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LSB Community Prospect Project: Mid-Season Wrap-Up

 

And so we're done.

The Final List:
1. 1b, Chris Davis
2. RHP, Neftali Feliz
3. RHP, Eric Hurley
4. SS, Elvis Andrus
5. C, Maximiliano Ramirez
6. 1b, Justin Smoak
7. RHP, Michael Main
8. RHP, Blake "C-Wun" Beavan
9. C, Taylor Teagarden
10. LHP Kasey Kiker
11. OF, Engel Beltre
12. LHP, Matt Harrison
13. OF, Julio Borbon
14. LHP, Derek Holland
15. RHP, Tommy Hunter
16. RHP, Wilmer Font
17. RHP, Neil Ramirez
18. LHP, Martin Perez 
19. OF, John Mayberry, Jr.
20. RHP, Thomas Diamond
21. SS, Marcus Lemon
22. RHP, Warner Madrigal
23. 2b, Jose Vallejo
24. 2b, German Duran
25. LHP, Robbie Ross

What do y'all think about the list? Does anything (or anyone) stand out to you?

Please feel free to post your own personal top 30's (or 25's or 40's or 100's or whatever) in the comments. I encourage everyone to do this, as it's fun to look back a year from now and see what you you thought about guys way back when.

In closing I'd like to thank everyone who participated. Doing these is always really fun for me and y'all make it possible, so thank you.

And here's looking forward to doing this again in December.

Comment 109 comments  |  9 recs  | 

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My top 30

1. 1b, Chris Davis
2. RHP, Neftali Feliz
3. SS, Elvis Andrus
4. C, Max Ramirez
5. 1b, Justin Smoak
6. RHP, Eric Hurley
7. OF, Engel Beltre
8. RHP, Captain Wonderful
9. RHP, Michael Main
10. OF, Julio Borbon
11. C, Taylor Teagarden
12. LHP, Derek Holland
13. LHP, Kasey Kiker
14. SS, Marcus Lemon
15. LHP, Martin Perez
16. RHP, Tommy Hunter
17. RHP, Neil Ramirez
18. LHP, Robbie Ross
19. RHP, Wilmer Font
20. RHP, Thomas Diamond
21. C, Cristian Santana
22. RHP, Warner Madrigal
23. 2b, Jose Vallejo
24. LHP, Matt Harrison
25. OF, Junior Mayberry
26. 2b, German Duran
27. RHP, Omar Poveda
28. RHP, Wilfredo Boscan
29. LHP, Tim Murphy
30. LHP, Beau Jones
Honorable Mention: OF/1b, Clark Murphy. I just have a good feeling about the kid. Really.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 7, 2008 4:28 AM CDT reply actions  

sleepless night?

Dirk you losing sleep over calling this thing? By my wizard calculations you posted it at 4-5AM? It’s ok the off season is coming soon, now get some sleep kid!

by bushe on Aug 7, 2008 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks for all the polls dirk

In one way, I know #25 is whee we should stop, but in another, I’m sorry to see these polls go away, because they provided some of the best discussion and most informative threads of the past few weeks. Good job dude.

Now, as promised, here’s my personal top 25 (top 10 in italics):

1. Neftali Feliz
2. Chris Davis
3. Elvis Andrus
4. Justin Smoak
5. Max Ramirez
6. Eric Hurley
7. Michael Main
8. Kasey Kiker
9. Blake Beavan
10. Taylor Teagarden

11. Julio Borbon
12. Engel Beltre
13. Derek Holland
14. Matt Harrison
15. Tommy Hunter
16. Wilmer Font
17. Thomas Diamond
18. Warner Madrigal
19. Neil Ramirez
20. Martin Perez
21. German Duran
22. Robbie Ross
23. Beau Jones
24. Marcus Lemon
25. Jose Vallejo

A Lonestar in California

We need to hire Chuck Norris to kick the ass of any Ranger fan caught booing one of our young pitchers at the RBiA.

by LSJ on Aug 7, 2008 5:46 AM CDT reply actions  

funny

your italics look bold

by vfn on Aug 7, 2008 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm glad you bolded your top 10

I wasn’t sure what the numbers next to the names meant….

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 Aug 7, 2008 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sorry

Wrong button.

