: Prospects 

Post#81 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:22 pm

Vin Mazzaro, rhp Born: Sept. 27, 1986. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 190.
Drafted: HS—Rutherford, N.J., 2005 (3rd round). Signed By: Jeff Bittiger.

Background: Though he posted a 5.21 ERA over his first two pro seasons, the A's sent Mazzaro to Double-A last season at age 21. He responded by leading the Texas League in ERA (1.90), earning TL pitcher of the year honors and a promotion to Triple-A.

Strengths: Mazzaro's hard sinker sits in the low 90s and touches 95, generating groundballs. He pitches off his fastball, and he shows the ability to sink, run or cut it. His control got significantly better in 2008, allowing him to keep hitters off balance by mixing locations and changing planes. He showed a greater willingness to challenge hitters than he had in the past. His improved slider has tight break and is an average pitch.

Weaknesses: Mazzaro still is trying to find a reliable offspeed pitch. He didn't throw his changeup much last season, though it took a step forward and could become an average offering. His curveball is more of a show-me pitch. His mechanics are mostly sound, though he does throw slightly across his body.

The Future: After getting knocked around in Triple-A at the end of last season, he'll return there in 2009. With Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill nearly ready for the majors, Oakland shouldn't have to rush Mazzaro.


2008 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Midland (AA)
12
3
1.90
22
22
0
0
137.1
115
3
36
104
.229

Sacramento (AAA)
3
3
6.15
6
5
0
0
33.2
49
3
9
27
.340
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Re: Prospects 

Post#82 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:23 pm

Jemile Weeks, 2b Born: Jan. 26, 1987. B-T: B-R. HT.:
5-9. WT.: 180.
Drafted: Miami, 2008 (1st round). Signed By: Trevor Schaffer.

Background: The A's drafted Weeks with the 12th overall pick in June, their highest selection since they took Barry Zito ninth overall in 1999. That made Weeks and his brother Rickie, the No. 2 overall choice in 2003, the eighth pair of siblings to become first-round picks. An All-American at Miami, he signed for $1.91 million but had his pro debut cut shot by a hip flexor injury.

Strengths: Weeks is a quick-twitch athlete with plus speed. A switch-hitter, he has a slashing line-drive stroke, and his strong wrists and plus bat speed help him generate surprising power for a player his size. He has a good feel for the strike zone and profiles as leadoff man. He has the ability to make spectacular defensive plays at second base.

Weaknesses: Weeks needs to put in more work to make routine plays at second and to turn the double play. He has battled leg injuries the last two years, with repeated hamstring and groin problems hampering his sophomore season. His hip injury kept him out of instructional league.

The Future: Weeks' bat is advanced enough for him to make his full-season debut in high Class A. He doesn't have his brother's offensive upside, but he's no lightweight as a hitter and is a better defender.


2008 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Kane County (LoA)
.297
.422
.405
74
11
22
3
1
1
8
13
12
6
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Re: Prospects 

Post#83 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:24 pm

James Simmons, rhp Born: Sept. 29, 1986. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-4. WT.: 220.
Drafted: UC Riverside, 2007 (1st round). Signed By: Craig Weissmann.

Background: One of the most advanced pitchers in the 2007 draft, Simmons went straight to Double-A after signing for $1,192,000 as the 25th overall pick. He returned to Midland in 2008 and, after a slow start, he went 7-2, 3.00 over the final two months to finish second in the Texas League in strikeouts (120 in 136 innings) and third in ERA (3.51).

Strengths: Simmons has outstanding command of his 88-92 mph fastball, which peaks at 94. He has a two-seamer with some run and mild sink, and he leans heavily on his fastball the first time through the order. His best secondary weapon is his changeup, which has some run and the potential to become a plus pitch. He has a good delivery that he repeats easily. He does a good job fielding his position.

Weaknesses: Simmons' slider is still a work in progress, and his slow, loopy curveball is just a show-me pitch. He tends to stay a little too upright at the end of his delivery. He went through a brief dead-arm period in May and battled sleep apnea during the season.

The Future: Simmons will begin the season in Triple-A Sacramento with a chance to crack the big league rotation later in the year. He projects as a solid starter if he can tighten his slider.


