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Re: Prospects 

Post#61 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:33 pm

19. Josh Donaldson, c, Stockton (Athletics)

B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 215 Age: 22 Drafted: Cubs '07 (1s)

A converted third baseman who ideally profiles as an offense-first catcher, Donaldson was hitting just .217/.276/.349 in low Class A when the Cubs traded him to the Athletics in the Rich Harden deal in July. He got his bat jump-started in the more hitter-friendly Cal League, hitting .330/.391/.564 during the regular season and smashing four doubles and four homers in the playoffs.

Donaldson has good plate discipline and should have at least average power, though some scouts question whether he'll hit enough to play every day in the big leagues. He does a good job of using the whole field and runs better than most catchers.

Donaldson still needs to work on the nuances of catching. He showed his raw ability by throwing out 35 percent of basestealers in the Cal League, but his receiving skills are still developing. He committed 12 passed balls in 42 games, bringing his career total to 29 in 139 pro contests.


AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
188 37 62 13 2 9 39 17
29 0 2 .330 .391 .564
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Re: Prospects 

Post#62 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:34 pm

16. Sean Doolittle, 1b, Stockton (Athletics)

B-T: L-L Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 190 Age: 21 Drafted: Athletics '07 (1s)

Doolittle was a polished hitter when he came out of Virginia in the 2007 draft, but he upped the ante this season by showing power that hadn't been evident since his freshman year in college. He held down the No. 3 spot in a potent Stockton lineup before earning a promotion to Double-A in July.

Scouts always have been impressed by Doolittle's pure hitting and defense, and he gives pitchers headaches with his smooth stroke and patience. He swung and missed too much this year, but it was an acceptable tradeoff for the improved power he showed. While he will never be a masher, he should be able to hit 15-25 homers per season in the big leagues.

His defense is terrific at first base, and he's athletic enough to play in the outfield. San Jose manager Steve Decker compared him to J.T. Snow with a better bat.


AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
334
64 102 25 3
18 61 46 99 7 3 .303 .385 .560
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Re: Prospects 

Post#63 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:35 pm

14. Chris Carter, 1b, Stockton (Athletics)

B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 210 Age: 21 Drafted: White Sox '05 (15)

Few minor leaguers have as much pure power as Carter, who was traded from the White Sox to the Diamondbacks to the Athletics in a span of 11 days last December. He led the Cal League with 39 home runs in the regular season, then added five more in the playoffs, including a grand slam and a solo shot in the title clincher for Stockton. He also topped the league in runs (101), RBIs (104) and slugging percentage (.569).

Carter hits balls as hard as anyone and smashes line drives out of any part of any park. Weinstein compared him to Frank Thomas at a similar stage in their careers and said Carter more athletic. He's susceptible to breaking balls, but he showed improvement in controlling the strike zone as the year went on.

"He has holes in his swing but if you make a mistake, it's bye-bye," an American League scout said.

The problem with Carter is finding a place for him on defense. He split time between the infield corners for the Ports, and the consensus is his hands aren't good enough for first base and he's too big and slow to be effective at third base. He has also worked in the outfield and seems destined to end up as a DH.


AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
506 101 131 32 4
39 104 77 156 4 0 .259 .361 .569
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Re: Prospects 

Post#64 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:36 pm

9. Henry Rodriguez, rhp, Stockton (Athletics)

B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 175 Age: 21 Signed: Venezuela '03

Standing out among all the talent at the Futures Game is rare, but so is Rodriguez's fastball. His heater sat at 98-99 mph and touched 100, making a definite impression on anyone who saw him at Yankee Stadium in July. That same outing also showed that he still needs polish. He reared back for something extra on one fastball and ended up on his rear end after his follow-through.

Rodriguez's fastball has not only velocity but also good life, and his slider showed progress this season. He needs to refine his pitches and control to make the jump to the big leagues. While he throws a changeup as a starter, most people think he'll end up as a reliever, and he has the pure stuff to work as a closer.