A Lonestar in California

We need to hire Chuck Norris to kick the ass of any Ranger fan caught booing one of our young pitchers at the RBiA.

by LSJ on Aug 7, 2008 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think he'd be higher

if he had signed and was playing. Personally, I think he should be way down the list until he is signed.

"And I stopped beating my wife just a couple of weeks ago." -John McCain

by DJCahill on Aug 7, 2008 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

smoak

if he was signed he’d be #3 for me, i personally didn’t think he should really be on the list until signed and i certainly dont think ross belongs there at all without being signed since it’s less likely he’ll sign than smoak.

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Aug 7, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

How the mighty have fallen

I remember when Diamond used to be near the top of these lists.

"And I stopped beating my wife just a couple of weeks ago." -John McCain

by DJCahill on Aug 7, 2008 8:08 AM CDT reply actions  

You mean before the Tommy John thing?

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Aug 7, 2008 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

about three years ago

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 7, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

my list

1. Chris Davis
2. Neftali Feliz
3. Max Ramirez
4. Justin Smoak
5. Eric Hurley
6. Taylor Teagarden
7. Blake Beavan
8. Elvis Andrus
9. Micheal Main
10. Kasey Kiker
11. Julio Borbon
12. Derek Holland
13. German Duran
14. Matt Harrison
15. Tommy Hunter
16. Engel Beltre
17. Marcus Lemon
18. Warner Madrigal
19. Thomas Diamond
20. Wilfredo Boscan
21. Omar Poveda
22. Jose Vallejo
23. Mitch Moreland
24. Neil Ramirez
25. Johnny Whittleman

I’m keeping the faith in Duran and Whittleman still intrigues me because of the walks. Poveda was expected to have a rough year as a fly baller in the CAL so I’m not writing him off. I think sweet Tea might be a little low even on my board as I see him and Maximiliano as pretty much equal.

by bushe on Aug 7, 2008 8:12 AM CDT reply actions  

Thanks Dirk...

...I stopped voting in these some time ago as I don’t feel properly knowledgable to differentiate between the 20th and 21st best prospects in the system but I thoroughly enjoyed reading other people’s opinions.

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Aug 7, 2008 8:22 AM CDT reply actions  

I'll play...

1. 1b, Chris Davis
2. RHP, Neftali Feliz
3. SS, Elvis Andrus
4. C, Max Ramirez
5. RHP, Eric Hurley
6.1b, Justin Smoak
7. OF, Engel Beltre
8. RHP, Blake Beavin
9. OF, Julio Borbon
10. RHP, Michael Main
11. C, Taylor Teagarden
12. RHP, Warner Madrigal
13. LHP, Kasey Kiker
14. LHP, Matt Harrison
15. OF, JMJ
16. RHP, Tommy Hunter
17. RHP, Thomas Diamond
18. RHP, Wilmer Font
19. LHP, Robbie Ross
20. RHP, Neil Ramirez

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Aug 7, 2008 8:36 AM CDT reply actions  

I still think we should keep going

since we still have a lot of nice prospects.

Top 50!!!!!!

by Coolbean04 on Aug 7, 2008 8:54 AM CDT reply actions  

Agree should be top 30-35

Still got Santana, Boscan, Castillo, Arias, Whittleman, Poveda, Jones left…ridiculous depth right there folks.

by slimshadty12 on Aug 7, 2008 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

me...

The only things that strike out at me are Hurley is slightly overrated, and JMJ shouldn’t be on the list, imo.

Teagarden looks low to me, but I don’t know who he would displace, the system is so loaded at the top…

by JBImaknee on Aug 7, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply actions  

Top 25

Wow, I can’t believe how much I’ve learned about this system in the past year or so… I’m sure I’ll have Ross several slots higher as soon as he signs/plays some. Vallejo will probably seem a little high later, but I like what I’ve seen out of him. I’m sure a few of my higher guys will drop some next year, because I love my upside!

1. 1b, Chris Davis
2. RHP, Neftali Feliz
3.1b, Justin Smoak
4. SS, Elvis Andrus
5. C, Max Ramirez
6. RHP, Eric Hurley
7. OF, Engel Beltre
8. RHP, Michael Main
9. RHP, Blake Beavin
10. C, Taylor Teagarden
11. OF, Julio Borbon
12. LHP, Derek Holland
13. LHP, Kasey Kiker
14. LHP, Martin Perez
15. RHP, Neil Ramirez
16. SS, Marcus Lemon
17. RHP, Tommy Hunter
18. RHP, Wilmer Font
19. 2b, Jose Vallejo
20. LHP, Robbie Ross
21. RHP, Thomas Diamond
22. RHP, Warner Madrigal
23. C, Cristian Santana
24. LHP, Matt Harrison
25. OF, John Mayberry Jr.

