As a continuation from last week's prospect article, Ross brings you another ten prospects that you should keep your eye on.
1. Felix Hernandez; SP(SEA)- Probably should of made the show last year with his stuff, but he'll only be 19 this April! He has a fastball that tops out at 98, but with his frame could max out at 100 MPH. He has a nasty curve ball, and a plus change up that sometimes can become erratic. The Mariners are set on not rushing the kid, and they are probably holding him back a little bit. They wont even let him throw his supposedly best pitch in his slider because of risk of an arm injury. He'll start the season out in AAA, but if the M's are in contention, not out of it, they'll bring him up for the second half of the season.
2. Delmon Young; OF (TB)- The best hitter in the minors, he is also major league ready. But as with Felix; Tampa Bay doesn't want to rush him, so looks to start in AA this season. He has been touted as the next great slugger to be brought up through the minors. He'll move quickly this year and might be in Tampa for a late season call up. He is expected to be a .300 hitter with plus power (30-40 HR) whenever the Devil Rays decide to bring him up.
3. Daric Barton; C/DH (OAK)- Daric was part of the trade which sent one of Oakland's big three (Mark Mulder) to St. Louis. He was a catcher in the Cardinal's organization but he will quickly be moved to either 1B or DH because of Oakland's depth at catcher with prospects, and Barton's weak defensive skills. He is just a type of player Billy Beane likes; he understands the strike zone which will lead to a high walk, low strikeout rate in the majors. He will hit .300 and have around 30 or so HRs in his prime.
4. Jason Kubel; OF (MIN)- Jason was expected to start the '05 season in Minnesota. He went to Arizona this fall to work on some things, but tore his ACL in early November which will probably put him out most, if not all the 2005 season. For most prospects, this would send them diving down the guys to look for watch but for Kubel, it just sent him from top of the minor league ready list, back to the top of the prospect list. When he arrives, he will consistently hit over .300 with a decent amount of pop. Jason is another player who has great strike zone judgement which will lead to a great walk total and a great OBP.
5. Prince Fielder;1B (MIL)- Prince is a big boy who's father once was a great hitter with Detroit. Like his father, Prince is a big boy which has some scouts a little worried. He swings a heavy bat which could see him hit somewhere from 30-40HRs in his prime. He needs to watch the weight, but he'll be in Milwaukee sooner, rather then later.
6. JD Durbin; SP (MIN)- Mr. Durbin could make the major league ball club out of spring training, but would benefit from some fine toning in Rochester this spring. He is a great competitor with great stuff. He projects as a good starting pitcher, but probably will start out his major league career as a relief pitcher that will convert to a starter after he gets some experience.
7. Matt Cain; SP (SF)- Matt missed half the 2003 season which has put him back a little bit. He is only 20, and in a good hitter's league went 7-1 with a 1.86 ERA and a 89/17 K/BB ratio before being called up to AA. His fastball reaches in the high 90's and the Giants feel that he can become a great number 2 pitcher, right behind Jason Schmidt. Look for him to have a chance to get a late call up.
8. Ian Kinsler; SS (TEX)- Ian came out of the middle of nowhere last season to become one of the minors most promising prospects. He was a 17th round draft pick by the Rangers in 2003 out of Arizona State where he actually lost his starting position. At the moment, his path is blocked in Texas, which gives Texas a chance to let him progress at his own rate without any hurry. I would be surprised if he reaches the show even before late 2006. He is a guy which could hit second in any order with an average near .300 with around 15-25 HRs, and up to 50 doubles. Not bad for a 17th round, fill up the minor league roster pick.
9. Ian Stewert; 3B(COL)- Ian is only 19; has great power, good strike zone judgement, and get this...He'll be playing in Denver! He hit .319 with 30 HRs last season in A ball last season. He's a guy who can hit up to 40 HRs, hit around .275, have up to 100 walks, and help you out a little bit on the base paths with a couple stolen bases.
10. Ben Hendrickson; SP (MIL)- Ben made it up to the majors last year, but didn't fair so well. Scouts don't know yet on whether he will be in the rotation or come out of the bullpen. Depending on which route the Brew Crew takes will declare how big of a prospect he will be. If he becomes an RP, he'll have a great 2005 but not much growth, if he stays a starter, he will have trouble in 2005 but have a great career. The one thing that concerns me is that besides Ben Sheets, Milwaukee hasn't had the best approach with young pitching and have had many record injuries and never progress.