2008 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Midland (AA)
9
6
3.51
25
25
0
0
136
150
11
32
120
.282
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Re: Prospects 

Post#84 » by TSC25 » Sat Jun 20, 2009 12:39 am

Eric Patterson 2b, Athletics. Unlike many Blasts, Eric Patterson seems like he could be a solid contributor to a big league club if given the opportunity. Of course, Patterson is also 26 years old, as he's seemingly been a prospect forever since the Cubs drafted him in the eighth round n 2004, though he's only accumulated 165 big league plate appearances. The A's have tried Patterson in center field and at second base, and perhaps it's time for some team to give him a big league look at one of those positions after his Triple-A performance thus far. Patterson went 12-for-28 (.429/.500/.893) this week with two homers, three triples, a double and three stolen bases, bringing his season line with Sacramento to .312/.389/.496 in 63 games.
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Re: Prospects 

Post#85 » by TSC25 » Sat Jun 20, 2009 12:40 am

No. 3 JEMILE WEEKS, 2B
ATHLETICS

Team: high Class A Stockton (California)
Age: 22
Why He's Here: .500/.550/1.056 (9-for-18), 1 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBIs, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 SO, 1-for-1 SB
The Scoop: Second base is the least glamorous position for minor league prospects, since many major league second basemen come up through the minor leagues as shortstops. Yet the A's seem to have an uncanny amount of depth in the minors at second base between Weeks, Adrian Cardenas and Eric Patterson (see below). While Weeks spent the first chunk of the season in extended spring training, he's burst on to the Cal League scene powerfully, hitting six home runs in 18 games with a .403/.494/.694 batting league. Yeah, it's the Cal League, but Weeks has a hit in every game he's played in this season and has also shown enough patience to still draw 11 walks. His durability is going to be a concern, but staying healthy is about the only thing Weeks hasn't done this year.
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Re: Prospects 

Post#86 » by TSC25 » Sat Jun 20, 2009 12:40 am

No. 1 GIO GONZALEZ, LHP
ATHLETICS

Team: Triple-A Sacramento (Pacific Coast)
Age: 23
Why He's Here: 2-0, 0.00, 11 1/3 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 18 SO
The Scoop: Gonzalez has mixed flashes of brilliance with stretches of disappointment. Lately, however, Gonzalez has been as dominant as any pitcher in the minor leagues. In his last five starts, Gonzalez has an ERA of 0.30 in 30 1/3 innings—that's one run allowed—with 38 strikeouts, 13 walks and 13 hits allowed. His big-breaking curveball is an out pitch, one reason that he's averaging more than a strikeout per inning.

But for all of Gonzalez's recent excellence, it's fair to wonder whether he will sustain his performance going forward. Big league hitters lit up Gonzalez in his brief major league trial last year and in two appearances this year, and he's struggled with his control even in Triple-A with 34 walks in 61 innings (five walks per nine). There seems to be a wide range of outcomes for Gonzalez when he takes the mound, which means that while he can be frustrating at times, there is still plenty of upside there.
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Re: Prospects 

Post#87 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:09 am

Corey Brown, LF, Athletics: The center fielder on this team a year ago, Brown can play all three outfield positions and has enough arm to wind up in right field. But it's his offense that gets him noticed, as he has considerable power and the speed to steal a few bases. He just needs to tone down his approach and make more consistent contact.
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Re: Prospects 

Post#88 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:11 am

CHRIS CARTER, 1B
ATHLETICS
Chris CarterTeam: Double-A Midland (Texas) / Triple-A Sacramento (Pacific Coast)
Age: 22
Why He's Here: .329/.422/.570 (179-for-544), 28 HR, 43 2B, 2 3B, 115 RBIs, 115 R, 85 BB, 133 SO, 13-for-19 SB
The Scoop: Carter might have had a shot at winning the triple crown in the Texas League if the A's hadn't let him get his feet wet in Triple-A for the last two weeks of the season. Carter wound up finishing second in the TL in average (.337) and home runs (24) and third in RBIs (101). He made the most of his time with the River Cats though, going 3-for-5 in his first Triple-A game and slugging four home runs. Carter worked hard on shortening his swing and using the whole field more, resulting in a 70 point increase in his average from '08 (.259) to '09. He's also been the best power hitter in the A's system, and this was his third consecutive season with at least 25 home runs.
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Re: Prospects 