Plaschke: Scioscia, the former Dodgers catcher, is the model manager who has created an atmosphere of winning.
Junior:It's that simple. Mike Scioscia brings a Glade Plug-In labeled "Winning™" into the clubhouse and everyone who breathes it in gains 15 points in average.

by TheBZA on Aug 7, 2008 9:47 AM CDT reply actions  

LSB Community Prospect Project: Tier 2

Come on….we’re begging for it!

"...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
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 7, 2008 10:02 AM CDT reply actions  

next year

Moreland will be in the top 25 next year.

"An effortless 98" - Scott Gardner after Neftali Feliz's first AA pitch

by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2008 10:06 AM CDT reply actions  

Yep

I’m really high on him and I think he might rocket to the top 20 next year at this time.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 7, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

Top 25

I’d rank them like this:

1. Chris Davis
2. Neftali Feliz
3. Eric Hurley
4. Elvis Andrus
5. Max Ramirez
6. Justin Smoak
7. Engel Beltre
8. Matt Harrison
9. Taylor Teagarden
10. Kasey Kiker
11. Blake Beavan
12. Michael Main
13. Derek Holland
14. Tommy Hunter
15. Julio Borbon
16. Thomas Diamond
17. Warner Madrigal
18. German Duran
19. Wilmer Font
20. Neil Ramirez
21. Martin Perez
22. Beau Jones
23. Marcus Lemon
24. Jose Vallejo
25. John Mayberry Jr.

by BlackHawk125 on Aug 7, 2008 10:21 AM CDT reply actions  

Ross

I wouldn’t put him in my top-25 just yet. He sounds like a good prospect, but I’d put Cristian Santana, Wilfredo Boscan, Fabio Castillo, and Omar Poveda before Ross. All those guys have already shown something PLUS starting out their pro careers as exciting prospects. Right now, Ross only has the latter, and chances are he’ll start next season in Spokane, a full year behind Boscan, who is the furthest away of the guys I mentioned.

It’s not like Ross is Beavan, Main, Ramirez, Kiker, or Danks. He’s a second round pick in a weak crop of HS pitchers.

Also, this is from John Manuel’s chat yesterday:

Coach Henderson – Lexington: Who from the Meyer, Ross, Burns, and Webb group actually attends classes at UK?

John Manuel : I’ll say several . . . all are strong possibilities. I hear Andy Burns has been wooed very strongly by his hometown Rockies, and that’s tough to resist. With Meyer, it sounds like even if he’s been offered $2 million, he could be much more 3 years from now if things work out. I’ll pick all three pitchers showing up, and Burns signing, but that’s just an educated guess.

Take it with a grain of salt, but any way you look at it, Ross doesn’t seem like a guarantee to sign. I’m sure he will in the end-for way over slot, perhaps-but if an insider says something like that, I take notice.

by naropean on Aug 7, 2008 10:42 AM CDT reply actions  

A different approach

I’m going to rank by position, and I tend to lean towards upside over production:
C – Ramirez, Teagarden (very close for me), Pina, Telis, De los Santos
1B – Davis, Smoak (also very close), Moreland
MIF – Andrus, Vallejo, Lemon, Duran, Osuna, Arias
3B – Whittleman, Greene, this position sucks
CF – Beltre, Borbon, Paisano (distant 3rd)
COF – Mayberry, then I just don’t know enough about guys like Bianucci, Fry, etc. though some look encouraging
RHP – Feliz (duh), Hurley, Main, Beavan, Ramirez, Font, Boscan, Hunter
LHP – Holland, Kiker, Harrison, Perez, Ross, Jones

I’m sure I’ll change my mind tomorrow.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 7, 2008 10:55 AM CDT reply actions  

No Santana?

