The Nine in '09: Wrap-up
Over the past nine days I profiled the prospects that I believe have a chance to take a big step forward in 2009. Some on the list will no doubt blossom into top prospects in our system, while others will inevitably take a step back in their development.
The beautiful thing about following prospects is that it allows for the opportunity to witness the emergence of hope. Last season that hope came in the form of the meteoric rises of Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz, but also the less-heralded climbs of prospects such as Mitch Moreland and Tim Murphy.
My Nine in '09:
- Matt West
- Miguel De Los Santos
- Clark Murphy
- Geuris Grullon
- Matt Thompson
- Kennil Gomez
- Jacob Brigham
- Cristian Santana
- Evan Reed
8 recs |
58 comments
Comments
Excellent work as always JP
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 23, 2008 1:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
First of all
Top notch work on everything you do. Really makes following the Rangers enjoyable. Here is mine:
1. Blake Beavan – Im a huge Beavan supporter and I believe that his velocity returns
2. Joe Wieland – Had a very good debut and I wouldnt be surprised if he was doing well in high A by the end of the year. I think he is a guy that will be aided by simply being around the game 24/7 and filling out a bit
3. Corey Young – I think he will be right on Tim Murphy’s heels as a fast riser out of the pen.
4. Clark Murphy – Cant help but agree with you
5. Mike Bianucci – Dont know what I like about the guy, but it is something
6. Matt West – Agree
7. Robbie Ross – Going off of Sickels’ list he is only our 21st best prospect. Seems flat out nasty on the bump. Top 10 by the end of the year partly through attrition and partly just flat out Ross nastiness
8. Evan Reed – Agree
9. Greg Golson – This is kind of wishful thinking but I just want to see what working with Jaramillo during spring training will do.
by Michael Cave on Dec 23, 2008 1:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I am cheating a bit though
by taking some players that are on the top 25
by Michael Cave on Dec 23, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
bianucci
he looked studly in his draft videos (at the plate at least). was pretty excited that he actually signed
Mandatory reading before suggesting a trade
by ab03 on Dec 23, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i think the guys who have the biggest jump:
robbie ross (grossly underrated)
kennil gomez
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Dec 23, 2008 1:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I definitely agree
on Ross. I really dont know enough about Gomez to form an opinion. Sickels is awfully high on him thought.
by Michael Cave on Dec 23, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I fail to see how Kennil is a great candidate to take a big step forward in '09.
He doesn’t have overpowering stuff, he’s coming an ambiguous “shoulder injury”, and he’s going to an absolute pitcher’s hell in Bakersfield.
He’s like a slightly worse version of Omar Poveda, with more injury concerns and sans the plussy change.
He’s an interesting guy, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t see him as a great breakout candidate at all.
If he can go to Bakersfield and keep his ERA in the ~4.5-4.75 range I’ll be thrilled.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Dec 23, 2008 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
honestly i am encouraged
though it is mainly do to JP’s rather optimistic report. But the guy has decent FB velocity and I like the slurviness of his breaking ball. I could at least see him registering on a lot more radars. Maybe more of a breakout candidate candidate than an actual breakout candidate, but still a guy to watch.
i think there is a bit of a tendency in this system to prioritize SP prospects with intriguing stuff over anything else, hence the possible over exuberance for kennil. but that reality wont dampen my giddiness
Never rule out Jim Bowden.
That guy is effing crazy.
by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Dec 24, 2008 12:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
AHS '02
D.K.?
I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles
by Dirk Diggler on Dec 24, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yep
thats me
Never rule out Jim Bowden.
That guy is effing crazy.
by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Dec 25, 2008 12:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thought so
J.C. here you can probably figure it out if you don’t know haha
I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles
by Dirk Diggler on Dec 25, 2008 8:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think I remember that...
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 26, 2008 12:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
?
que?
I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles
by Dirk Diggler on Dec 26, 2008 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I mentioned it in another thread...
but watch Santana this year.
I think he’s the guy out of that group that is really going to make a huge jump.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Dec 23, 2008 2:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Excellent Stuff
Here’s mine… (although much less informed)
-Clark Murphy
-Kennil Gomez
-Jake Brigham
-Christian Santana
-Manny Pina- The bat made progress last year and I’d look for him to start developing some power this year.
-Fabio Castillo – According to all accounts, has amazing stuff and will hopefully excel in a more defined role (whether that be starting or relieving).
-Brennan Garr- Had an up and down 2008, but was highly regarded after last season and is still relatively new to pitching. I still think he’s capable of being a good 7th/8th inning guy.
-Kyle O Campo- Was highly regarded coming out of high school and haven’t heard anything saying otherwise. Hopefully he’ll get a shot at the low A rotation next year.
-Mitch Moreland- Not sure how I feel about him pitching, but looks have big potential with the bat. Good patience, power, and may be able to move quickly.
by Schrute Farms on Dec 23, 2008 4:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I really enjoyed the nine in '09 series.
You’ve hit on a couple I have my eyes on for next year.
Cristian Santana
Miggy
Bianucci
Whittleman
O’Campo
Brigham
Macumba
Wingding
Matt Thompson
Looks like my list is really heavy on low-level guys. Maybe Roark could surprise some folks next year, and I don’t know why but I feel pretty good about Hyatt.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Dec 23, 2008 9:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wingding?