Post#89 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:12 am

MICHAEL TAYLOR, RF
Athletics
Michael TaylorTeam: Double-A Reading (Eastern) / Triple-A Lehigh Valley (International)
Age: 23
Why He's Here: .320/.395/.549 (137-for-428), 20 HR, 28 2B, 5 3B, 85 RBIs, 74 R, 48 BB, 70 K, 21-for-26 SB
The Scoop: Those questions during his college career about whether Taylor would ever hit for power have definitely been answered. And he's managed to do it while still hitting for average and showing an excellent feel for the game. With Domonic Brown following right behind Taylor, the Phillies of the near future may have to find room for two corner outfielders. It's a problem teams would line up to have.
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Re: Prospects 

Post#90 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:13 am

Paul Smyth, rhp, Athletics: The beginning of Smyth's professional career hasn't just been good, it's made history. Smyth, the Athletics' 35th-round pick out of Kansas, set a Vancouver Canadians team record by throwing 29 1/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Smyth has since been promoted to low Class A Kane County, and the dominance has continued. Smyth posted pretty pedestrian numbers during his four years at Kansas, but has been phenomenal thus far as a pro and Vancouver manager Rick Magnante said he's the most polished pitcher he's had in four years. Smyth, a side-armer, throws a fastball, changeup and slider and locates all three pitches to either side of the plate, keeping everything down in the zone. Over 23 appearances and 33 innings this season, Smyth is 2-0, 0.00 with 41 strikeouts, four walks and 13 hits allowed.
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Re: Prospects 

Post#91 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:16 am

Chris Carter, of/1b Born: Dec. 18, 1986 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 225
Drafted: HS—Las Vegas, 2005 (15th round) • Signed by: George Kachigian/Joe Butler (White Sox)
Chris CarterBackground: Carter has found a home with the Athletics. The White Sox drafted him in 2005, then traded him to the Diamondbacks for Carlos Quentin in December 2007. He spent 11 days in the Arizona organization before getting shipped to the Athletics in the Dan Haren deal, part of a six-player package that also included Brett Anderson and Carlos Gonzalez. After Carter finished second in the minor leagues with 39 home runs in 2008 but batted just .259, he worked hard to shed his reputation as an all-or-nothing slugger. The results were spectacular, as Carter posted a .329 average last season, leading the minors in hits (179) and ranking second in RBIs (115). His power didn't go away either, as he posted his third straight 25-homer season and managers rated him as his league's best power prospect for the third consecutive year. Named MVP of the Double-A Texas League, he led the league in doubles (41), extra-base hits (67), on-base percentage (.435) and slugging (.576), and he might have won the triple crown if he'd stayed there all season. He capped his year with four homers in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League playoffs for Sacramento.

Strengths: Home runs always will be Carter's calling card. However, he dedicated himself to becoming a more complete hitter and stopped giving away at-bats. He lowered his hands slightly and eliminated a small bat wrap from his swing, giving himself a more compact stroke. With his pure strength and explosive wrists, he still produces light-tower power. Carter can hit balls out of any part of any ballpark, and he's strong enough to do so without having to sell out for power. He's willing to take walks when pitchers won't challenge him, and he did a better job of handling offspeed pitches in 2009. He also made strides defensively at first base, where he should be at least adequate and possibly average, a big step up from years past. He has a strong arm for the position.

Weaknesses: Though Carter reduced his strikeout rate in 2009, whiffs always will come with the territory with him. He's still learning to control the strike zone and not be overanxious. He needs to stay on breaking balls better, so the A's dispatched him to play in the Mexican Pacific League, well known for being chock full of junkballers. That venture was short-lived, as he returned home with what was believed to be appendicitis but turned out to be the flu. Carter still isn't the most agile first baseman and he has given up playing third base. He played some left field after his promotion to Sacramento, and that might be an option if he can get more experience, improve his instincts and stay in good shape. He has some athleticism for his size, but his first-step quickness and speed are below average.

The Future: Carter can add power to an Oakland offense that sorely needs it. He has a great opportunity to make the A's in spring training and should bat in the middle of their lineup for years to come. The final question is where he plays. First base, left field and DH are all possibilities, but his best position is the batter's box.

2009 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Midland (AA) .337 .435 .576 490 108 165 41 2 24 101 82 119 13
Sacramento (AAA) .259 .293 .519 54 7 14 2 0 4 14 3 14 0
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Re: Prospects 

Post#92 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:16 am

Michael Taylor, of Born: Dec. 19, 1985 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-6 • Wt: 250
Drafted: Stanford, 2007 (5th round) • Signed by: Joey Davis (Phillies)
Michael TaylorBackground: Taylor emerged as one of the game's top outfield prospects during the last two years, batting .334 with 39 homers in the Phillies system. He was traded twice in the offseason, to the Blue Jays as part of a package for Roy Halladay and to the Athletics straight up for corner-infield prospect Brett Wallace.