Nowhere to be found on your C/1B/OF list. Makes me a sad panda.

by hiafex on Aug 7, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oops

he should be in the OF mix, or maybe a special ??? list. I’m doubting he stays at catcher, but I’d still include him in the COF list.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 7, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

I still have him at catcher long term

But he’d be way higher on my list if I didn’t have genuine doubts about his future position, cause he obviously loses mad crazy points if he has to move to LF.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 7, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

yeah, there is no reason to move

him based on everything i’ve read though I still remain puzzled that the club didn’t at least platoon him at that position this year or in the second half. Who know’s if we’ll ever know what they were thinking…the “getting him 400AB” theory doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. It also seems to me that Tracy and Greene have much more value as catchers than as a LF and below ave third baseman, though i can’t attest to how they grade out at the position.

by Goyogringo on Aug 7, 2008 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

German Duran

I feel like he’s really getting hosed in these polls. I know he didn’t show much in the majors this year, and now he’s hurt, but it seems like we’re really penalizing him too much. Keith Law (and maybe others, I just don’t remember) had him as a top 100 prospect coming into the season. I know he’s lost development time this year, but bumping him all the way down to the twenties seems a bit harsh. Just my opinion.

by hungrysasquatch on Aug 7, 2008 11:34 AM CDT reply actions  

totally agree

You can see him at lucky 13 in my list above

by bushe on Aug 7, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

I hear you...

...I have to admit I don’t really know what Duran’s value is. I think this year has been a real mixed bag for him. On one hand he got some experience living the major league lifestyle, saw some major league pitchers, made some good money and accrued some time towards arbitration/free agency/pension. But he also missed out on a lot of developmental time.

I think we would have been much better served by him staying at OKC all year.

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Aug 7, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

Law and other rankings of 2B

that says as much about the general dearth of great 2B prospects last season as it does about Duran’s talent and ceiling. Remember that we were all very high on Duran last year because of his surprising production and progress in 2007. But his ceiling may not be very high, he might just be a utility guy with some pop.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 7, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Duran07 v Vallejo08

Duran: 300/352/525 11/13 on SBs

Vallejo: 287/349/432 27/30 in BAK
276/321/397 and 7/8

Duran may not be an all star 2B but he’ll start at the ML level. Vallejo’s breakout year in BAK beat Duran’s eh year in CLI by .004 in OPS. Yea this year wasn’t so hot and he wasn’t ready for the bigs but I don’t think you can count out his production nearly so much as people seem willing to do.

Also, and probably more relevant, how does Duran being a top 100 say anything about 2B prospects?

by bushe on Aug 7, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Top 100

One guy’s opinion, Law, but I wouldn’t have put him quite that high. I am not saying that Duran is not a good player, just that many here might have been a bit too optimistic after his 2007. It’s quite possible that we’re too optimistic on Vallejo right now.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 7, 2008 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

I would put

our 21-25 prospects up against almost any other orgs 11-15 prospects (and maybe even their 6-10), and I bet ours would come out on top of most rankings.

by clark on Aug 7, 2008 12:08 PM CDT reply actions  

Thanks for the work it took

Definitely helps to familiarize (and sort out) the prospect groupings. I’ve got a bias for ‘in my mind’ rankings to not include anyone who hasn’t played yet, and a predisposition about players like Cristian Santana who are what I call ‘more than their numbers’, so it helps to see the stack as voted by lots of people.

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

by Ed Coffin on Aug 7, 2008 12:23 PM CDT reply actions  

7

the number of guys on this list who have reached the majors this year. Mayberry will probably make 8 fairly soon. And the incredible thing about this is that there are plenty guys around to take their place. Even though I didnt vote for him, I think Boscan is going to a quick riser and figure into the Rangers plans prominently.

"There is nothing wrong with a good baseball argument, even if it gets a little personal now and then. If someone here get[s] their feelings hurt because of a blog post they really need to get a grip."

t ball

by booyahcaveman on Aug 7, 2008 12:33 PM CDT reply actions  

Santana should be on it

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 7, 2008 12:42 PM CDT reply actions  

Where's your list, broseph?

I’d be very interested to check it out.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 7, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

(Chris Davis)
1. Neftali Feliz
2. Justin Smoak
3. Elvis Andrus
4. Engel Beltre
5. Max Ramirez
6. Derek Holland
7. Taylor Teagarden
8. Eric Hurley (dropped him for injury concerns)
9. Blake Beavan
10. Michael Main
11. Kasey Kiker
12. Wilmer Font (I know, I know. There is just too much ability to ignore.)
13. Julio Borbon
14. Tommy Hunter
15. Warner Madrigal
16. Martin Perez
17. Neil Ramirez
18. Jose Vallejo
19. Matt Harrison
20. Marcus Lemon
21. Robbie Ross
22. Cristian Santana
23. German Duran
24. John Mayberry
25. Fabio Castillo
26. Omar Poveda
27. Tomas Telis
28. Wilfredo Boscan
29. Joaquin Arias
30. Thomas DIamond

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 7, 2008 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Diamond

man, you are REALLY down on diamond now aren’t you?