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 23, 2008 10:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ah
I must have missed the inception of that nickname somehow. Nice.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 23, 2008 11:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, you get it yet?
I’ll check back in tomorrow…l8r.
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 24, 2008 12:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll have to call home and see
I’ll shoot you an email later.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 24, 2008 9:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope FLA is a
Very Merry Christmas for you!
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 26, 2008 12:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
It was. Same to you, whereever you’re spending the holiday.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 26, 2008 9:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"Wingding" is a font
You could just as easily dub him “Arial”, “Garamond”, “Centruy Gothic” (now there’s a great nickname), or “Microsoft Sans Serif.”
I propose a 5-year moratorium on trading any young Ranger pitchers who throw over 90 mph.
by Ajax68 on Dec 28, 2008 10:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer webdings, myself.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 29, 2008 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wingding kind of has a little alliteration thing going with Wilmer, though.
That’s why it kind of caught on, imo.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Dec 30, 2008 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just remember
this name….
Marcas Lemon
I'm Ed Werner, but with real secret sources...
by miles on Dec 24, 2008 5:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is he
Marcus’ evil twin brother?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 24, 2008 7:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think so...
However he is all tools and no results unlike Marcus. Together, they are super lemon ha
by Michael Cave on Dec 24, 2008 8:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My upcoming series
I’m going to produce OFP (overall future potential) charts for the position prospects in the system. I will grade the players’ tools (20-80) and also present a future grade. I’ll check my own grading with a friend I have in the scouting department of another organization. Lemon will be the first one I publish.
Teaser: Lemon’s OFP is in the 49-55 range suggesting he will be a major league regular.
by jparks77 on Dec 24, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If Lemon is a ML regular
what does Vallejo grade out to be?
Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year
by RangerMad on Dec 24, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Super Yay!!!
Lemon’s OFP is in the 49-55 range suggesting he will be a major league regular.
Suck it, Newberg!
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Dec 24, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Think I hear him screaming at you from the Dairy Queen by my house.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Dec 24, 2008 11:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ohmygawsh!
You just chubbed so hard, didn’t you?!?!?!
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 26, 2008 12:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Of course....
His OFP puts his ceiling as a major league regular, but I still think its unlikely that Lemon develops into a starter for Texas. I think a utility infielder is more realistic, but you can’t rule out a player like Lemon. He probably works harder than any position player in the system. I think he will get the most out of his skill set.
The scouting series starts tomorrow.
by jparks77 on Dec 27, 2008 4:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jason
I have read in DMN that the Rangers are thinking about using Mitch Moreland exclusively as a pitcher. Although he was 22 last season, that .324/.400/.536 line he put up in Clinton indicates that the guy can hit. What is his potential as a hitter and as a pitcher?
by coolrangersfan on Dec 27, 2008 4:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Moreland
has tremendous power potential, so I doubt he will be used exclusively as a pitcher. I saw Moreland pitch in Arizona, and he has a pretty impressive arm. Max effort type with a low 90s fastball. He could see some minor league bullpen innings in ’09.
That said, I doubt his future is on the mound. Moreland’s combo of patience and power can take him all the way to the majors. He should reach AA at some point in ’09.
by jparks77 on Dec 27, 2008 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and WOW does that sound like an awesome series.
Can’t wait, JP.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Dec 24, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You, sir, are awesome
Pretty soon, you’ll be at miles’ status.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Dec 24, 2008 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey now...
slow down, that’s a near impossible goal for any of us.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Dec 24, 2008 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So JP might be able to fight Miles for Adam?
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 24, 2008 4:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hay Jason, are you still going to that interview with Perez?
Your 2010 Texas Rangers starting shortstop....(see pic)
by Kinslerhomer on Dec 24, 2008 9:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
It’s ready. I’ll put it out in a few weeks. Keith Law Q&A coming up as well.
by jparks77 on Dec 24, 2008 10:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Keith Law
I’m vaguely, probably confusedly starstruck.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Dec 24, 2008 11:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cool, thanks!
Your 2010 Texas Rangers starting shortstop....(see pic)
by Kinslerhomer on Dec 25, 2008 7:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
West
I’ve always like Matt West, I think that kid really has everyday player potential, and I think his bat will be able to play at third!
by blueballlefty on Dec 25, 2008 7:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
OK...this is such a touchy subject as it should be....but
is this the same kid who got susp’d for PHDs? I am not purposefully calling the pink elephant to the room….but is this kid a legit prospect? How do you know when he started his PHD use? He got popped right? And dudes, PLEASE forgive me if I have the wrong cat mixed up here……staining someone’s name is certainly not my intention….
Man, I’m not trying to drag him through the coals or anything but, you know?…………..it’s a legitimate question that needsto be asked…..
Freddie King rules faces.
by Ryin A on Dec 25, 2008 11:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Correct young man
maybe not the corect interp…
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 26, 2008 12:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
what do you mean?
lots of nog today/night
Freddie King rules faces.
by Ryin A on Dec 26, 2008 12:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

