Strengths: Despite his size, Taylor has few holes and has become an excellent hitter, squaring up balls consistently and smashing line drives to all fields. Pitchers try to tie him up inside, and while he can be vulnerable there, he has shown the ability to make adjustments. He has excellent raw power, average speed and good baserunning instincts. He's a solid defender with an average-to-plus arm who grades as above-average in left field.

Weaknesses: Taylor could stand to be more selective to get to his power more consistently. He needs to learn to loft the ball to become a true 30-homer threat. Conditioning probably will be a long-term issue for Taylor, who does a good job of staying on top of his juvenile diabetes.

The Future: Blocked in the Phillies system, Taylor has a clearer path to regular playing time with the Athletics. He'll get a chance to win Oakland's left-field job in spring training but figures to open the season in Triple-A.

2009 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Reading (AA) .333 .408 .569 318 59 106 22 4 15 65 35 51 18
Lehigh Valley (AAA) .282 .359 .491 110 15 31 6 1 5 19 13 19 33
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Re: Prospects 

Post#93 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:17 am

Grant Green, ss Born: Sept. 27, 1987 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 170
Drafted: Southern California, 2009 (1st round) • Signed by: J.T. Stotts
Grant GreenBackground: A top prospect since high school, Green shot up draft boards with an outstanding showing in the Cape Cod League in the summer of 2008, hitting .340 on his way to being named the league's top prospect. He struggled early last spring but recovered to bat .374/.435/.569 for Southern California. Oakland landed him with the 13th overall pick and signed him at the Aug. 17 deadline for $2.75 million.

Strengths: Green has a short, compact stroke with a natural feel for hitting and an up-the-middle approach. Lean and athletic, he shows smooth actions and strong instincts at shortstop. He has good range and a solid arm, and his hands work well. He's also a plus runner. The A's laud his competitive makeup and how hard he plays the game.

Weaknesses: Green's bat isn't as explosive as his Cape showing seemed to indicate. He could project for average power once he develops physically, but he doesn't always maintain a good swing plane. His defense could use refinement, and scouts outside the organization weren't sold that he'd be more than an average defender at shortstop.

The Future: Green has the offensive upside and playmaking ability to be an all-star shortstop, perhaps a lesser version of Troy Tulowitzki. He'll begin his first full pro season at high Class A Stockton, where he made his brief debut, and easily could reach Double-A Midland by the end of the year.

2009 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Stockton (Hi A) .316 .350 .368 19 2 6 1 0 0 3 1 5 1
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Re: Prospects 

Post#94 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:17 am

Max Stassi, c Born: March 15, 1991 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 5-10 • Wt: 205
Drafted: HS—Yuba City, Calif., 2009 (4th round) • Signed by: Jermaine Clark
Max StassiBackground: Stassi comes from a baseball family. He's the great-great nephew of former big league outfielder Myril Hoag, and his father Jim was his high school coach. A first-round talent who slipped last June because of his price tag, Stassi landed the largest bonus ever given to a fourth-rounder, $1.5 million.

Strengths: Stassi has good leverage in his swing and plus raw power to all fields. He's an advanced hitter for his age, with a balanced setup and quick hands. Against older competition at short-season Vancouver, he showed he could lay off breaking pitches out of the zone and wasn't afraid to go deep in counts. He's a secure receiver and shows a feel for calling pitches, and he has a strong, accurate arm. The A's consider him a future plus defender behind the plate.

Weaknesses: A shoulder injury limited Stassi to DH duty for part of the high school season. His arm should play when healthy, but it bears watching. As with most young hitters, his stroke can get long at times. Oakland wants him to use his legs a little better in his swing. His speed is already below average, though he's not a baseclogger.

The Future: Stassi is mature enough to open his first full pro season at low Class A Kane County. He's still a few years away from the majors, but he appears to be the closest thing to a sure bet a high school catcher can be.

2009 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
AZL Athletics (R) .000 .500 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Vancouver (SS) .286 .340 .367 49 3 14 4 0 0 8 2 11 0
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Re: Prospects 

Post#95 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:18 am

Pedro Figueroa, lhp Born: Nov. 23, 1985 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 165
Signed: Dominican Republic, 2003 • Signed by: Juan Carlos de la Cruz
Pedro FigueroaBackground: Figueroa's development had proceeded so slowly that he needed five years in Rookie and short-season ball and went unpicked in the 2008 Rule 5 draft. He broke though in 2009, winning Oakland's minor league pitcher of the year award after going 13-6, 3.38 with 145 strikeouts in 152 innings between two Class A stops.