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Aug 7, 2008 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

I guess it depends on how you look at it

Everyone on that list is a nice prospect, and Diamond is on there instead of Matt West (who is coming around quietly), Beau Jones and Joe Wieland, guys I like quite a bit and all high picks themselves (and healthy). Gomez, the Murphys, Whittleman, O’Campo, I believe that I can say without being a homer that most of those guys would be on most teams’ top 30s.

Let me ask you this. Where would you rank Wade Townsend on TB’s list? Clint Everts on Washington’s? Those guys were both more highly regarded than Diamond in the draft and before their injuries, and they’re having similar results post-injury. Townsend was #24 on TB’s supremely deep and talented list this spring, and Everts didn’t make Washington’s (which obviuosly wasn’t even in the same class as this list).

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 7, 2008 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Telis, eh?

Is he the real deal?

I’ve seen nothing other than a brief mention or two about a switch from SS to C. What leads you to put him so high? I tend to think it’s smart to go ahead and rank the big bonus LA guys just cause they’re probably going to end up being really good if our LA scouts believe in them that much, but I still like to know some shit before I rank them. I’m pragmatic like that.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 7, 2008 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

That's the one that stood out

to me, too. I’m hopeful about him but I don’t know enough about him to put him ahead of Boscan.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 7, 2008 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Diamond

at this point why would anyone be “up” on him.

by FirebatM3 on Aug 8, 2008 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

diamond

i’m not “high on him” but im higher than that on him

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Aug 9, 2008 6:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

santana

lots of santana haters around here it seems

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Aug 7, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

a 698 OPS will do that

especially from a COF/DH

I really don’t see much reason to vote for him

by bushe on Aug 7, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well...

A few things to keep in mind:

1) Last season, despite playing just 27 games there, Baseball America ranked him as the best catching prospect in the Arizona Fall League.

2) Engel Beltre, who was ranked as the #11 overall prospect in the LSB Community Polls, has an OPS of .730, not a lot better than Santana’s, and the two are very close in age (Santana is just four months older). Santana is also playing at Clinton after having lost more than a full season (all of 2006 with a shoulder injury; a month last year with a broken thumb; nearly a month this year with an ankle injury).

There were reports before the season that Santana would start the year at Extended Spring Training before going to Spokane. Instead, he was sent to Clinton to play in a Full-Season League. If he’s asked to repeat the season in the Midwest League, where he’s about three years younger than the average player, that’s not too big a knock on his potential.

3) From the Dallas Morning News’ Texas Rangers Blog (7/19/08):

Clinton’s Cristian Santana, a catcher who has played exclusively in the outfield this year, returned to his more familiar place behind the plate for the first time last night. “Actually, it was Cristian’s idea to get back behind the plate. Our goal for him this year was to get him 400 at-bats. He’s had some injury issues [shoulder mostly], and we thought that getting him out from behind the plate would help him get there. But he’s been asking to catch some bullpens lately and bugging [Clinton manager] Mike Miccucci about it, so we thought it was time.”

4) Catcher Max Ramirez, #5 on the LSB list, didn’t play a game professionally as a catcher until he was in the Appalachian League in 2005. That was several months after Ramirez turned 20 years old. Santana won’t turn 20 until two months into next season.

5) I’m long winded.

Watching a player hit into a double play. A fan's delight. It's the only time in professional sports where you can sit on your couch, out of shape and drinking, and say, "Yes, I could have done better."

by YourNameHere on Aug 7, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Arizona Rookie League and the Arizona Fall League are very different things

but, yah, I’m still excited about the kid.

He was 21st on my list and in this system that’s not a slight.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 7, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Whoops...

I meant the Arizona Rookie League. He was ranked as the 9th best prospect overall as well.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/264877.html

Watching a player hit into a double play. A fan's delight. It's the only time in professional sports where you can sit on your couch, out of shape and drinking, and say, "Yes, I could have done better."

by YourNameHere on Aug 7, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Misc notes...