G GS W L SV ERA IP H R ER HR BB SO AVG
20
13
2 3
2 3.96
75 57 38 33 5
40 104 .208
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Re: Prospects 

Post#65 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:37 pm

4. Brett Anderson, lhp, Stockton (Athletics)

B-T: L-L Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 215 Age: 20 Drafted: Diamondbacks '06 (2)

Anderson was a key piece in the Dan Haren trade with the Diamondbacks last winter, and he and Cahill showed in Stockton, Midland and Beijing why they'll soon team up in the A's rotation. Anderson won the bronze-medal game against Japan.

Some Cal League observers preferred Anderson to Cahill because he's lefthanded, though the consensus was that Cahill has a better chance to become a frontline starter. Anderson could as well, as his feel for pitching and strong command amplify his pure stuff.

Anderson's fastball sat at 92-93 mph this season and he touched 95. He throws two breaking balls, using his slider more often than his curveball, and a changeup. All three of his secondary offerings rate as plus pitches at times, and he controls the running game featuring a top-shelf pickoff move.


G GS W L SV ERA IP H R ER HR BB SO AVG
14
13
9 4
0 4.14
74 68 35 34 5
18 80
.238
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Re: Prospects 

Post#66 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:38 pm

1. Trevor Cahill, rhp, Stockton (Athletics)

B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 195 Age: 20 Drafted: Athletics '06 (2)


Trevor Cahill
One scout said Cahill could have dominated in the big leagues on his best days this season and regarded him as a potential No. 1 starter, and he garnered Brandon Webb comparisons because of his power sinker. Cahill offers everything teams want in a pitcher: a big, strong frame with athleticism and a live arm, good deception, strong makeup and a feel for pitching.

Cahill's best pitch is his fastball, which touched 96 mph this summer and has good running life. He offers two good breaking balls as well, an 11-to-5 curveball and a hard slider, which he can also throw from different angles. His changeup should be an average pitch.

With his repertoire and command, hitters often had to guess which pitch was coming next, slowing down their bats and rarely resulting in good contact. He easily handled the jump to Double-A as a 20-year-old as well as the pressure of pitching in the Olympics.



G GS W L SV ERA IP H R ER HR BB SO AVG
14
13
5 4
0 2.78
87 52 29 27 3
31 103 .174
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Re: Prospects 

Post#67 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:40 pm

12. Craig Italiano, rhp, Kane County (Athletics)

B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 209 Age: 22 Drafted: Athletics '05 (2)

Italiano finally conquered the MWL in his third try, after tearing the labrum in his shoulder in 2006 and having a line drive fracture his skull in 2007. He worked 5 2/3 innings and struck out nine in a combined seven-inning no-hitter against Burlington in his second start, and he earned a promotion to high Class A by late June.

Italiano's fastball sits in the low 90s and peaks at 96, but some observers think his curveball is an even better. It's a hard, tight curve with true 12-to-6 break, and managers rated it the best breaking ball in the league. He throws his changeup for strikes, though he ultimately may become a reliever if he can't smooth out his delivery and command.

G GS W L SV ERA IP H R ER HR BB SO AVG
14
14
7 0 0 1.16
70 43 16 9 2
35 79 .177
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Re: Prospects 

Post#68 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:41 pm

16. Corey Brown, of, Kane County (Athletics)

B-T: L-L Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 210 Age: 22 Drafted: Athletics '07 (1s)

Brown's offensive game can be summed up with two statistics. In his first full pro season, he ranked 14th in the minors with 30 homers (including two months in the high Class A California League) and fourth with 168 strikeouts. He has a history of swinging and missing with wood bats, but if he can continue to provide power to all fields he'll be a regular in the major leagues.

A good athlete, Brown has average-to-plus speed and arm strength, though he needs to improve the accuracy of his throws. He exclusively played center field this year but may fit better defensively in right field at higher levels. One scout called him a faster version of Ryan Church, and as with Church, Brown doesn't hit lefties as well as righties.


AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
300
43 81 18 2 14 48 40 96
12 0 .270 .358 .483
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Re: Prospects 

Post#69 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:42 pm

17. Jason Christian, ss, Vancouver (Athletics)

B-T: L-R Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 170 Age: 21 Drafted: Athletics '08 (5)

Though he hit .291/.404/.432, Christian's calling card was far and away his defense. He had the best range among NWL shortstops and a slightly above-average arm. He still needs to fine-turn his footwork, which led to 18 errors, but even the miscues couldn't detract from his ability at shortstop.