Strengths: From a low-three-quarters delivery, Figueroa whips lively fastballs that sit at 93-95 mph and touch 97. He can throw his fastball with natural sink or give it cutting action. His breaking ball was big and sloppy in the past, but he has tightened it into a mid-80s slider with depth. His changeup still is developing but shows some promise and he's not afraid to throw it.

Weaknesses: Command is Figueroa's biggest downfall, a result of sometimes rushing his delivery. That causes him to throw too many hittable pitches and hand out too many walks. He may be a late bloomer, but he's 24 and has yet to pitch above Class A.

The Future: Figueroa will have the stuff to be a frontline starter if he throws more strikes. If not, he could be a weapon out of the bullpen, with one A's official comparing him to Damaso Marte. Added to the 40-man roster this offseason, Figueroa should begin 2010 in Double-A.

2009 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Kane County (Lo A) 10 2 3.23 16 16 0 0 86 89 6 31 78 .267
Stockton (Hi A) 3 4 3.56 11 11 0 0 66 62 3 35 67 .251
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Re: Prospects 

Post#96 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:19 am

Tyson Ross, rhp Born: April 22, 1987 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-5 • Wt: 215
Drafted: California, 2008 (2nd round) • Signed by: Jermaine Clark
Tyson RossBackground: Ross looked like a potential first-round pick entering 2008. An up-and-down junior season at California dropped him to the second round, but he got back on track in his first full season, pitching well down the stretch and starring in the Texas League playoffs as Midland won the championship.

Strengths: The A's lengthened Ross' previously short stride by about a foot last year, with spectacular results. His sinking fastball now sits at 93-94 mph and touches 97. He throws a cutter that usually comes in around 90 mph and a slider with tilt at 82-84, both of which are above-average pitches. He cuts an imposing figure on the mound and is a good athlete for his size.

Weaknesses: Ross' command needs tightening and his changeup lags behind his other offerings, though he shows a feel for it. He has an upright finish to his delivery and his motion is hard on his shoulder. He missed time in his 2008 pro debut with a shoulder strain as well as a couple of starts last April with biceps tendinitis.

The Future: Durability may always be a concern with Ross and eventually could dictate a move to the bullpen, but Oakland will continue developing him as a starter. He has middle-of-the-rotation stuff, and possibly more. He may open 2010 back in Double-A, but should reach Sacramento by the end of the year.

2009 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Stockton (Hi A) 5 6 4.17 18 18 0 0 86 78 10 33 82 .237
Midland (AA) 5 4 3.96 9 9 1 0 50 40 3 20 31 .225
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Re: Prospects 

Post#97 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:19 am

Jemile Weeks, 2b Born: Jan. 26, 1987 • B-T: B-R • Ht: 5-10 • Wt: 175
Drafted: Miami, 2008 (1st round) • Signed by: Trevor Schaffer
Jemile WeeksBackground: Weeks and his brother Rickie, the No. 2 choice in the 2003 draft, are the eighth pair of siblings to become first-round picks. Jemile signed for $1.91 million as the 12th overall selection in 2008. A hip-flexor injury cut short his pro debut and lingered into the spring, delaying his arrival at Stockton until late May. He struggled after an August promotion to Double-A but recovered to hit .290 with two homers in the Texas League playoffs.

Strengths: Weeks has good pitch recognition and a line-drive swing that produces surprising power for a player his size. He has the speed to steal bases, though leg injuries cut into his ability to run last year. He's athletic enough for the middle of the diamond and has a strong arm.

Weaknesses: Injuries have been Weeks' biggest obstacle going back to his college career, when hamstring and groin woes derailed his sophomore season. His hands aren't always smooth at second base and he sometimes rushes himself turning double plays. He can fall in love with his power and try to hit home runs, lengthening his swing.

The Future: Staying healthy will be Weeks' top priority in 2010. The A's are grooming him to be their leadoff hitter of the future, so it will be important for him to maintain a disciplined approach. He'll return to Midland to open the season.