Both Main and Santana were considered by many clubs to be premium center field prospects and along with Beltre are probably the top athletes in the system. Ramirez was a DSL all-star at 3b.

by Goyogringo on Aug 7, 2008 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

J.B. Diaz is on that athlete's list.

Not sure about his past exploits in a place like CF thoug…

It's filed under 'D'... for donut.

by NoNameOnCard on Aug 8, 2008 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yoouuu'rrrreee Outta Here...

If you’re going to use the parameters that had been used by thedirkatron and t ball during the duration of the project, remember:

"...using the BA prospect formula of 130 AB's or 50 ip. If a guy is under those limits, he's still a prospect right now..."

As of last night, Chris Davis is hitting .295/.333/.636 for the Rangers over 132 At-Bats (not to mention the fact that he’s 8 BB’s and a sac fly).

Just food for thought.

Watching a player hit into a double play. A fan's delight. It's the only time in professional sports where you can sit on your couch, out of shape and drinking, and say, "Yes, I could have done better."

by YourNameHere on Aug 7, 2008 1:23 PM CDT reply actions  

969 OPS

ugh, can’t he at least get it over 1.000?

by bushe on Aug 7, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Word

Busticon.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 7, 2008 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Heh.

Excellent zinger!

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Aug 7, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

No Doubt!
Milton Bradley Texas 1.036
Alex Rodriguez New York 1.007
J.D. Drew Boston .956

"...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
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 7, 2008 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hopefully...

You realized I was just pointing out that Chris Davis has exceeded the 130 at-bat limit. I’m almost certain that this sentence (and the previous one) are entirely unnecessary.

Watching a player hit into a double play. A fan's delight. It's the only time in professional sports where you can sit on your couch, out of shape and drinking, and say, "Yes, I could have done better."

by YourNameHere on Aug 7, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well to be fair

he hadn’t exceeded it when the polling started….if you know that, then well I don’t know what your point is….

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 Aug 7, 2008 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

He's no longer a prospect

I’m pretty sure that’s all that he’s saying.

by hiafex on Aug 7, 2008 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yes...

Exactly

Watching a player hit into a double play. A fan's delight. It's the only time in professional sports where you can sit on your couch, out of shape and drinking, and say, "Yes, I could have done better."

by YourNameHere on Aug 8, 2008 7:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

Thanks Dirkatron...

The thing that stands out for me is where Dutch is this year. How far up he has come, and how far up he will go next year. I see him in the top 5 in next years list.

As for mine, I guess I’ll throw ‘em out there:

1. Davis
2. Feliz
3. Smoak
4. Hurley
5. Andrus
6. MaxRam
7. Dutch
8. Beavan
9. Main
10. Teagarden
11. Beltre
12. Harrison
13. Kiker
14. Borbon
15. Hunter
16. Perez
17. Lemon
18. Font
19. Ramirez
20. Madrigal
21. Vallejo
22. Ross
23. Santana
24. Diamond
25. JMJ

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Aug 7, 2008 9:54 PM CDT reply actions  

This was done in about 2 minutes

Any more time spent and I’d get tired head. After 12 it gets exponentially harder.

1. Davis
2. Feliz
3. Smoak
4. Andrus
5. M. Ramirez
6. Holland
7. Hurley
8. Teagarden
9. Beavan
10. Main
11. Beltre
12. Kiker
13. Borbon
14. Hunter
15. Harrison
16. M. Perez
17. Font
18. N. Ramirez
19. Robbie Ross
20. Madrigal
21. Santana
22. Duran
23. JMJ
24. Vallejo
25. Poveda.

by LiamP on Aug 7, 2008 10:21 PM CDT reply actions  

BTW

Thanks for the threads Dirk.

by LiamP on Aug 7, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

here my top fifteen

for posterity:

davis
feliz
hurley
andrus
teagarden
smoak
kiker
Max
main
beaven
borbon
beltre
harrison
diamond
lemon (pronounced like Bono)

"You’re the only here who contributes schtick only." - brettgardner

by trza on Aug 7, 2008 10:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Tyler's Top 35.