"He's a real good looking defender," Eugene manager Greg Riddoch said. "He can go from line to line and is very consistent. The glove is the biggest thing. He saves a lot of pitching staffs."

With a loose swing and a quick bat, Christian should provide enough offense to find a spot in a big league lineup. He has some power potential and 55 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale.


AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
213
27
62 16 1 4 24
39 65 13 1 .291 .404 .432
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Re: Prospects 

Post#70 » by TSC25 » Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:43 pm

18. Dusty Coleman, ss, Vancouver (Athletics)

B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 185 Age: 21 Drafted: Athletics '08 (28)

The Athletics landed two of the better all-around shortstops in Christian and Coleman, who headed to the Cape Cod League after the draft and earned himself a $675,000 bonus with an all-star summer. Their tools are comparable, with Coleman projecting to be slightly better with the bat and not quite as good with the glove.

Coleman has more power potential and can drive balls to the opposite field, though he needs to tone down his swing and his aggressiveness. He's a solid-average runner with good instincts on the bases. Defensively, his arm and range are solid.


AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
72
13 23 8 1 0 6 4
26 1 0 .319 .355 .458
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Re: Prospects 

Post#71 » by TSC25 » Tue Sep 30, 2008 3:08 am

5. Adrian Cardenas, 2b, Clearwater (Phillies)

B-T: L-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 185 Age: 20 Drafted: Phillies '06 (1)

Cardenas left the FSL in mid-July when the Phillies sent him to the Athletics in a trade for Joe Blanton. Before he departed, Cardenas impressed with his solid swing and power potential, as well as his feel for the game.

Cardenas kept a little black book in which he jotted notes on all the pitchers he faced. It showed at the plate, where he rarely was fooled twice, and on the bases, where he went perfect 16-for-16 stealing bases despite only a tick above-average speed. His swing drew comparisons to that of Adrian Gonzalez, with his power expected to blossom into annual 15-20 homer production in the majors.

The biggest question with Cardenas centers around his best defensive position. His struggles turning the double play limit his potential at second base, and his lateral movement and footwork probably won't allow him to play shortstop. His arm is strong enough for his third base, and his bat would fit there as well.


AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
259 44 80 11
6 4 23 28 42 16 0 .309 .374 .444
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Re: Prospects 

Post#72 » by TSC25 » Sun Oct 5, 2008 5:18 pm

10. James Simmons, rhp, Midland (Athletics)

B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 220 Age: 22 Drafted: Athletics '07 (1)

If the TL had an award for the best second-half performance, Simmons would have challenged Cortes for it. After going winless in May and June—he was shut down for three weeks with a tired arm—Simmons went 7-2, 3.00 over the final two months to finish second in the league in strikeouts (120 in 136 innings) and third in ERA (3.51).

Simmons began his pro career in Double-A last summer because he's exceptionally polished. He has plus-plus command of his 88-89 mph fastball, and his changeup grades as his best pitch. He throws two breaking balls, spotting a slider and using a big loopy curveball to throw off hitters' timing.

G GS W L SV ERA IP H R ER HR BB SO AVG
25
25
9
6
0
3.51
136
150
58 53
11
32
120
.282
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Re: Prospects 

Post#73 » by TSC25 » Sun Oct 5, 2008 5:18 pm

11. Aaron Cunningham, of, Midland (Athletics)

B-T: R-R Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 195 Age: 22 Drafted: White Sox '05 (6)

It would have been understandable had Cunningham gotten lost this season following a whirlwind 2007, when the twice-traded outfielder was dealt to the Diamondbacks for Danny Richar in June and then was part of the prospect haul when the Diamondbacks acquired Danny Haren from Oakland in December. Instead, Cunningham enjoyed a fine Double-A debut, tore up Triple-A and reached the majors in August.

Cunningham is a natural hitter who makes consistent hard contact and has solid-average power. He's also a good athlete with solid speed. He's still a work in progress defensively, but he did see time at all three outfield positions and showed a strong arm.

"He's a tools guy," Midland manager Webster Garrison said. "Definitely a good hitter and he uses the whole field."


AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
347
65
110
18
6
12
52
38
92
12
4
.317 .386 .507
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Re: Prospects 

Post#74 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:17 pm

Brett Anderson, lhp Born: Feb. 1, 1988. Bats: Left. Throws: Left. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 215.
Drafted: HS—Stillwater, Okla., 2006 (2nd round) • Signed by: Joe Robinson (Diamondbacks)
Background: The exceedingly polished Anderson has had a head start in his development since childhood. He's the son of Oklahoma State coach Frank Anderson, one of college baseball's top pitching coaches before taking over the Cowboys. Brett's feel for his craft has been evident since his amateur days, as he led Team USA's youth and junior teams to silver medals in consecutive summers. He had the stuff to go in the first round of the 2006 draft, but his $1 million asking price dropped him to the Diamondbacks in the second round. He signed late for $950,000, turning down the chance to pitch for his father. Anderson quickly established himself as a premier pitching prospect in 2007, though he and six teammates were involved in a car accident that July, with Anderson sustaining a concussion that effectively ended his season. He and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez were the headline prospects in a six-player package Arizona sent to the Athletics for Dan Haren in December 2007. In his first season in the A's system, Anderson advanced to Double-A Midland and pitched for the U.S. Olympic team. He defeated Japan in the bronze-medal game, allowing four runs in seven innings. After he returned from Beijing, he joined Triple-A Sacramento for the Pacific Coast League playoffs, earning wins in both his starts (including the championship clincher) as well as a save.

Strengths: Anderson has premium command, averaging 1.9 walks per nine innings in his pro career and frequently locating his fastball on the corners of the plate. He's more proficient working his fastball to his glove side than his arm side. His two-seam fastball sits at 88-92 mph and generates a lot of groundouts. He also can touch 94 mph with his four-seamer. Anderson has above-average secondary pitches across the board, including a mid- to high-70s curveball with two-plane break. His low- to mid-80s slider gives him a second quality breaking ball, and his changeup is often a plus pitch. He used his changeup more frequently once he reached Double-A. Anderson is mechanically solid and repeats his delivery well. He improved his pickoff move after working with fellow lefty Greg Smith, another part of the Haren trade.

Weaknesses: The biggest knock on Anderson always has been his lack of athleticism. He got into better shape for the 2008 season, but while he fields his position well if grounders are hit in his vicinity, he's not quick to first base when he needs to cover the bag. He doesn't have overpowering velocity, but he has more than enough zip on his fastball considering his command and deep arsenal.

The Future: Anderson and Trevor Cahill teamed up at high Class A Stockton, Midland and the Olympics in 2008. There's debate among scouts about who's the better prospect, with Anderson getting the edge here because he has superior command and a wider array of plus pitches. Both should continue their rapid ascent through the minors by beginning 2009 in Triple-A, with a chance to reach the big leagues by mid-2009. They're the future anchors of Oakland's rotation.


2008 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Stockton (HiA)
9
4
4.14
14
13
0
0
74
68
5
18
80
.238

Midland (AA)
2
1
2.61
6
6
0
0
31
27
3
9
38
.235
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Re: Prospects 

Post#75 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:18 pm

Trevor Cahill, rhp Born: March 1, 1988. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-3. WT.: 195.
Drafted: HS—Vista, Calif., 2006 (2nd round). Signed By: Craig Weissmann.

Background: The A's top pick (second round) in 2006, Cahill teamed with Brett Anderson at two minor league stops and the Olympics, helping Team USA win bronze.

Strengths: Cahill works off an 88-92 mph two-seam fastball with outstanding heavy sink and running life, enabling him to rack up both grounders and swinging strikes. He also can touch 94 mph with his four-seamer. He backs up his fastballs with a nasty 79-81 mph knuckle-curve, a swing-and-miss pitch with hard downward movement. He also has another tough breaking ball in a low-80s slider with cutter-like action at times. He's a good athlete with a simple, compact delivery and good balance over the rubber.

Weaknesses: Cahill's changeup should become an average pitch, but he'll need to throw it more against higher-caliber competition. Though his mechanics are sound, he sometimes cuts his extension a little short out front, placing more strain on his back and shoulder. He strained his ribcage at the Olympics and didn't pitch afterward, though he threw off flat ground in instructional league and will be ready for 2009.