2009 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Stockton (Hi A) .299 .385 .468 201 29 60 9 2 7 31 26 40 5
Midland (AA) .238 .303 .343 105 10 25 5 0 2 13 10 16 4
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Re: Prospects 

Post#98 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:20 am

Adrian Cardenas, inf Born: Oct. 10, 1987 • B-T: L-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 185
Drafted: HS—Miami, 2006 (1st round supplemental) • Signed by: Miguel Machado (Phillies)
Adrian CardenasBackground: Baseball America's High School Player of the Year in 2006, Cardenas went 37th overall in that draft to the Phillies and signed for $925,000. The A's acquired him along with Josh Outman and outfield prospect Matt Spencer in exchange for Joe Blanton in July 2008. Cardenas reached Triple-A last season at age 21 while playing second base, third base and shortstop.

Strengths: A natural hitter with a compact swing, Cardenas has a keen sense for putting the barrel on the ball. He has gap power and controls the strike zone well for a player his age. He has an all-fields approach and always looks like he has a plan at the plate. He has the hands and arm to play anywhere in the infield, as well as average speed.

Weaknesses: A high school shortstop, Cardenas lacks range and quickness there. He can handle the defensive responsibilities at third base, but doesn't have the home run power for the position. His bat profiles best at second base.

The Future: Cardenas' long-term future with the organization may hinge on his ability to fit at third base. Most of Cardenas' value stems from his bat, so the A's will find a place for him as long as he keeps hitting. He'll likely return to Sacramento to open 2010.

2009 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Midland (AA) .326 .392 .446 325 56 106 26 2 3 55 38 44 5
Sacramento (AAA) .251 .317 .372 183 23 46 15 2 1 24 17 29 3
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Re: Prospects 

Post#99 » by TSC25 » Wed Feb 3, 2010 3:20 am

Sean Doolittle, of Born: Sept. 26, 1986 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 190
Signed: Virginia, 2007 (1st round supplemental) • Signed by: Neil Avent
Sean DoolitleBackground: A two-way standout as a first baseman and lefthander at Virginia, Doolittle signed for $742,500 as a sandwich pick in 2007. After a strong first full pro season, he hit .329/.441/.724 with 11 RBIs in big league camp last spring. But tendinitis in both knees ruined his season, which ended in early May. His left knee eventually required surgery.

Strengths: Doolittle has bulked up and become more power-oriented since turning pro. He has a disciplined, all-fields approach and hangs in well against lefthanders. His swing is short to the ball and sound mechanically. A first baseman until last year, he moved to right field to take advantage of his above-average arm strength. The A's think he's athletic enough to handle the position, and he could always move back to first, where he was an above-average defender.

Weaknesses: Though Doolittle has gotten stronger as a pro, scouts still don't project him to have more than fringe to average power. He's a below-average runner who isn't a threat on the bases. If he loses a step after knee surgery, he won't be able to stay in right field.

The Future: Following his knee surgery, Doolittle may not be ready for the start of spring training. Nevertheless, he looks like a safe bet to be a solid big league hitter, and he could develop more power. He'll return to Triple-A once he's healthy.

2009 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Sacramento (AAA) .267 .364 .448 105 17 28 5 1 4 14 15 23 0
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Re: Prospects 

Post#100 » by TSC25 » Fri Dec 3, 2010 4:58 pm

10. Michael Taylor, of Born: Dec. 19, 1985 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-6 • Wt: 260
Signed: Stanford, 2007 (5th round) • Signed by: Joey Davis (Phillies)
Background: Taylor hit .312/.383/.515 in three years in the Phillies system, but Domonic Brown's emergence made him expendable and Philadelphia included him in its trade for Roy Halladay in December 2009. The Blue Jays promptly flipped Taylor to the A's for Brett Wallace. Shoulder problems cut short his winter season in Mexico and may have contributed to a slow start in Triple-A, and he never really got going.

Scouting Report: A physical specimen, Taylor still hit balls out to all fields during batting practice but rarely carried that power over into games in 2010. Scouts wondered where his bat speed had gone, and he had issues with a dead start in his swing. Oakland worked to shorten his stroke and improve his angle to the ball. He did get praise for his ability to control the strike zone and handle breaking pitches, but his production was still disappointing. Taylor has average speed and takes good routes, so he can play center field in a pinch. His strong, accurate arm works well in right field.

The Future: Taylor's physical tools are still readily apparent, and the A's hope last season was simply an aberration. Their November trade for David DeJesus will make it harder for Taylor to break into the big league outfield in 2011, but he still has to prove himself in Triple-A anyway.

2010 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Sacramento (AAA) .272 .348 .392 464 79 126 26 6 6 78 51 92 16

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