1. RHP, Neftali Feliz
2. 1b, Chris Davis
3. SS, Elvis Andrus
4. RHP, Blake “C-Wun” Beavan
5. RHP, Eric Hurley
6. C, Maximiliano Ramirez
7. RHP, Michael Main
8. 1b, Justin Smoak
9. OF, Julio Borbon
10. LHP, Derek Holland
11. C, Taylor Teagarden
12. RHP, Tommy Hunter
13. LHP Kasey Kiker
14. OF, Engel Beltre
15. SS, Marcus Lemon
16. LHP, Matt Harrison
17. RHP, Thomas Diamond
18. RHP, Neil Ramirez
19. RHP, Wilfredo Boscan
20. RHP, Wilmer Font
21. OF, John Mayberry, Jr.
22. RHP, Warner Madrigal
23. 2b, Jose Vallejo
24. 2b, German Duran
25. RHP, Martin Perez
26. C, Cristian Santana
27. RHP, Tim Murphey
28. RHP, Omar Poveda
29. LHP, Robbie Ross
30. C, Manual Pina
32. RHP, Beau Jones
33. OF, Eric Fry
34. RHP, Joe Ortiz
35. RHP, Miguel Alfonso

by octoberty on Aug 8, 2008 11:02 AM CDT reply actions  

First time poster!

Hi everyone, Cribbs here visiting from BleedCubbieBlue. Great site here and I absolutely love the Community Prospect Project. I have learned a lot about the Rangers farm system, and I think it’s great that y’all take so much interest in the youngsters.

I am good friends with a fella who pitches for Clinton, and he is having a pretty good season after they tried to change his mechanics last year. They have allowed him to go back and throw the way he wants, and he has been having a good season. I listen to all the games online when I can, and followed the LSB project to see where he was at in the minds of the fans.

Was the list populated by recommendation only? If that were the case, based on some of the other names here I have checked up on, it seems Michael Kirkman, LHP for Clinton, would be at least in the Top 35.

"Oh, I get a little tired now and then, but knowing my lifestyle, that's only natural." -- Harry Caray

by Cribbs463 on Aug 8, 2008 6:10 PM CDT reply actions  

Yeah

I think that’s pretty fair to say, assuming that he stays healthy and can keep his current level of control. Has he told you what his FB velo is sitting at right now? We’ve gotten a couple of reports, but they were a little sketchy.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 8, 2008 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hi

The last time I texted him a couple days ago he was very thrilled with the way things are going. Fastball is sitting around 92-94, with some more or less obviously. The mechanics are a huge part of it, and he is excited that they are letting him throw the way he wants, and he is very excited about the future. I think he has gotten a lot of his confidence back and is working on another pitch, too. Hopefully he can stay healthy, he hasn’t told me if he has had any health concerns. I am sure I will get all the info this winter, we hunt together and I get all caught up.

I will keep checking in here, if y’all don’t mind. Never know when I might need a favorite AL team. :)

Good luck to y’all the rest of the season!

"Oh, I get a little tired now and then, but knowing my lifestyle, that's only natural." -- Harry Caray

by Cribbs463 on Aug 8, 2008 9:58 PM CDT reply actions  

Hunting

We’re always hunting for news bits so yeah, we’d love to have you come around once in a while with details, thanks.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 9, 2008 7:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

good job dirk

the LSB CPP has always been a great idea.

Thanks for doing this

"Over the years, my favorite pastime outside baseball is driving through a pasture looking at cattle." - Nolan Ryan

by hurlerhurley on Aug 8, 2008 11:14 PM CDT reply actions  

stop sucking up bitch

"Over the years, my favorite pastime outside baseball is driving through a pasture looking at cattle." - Nolan Ryan

by hurlerhurley on Aug 8, 2008 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

Stop bitching,

suck.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 9, 2008 7:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh, look

Ross and Smoak ended up signing.

Good thing the maniacal genius running this shit put them on the list after all, right fellas?

;)

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 16, 2008 4:59 AM CDT reply actions  

but how would you look if they didnt?

smoak came right to the wire

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Aug 16, 2008 6:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

(Don't mind my sarcasm)

He would have had to execute the impossible mission of removing their names from the list like he did Danks and Masset last winter. Oh the horror!

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 18, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

i know

wont somebody please think about the children!!!

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Aug 18, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah

and Smoak should be higher, too.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 16, 2008 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

Don't you ever

sleep?

