Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Wichita Bad Boys Top 10 Prospect List

Just to get a little talk going on, here is the Wichita Bad Boys Top 10 Prospect List.
To qualify they had to have had less than a 1/2 year in the majors.

#1
Ignacio Cruz could become one of the better pitchers in the Hunter World. He had a brief stint in the majors in season 7, and did not perform very well. At the age of 21, he should need another year of seasoning before being ready to dominate. He has been rushed some in the system, due to lack of pitching depth, but if he is held back, it would help is career.
ETA: Late season 8

#2
Juan Tavarez is a player who has a ton of talent just hasn't had the opportunity at the Major league level until this season. He has all major hitting categories over 60 along with a decent pitch calling. He has an OBP over .400 in the minors, along with a career high 31 HR in season 5. If he can stay healthy, he will be able to contribute right away.
ETA: NOW

#3
Jumbo Ruiz is a pitcher who is very similar to Ignacio Cruz. His ratings are nearly the same, with a little less strength in his pitch quality. He spent all last year in High A and went 15-8 with an ERA of 3.80. Though not completely dominating, if he can keep progressing, he could be a solid no. 3 starter in the Majors.
ETA: Season 10

#4
Al Ramirez was just acquired in a trade with Louisville in the offseason and hopefully will step right into the starting rotation. At the age of 24, he has struggled with control in his career, but if he can find the strike zone, he could be a very nice no. 2/3 starter. He can pitch late into games and has two above average pitches and two others on the way to above average.
ETA: NOW

#5
Hugh Darr was a supplemental pick in last years 1st round draft and may have jumped over the real #1 pick. He is a 2nd baseman that could have decent range and glove but not much of an arm and may have to move to the outfield. At 19 years old, he has plenty of room to develop and could show some nice pop. In rookie ball last year he had on OBP of .446 along with an OPS of 1.080.
ETA: Season 11

#6
Tommy Gagne is a 1B who may be running out of time to crack the majors. At the age of 27, he needs to make a great impression or he may have run out of chances. He has nice ratings for a 1B, but he doesn't do anything exceptionally well. He has hit for a nice average in the minors, but with little pop or speed. With Travis Stokes ahead of him, he may need to be given opportunity elsewhere.
ETA: Season 8

#7
Adam Marshall could be a personal favorite of mine. He will hit for a ton of power along with a great batting eye but he could swing and miss a lot. He was a 4th round pick last year, and he may outperform many of his draftmates. Last season he hit 30 homeruns with an OBP of .421 in just over 200 at bats, so he could do some damage. He is 22 years old, so he may be on the fast track to the majors.
ETA: Late Season 9 or early season 10

#8
Duke Keagle has power and he knows how to use it. Last season in High A he hit 70 homeruns and had 171 RBI while still hitting .346. He has decent ratings vs L/R and batting eye, but if he doesn't hit a homerun he may swing and miss. He was a 5th round pick a few years ago and at the age of 22, he should be in the majors in quick fashion. He will try AA this year and may need a 1/2 season of AAA.
ETA: Late season 9 or early season 10

#9
Travis Pose is a man without a position, or he may be higher on the list. He has a career OBP of .458 in the minors along with an OPS of 1.110. He is a gap to gap hitter (always wanted to say that) who should develop 20 HR power along with 40 doubles. He may have trouble advancing just because he does not own a glove, literally.
ETA: Season 9

#10
Frankie Haas is last years #1 draft pick and that alone puts him on this list. His ratings are not great, but he should be able to get on base and provide a decent glove. He has no speed or power, so his OBP and glove will get him to the majors. If he can get on base at a decent rate, he can be useful.
ETA: Season 11

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