The Future: With some slight mechanical tweaks and improved command, Cahill could end up as a top-of-the-rotation starter. He should open 2009 in Triple-A and make his big league debut later in the season.


2008 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Stockton (HiA)
5
4
2.78
14
13
0
0
87.1
52
3
31
103
.174

Midland (AA)
6
1
2.19
7
6
0
0
37
24
2
19
33
.190
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Re: Prospects 

Post#76 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:19 pm

Michael Inoa, rhp Born: Sept. 24, 1991. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-7. WT.: 205.
Signed: Dominican Republic, 2008. Signed By: Raymond Abreu.

Background: Inoa demolished international amateur bonus records when he signed with the A's on July 2 for $4.25 million. His potential was evident at age 13, when he was already 6-foot-4 and reaching 83-84 mph with his fastball.

Strengths: Several scouts have called Inoa one of the best 16-year-old pitchers they've ever seen. He already has a lively low-90s fastball that has touched 94 mph, and with his size and mechanics he projects to throw even harder. He has remarkable athleticism and coordination for his size, allowing him to repeat an effortless delivery and have good command. He has the potential for a plus curveball and also throws a changeup that already grades as fringe average. He also has flashed a splitter, though he didn't use it much leading up to his signing.

Weaknesses: All the glowing scouting reports are nice, but Inoa has yet to be tested by anything close to professional competition. Though his secondary pitches project as possible plus offerings, they have a ways to go. He needs work on the finer points of the game, such as holding runners.

The Future: Inoa's ceiling is as high as it gets. Oakland hasn't determined his first assignment yet. He'll likely begin 2009 in extended spring training before reporting to the Rookie-level Arizona League or short-season Vancouver in June.

2008 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Did Not Play—Signed late
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Re: Prospects 

Post#77 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:20 pm

Aaron Cunningham, of Born: April 24, 1986. B-T: R-R. HT.: 5-11. WT.: 195.
Drafted: Everett (Wash.) CC, 2005 (6th round). Signed By: Joe Butler/Adam Virchis (White Sox).

Background: Originally drafted by the White Sox, Cunningham was dealt to Arizona in June 2007 for Danny Richar. He spent just six months with the Diamondbacks before they flipped him to Oakland as part of the package for Dan Haren.

Strengths: Cunningham has hit well everywhere he's been, posting an OPS above .852 at each level of full-season ball. He has a good feel for hitting and a knack for squaring up balls with a balanced swing. His bat stays in the hitting zone a long time, generating solid-average power. A good athlete, he runs well and has a solid arm.

Weaknesses: Cunningham's swing can get a little bit long, and he struggled when he became more pull-conscious during his callup. He doesn't always take direct routes to fly balls, precluding him from being a good defensive center fielder. While his tools are average or better across the board, he doesn't have an outstanding tool that points to star potential.

The Future: Oakland's trade for Matt Holliday means Cunningham won't be playing left field for the A's in 2009, but he'll compete for a starting job in right. Additional seasoning in Triple-A wouldn't be bad for him, either.


2008 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Midland (AA)
.317
.386
.507
347
65
110
18
6
12
52
38
92
12

Sacramento (AAA)
.382
.461
.645
76
21
29
5
0
5
14
11
16
3

Oakland
.250
.310
.400
80
7
20
7
1
1
14
6
24
2
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Re: Prospects 

Post#78 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:20 pm

Adrian Cardenas, ss/2b Born: Oct. 10, 1987. B-T: L-R. HT.: 5-11. WT.: 190.
Drafted: HS—Miami, 2006 (1st round supplemental). Signed By: Miguel Machado (Phillies).

Background: Baseball America's 2006 High School Player of the Year, Cardenas made steady progress for two years before Philadelphia used him as the key chip in a mid-July deal for Joe Blanton. Cardenas moved from second base to shortstop in 2007, but Oakland moved him back after the trade.