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 16, 2008 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

i think he's a baseball vampire

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Aug 16, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

Correction:

I’m a sexy baseball vampire.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 16, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

So...

you bite sexy baseballs?

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 16, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

What I find interesting is that two players from the pre-2008 season top 10 list will be out of the top 10

and yet the pre-2009 season list looks even more interesting.

pre-2008 season LSB top 10
Hurley, CD, Andrus, Kiker, T2, Main, Beavan, Duran, Beltre, MaxRam

pre-2009 season LSB top 10
Feliz, Hurley, Andrus, MaxRam, Smoak, Main, Beavan, T2, Kiker, Beltre

CD will no longer qualify for prospectness. Duran moves down. No doubt, Holland will enter the top-10 before the beginning of next season, but I’m not sure who the board will drop to compensate.

From what I’ve read from the prospect gurus, the pre-season 2009 top 10 will have guys well on their way to being
future #1: Feliz
future #2: Hurley, Holland
future middle of the order bats: MaxRam, Smoak
future defense cornerstones (with decent bats): Andrus, T2

Like I started off saying, I’m amazed that I will be more excited about the farm next year than this.

Go Rangers!

by rooster on Aug 19, 2008 1:22 PM CDT reply actions  

Excitement in 2009

It will definitely be exciting as so many of the younger arms start rising through the system. I am really looking forward to guys like Font, Boscan, Beavan, Main, etc. continuing up the ladder.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 19, 2008 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Not a consensus #2 anymore.

He lost a lot of luster among prospect rankers this year, but I’m really encouraged by his ability to adjust and the resulting reduction in HR in AAA and nice ML results in June. There’s still reason to hope he’s on his way to the #2 slot.

So, maybe the top 10 has a potential ace and two mid-rotation or back rotation guys in the eyes of rankers who don’t have my bias as a Rangers homer.

Go Rangers!

by rooster on Aug 19, 2008 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Another "defense cornerstone"...

I’ve read several times over that Julio Borbon could become a Gold Glove Center Fielder. In his first full year of Professional Baseball, he’s hitting .308/.346/.405 between Bakersfield and Frisco. He’s still 22, so there could definitely be some improvement in terms of his OBP (needs to draw more walks), and I’ve seen reports suggesting that he’s got 10-15 HR potential going forward.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 19, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

And Now...

I remember that you were just looking at the top 10 guys on the list. Oh well.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 19, 2008 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Needs to also

work on stealing bases. Stealing 10 out of 19 attempts isn’t going to get you far if your game is speed, and not power.

What's the secret to a long life? "I masturbate a lot"-Ernest Borgnine. http://www.bestweekever.tv/2008/08/14/icymi-ernest-borgnine-reveals-his-secret-for-everlasting-youth/#onepage

by DJCahill on Aug 19, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Very confusing...

I’m wondering what’s up with that. He was 36 for 43 (83.7%) in Bakersfield before being promoted to Frisco. You hear about hitter-friendly parks, but I’ve never heard of good baserunner parks.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 19, 2008 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

AA pitchers

and catchers are probably better, combined with perhaps some small sample size luck in Bakersfield and/or bad luck in Frisco.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 19, 2008 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yep

Fatigue is also an issue. Borbon was injured during a chunk of his junior year and only played 9 games after being drafted. So far in ‘08 he has played in 112 games not including spring training. It’s not a surprise to see him lose some first-step quickness due to fatigue.

by jparks77 on Aug 19, 2008 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ah, yes

good point.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 19, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

True dat!

"...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
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 20, 2008 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

Borbon:Brian::

Liberals:Sharky

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 20, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh Noes!

Taco Bellsbury?

:)

"...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
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 20, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

Tacoby Bellsbury

Not Taco.

A Lonestar in California

We need to hire Chuck Norris to kick the ass of any Ranger fan caught booing one of our young pitchers at the RBiA.

by LSJ on Aug 20, 2008 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Same levels and all, but one big difference:

Ellsbury’s 380 OBP

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 20, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

And Ellsbury's OBP

is .330 right now.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 20, 2008 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah

which is the thing about people brashly thinking that Borbon’s current 340 ought to correlate to 340-350 in the majors just fine.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 20, 2008 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

and yet

somehow some of the same folks are discounting Andrus’ .380+ OBP the last couple of months as a 19-yr. old. Yeah, I’m talking to you, Cahill!

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 20, 2008 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

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