9/1/2009

September is for Next Year, Pt II

September Callups, Part 2

Continuing last week's theme, this week we look at five of the most-anticipated callups in the National League, focusing especially on a group of young up-and-coming catchers and quasi-catchers.   

Giants catcher (?) of the future Buster Posey is one of the most-anticipated new faces this month.

Buster Posey, C/3B San Francisco: Last year's Golden Spikes winner as the best all-around player in college ball, Posey is a polished receiver with plus leadership abilities. He's being groomed to lead the team for the next decade or so, and this month will give him a chance to meet his future pitching staff and get over those Big League Jitters. He's not likely to open 2010 on the Giants roster, but he could be up later next year to stay. A spray hitter with bonus athleticism, he won't hit for much power, but he handles all the other aspects of the game well. There's some rumbling that he may be moved to third base (a position he played in high school and early college) in order to preserve his knees for a longer Giants career.

Josh Thole, C/1B New York Mets: Another 'team-leader' type catcher looking to get a head start on adjusting to life in the Bigs, Mets prospect Josh Thole is similarly not likely for the 2010 Opening Day, but could be in the pipeline to takeover everyday catching later in the season. Thole, who turns 23 in October, showed off a .328 average at Double-A Binghamton, and added eight steals for good measure. The Mets, playing for nothing this year, will give Thole every chance to impress down the stretch.

Neil Walker, C/3B Pittsburgh: Another catcher, though one who probably won't ever suit up in the gear for the Pirates, Walker was Pittsburgh's number one prospect for several years, ever since they made him the 11th overall pick in 2004. Likely to be deployed as a full-time third baseman, Walker earned his callup by swatting .363 with 14 doubles, four homer and 29 RBIs in August.

Daniel McCutchen, SP Pittsburgh: A 26-year-old strikeout artist getting his first taste of the big leagues, McCutchen has outgrown his early rep as a less-than-mature product. Returning from a fifty-game suspension for steroid abuse, McCutchen went 13-6 and posted a 3.47 ERA in a full season at Triple-A. More impressively, he struck out 110 while walking only 29.

Ian Desmond, SS/2B Washington: Another 'bust' who has rehabilitated his image and reclaimed a spot as a top prospect, Desmond is an iffy glove with a promising bat who should get a chance to open 2010 somewhere in Washington's infield. Desmond has already .330/.401/.477 with seven homers and 21 stolen bases in his minor league year to date (split between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse) and will look to keep up his hot hitting in DC.

   

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