Strengths: Cardenas has a compact, line-drive stroke and hits the ball to all fields. His swing has drawn comparisons to that of Adrian Gonzalez, and he should develop average power. He recognizes and handles offspeed pitches well, and he shows the ability to handle both lefties and righties. He logged each of his at-bats in a notebook all season and studied his observations of the pitchers he faced. He has solid-average speed and good baserunning instincts. He makes the routine plays in the field and has an accurate arm.

Weaknesses: After the trade, Cardenas developed a tendency to overswing and lengthen his stroke. His first step, lateral movement and footwork probably won't allow him to stay at shortstop and might be problematic at second base.

The Future: Cardenas eventually could move to third, where his bat and arm would profile well. He'll return to Double-A and is roughly a year away from the majors.


2008 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Clearwater (HiA)
.309
.374
.444
259
44
80
11
6
4
23
28
42
16

Stockton (HiA)
.278
.297
.333
72
11
20
1
0
1
10
1
14
1

Midland (AA)
.279
.392
.326
86
12
24
4
0
0
7
15
10
0
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Re: Prospects 

Post#79 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:21 pm

Chris Carter, 1b/3b/of Born: Dec. 18, 1986. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-4. WT.: 210.
Drafted: HS—Las Vegas, 2005 (15th round). Signed By: George Kachigian/Joe Butler (White Sox).

Background: After leading White Sox farmhands with 25 homers in 2007, Carter was traded twice that December. Chicago traded him to the Diamondbacks for Carlos Quentin before Arizona used him as part of the package to acquire Dan Haren. In 2008, he topped the high Class A California League in runs (101), homers (39), RBIs (104) and slugging percentage (.569) and added five longballs in the playoffs as Stockton won the title.

Strengths: Carter's plus-plus raw power ranks among the best in the minors. He hits the ball deep out of the park to all fields with a fluid swing that generates tremendous loft and natural leverage. He shows the patience to draw walks. He has a strong arm.

Weaknesses: Carter's outstanding power comes with the tradeoff of a high strikeout rate. He has some holes in his swing and is susceptible to breaking balls. He has some athleticism, but his lack of first-step quickness and range are a liability at third base, where he committed 14 errors in 41 games, and his below-average hands are a handicap at first base, where he made 10 errors in another 41 games. He hasn't been much better as a right fielder.

The Future: Ticketed for Double-A, Carter should be able to hit his way into Oakland's lineup. The A's will continue to try him at different positions, but he may ultimately wind up as a DH.


2008 Club (Class) AVG
OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB
Stockton (HiA)
.259
.361
.569

506
101
131
32
4
39
104
77
156
4
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Location: Indianapolis

Re: Prospects 

Post#80 » by TSC25 » Wed Dec 3, 2008 9:22 pm

Gio Gonzalez, lhpBorn: Sept. 19, 1985. B-T: R-L. HT.: 5-11. WT.: 185.
Drafted: HS—Miami, 2004 (1st round supplemental). Signed By: Jose Ortega (White Sox).

Background: The White Sox drafted Gonzalez in the sandwich round in 2004, sent him to the Phillies for Jim Thome in 2005 and brought him back as part of a package for Freddy Garcia in 2006. After Gonzalez led the minors with 185 strikeouts in 150 innings in 2007, Chicago sent him, Fautino de los Santos and Ryan Sweeney to the A's for Nick Swisher.

Strengths: Gonzalez's best pitch is a 75-78 mph curveball with sharp break and two-plane depth. He throws the curve often, and it has helped him average 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings in the minors. His fastball can touch 93 mph, though it more often sat at 87-91 last season with some run and sink. He has a simple, fluid delivery and throws from a high three-quarters arm slot.

Weaknesses: Gonzalez has been a prolific strikeout pitcher, but his fastball command is below average and led to an excess of walks in his brief stint with Oakland. He needs to repeat his delivery with more frequency, which in turn will lead to better command. After a long season, he lost velocity early in his big league starts. He'll have to upgrade his 80-84 mph straight changeup to have a legitimate third weapon against major league hitters.

The Future: Gonzalez should begin 2009 in Oakland's rotation. He could become a frontline starter if he improves his changeup and command.


2008 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
Sacramento (AAA)
8
7
4.24
23
22
1
0
123
106
12
61
128
.233

Oakland
1
4
7.68
10
7
0
0
34
32
9
25
34
.242

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