Baseball's Top Prospects for Spring 2008
1B, ATL
A player who showed unmatchable power at the high school level, John Johnson Jr. is a raw but fascinating prospect in the Braves system who scouts call a southern version of Justin Morneau. As a prospect, he fits into the Lars Anderson / Chris Parmalee frame of reference: a player who could be a superstar if he learns the finer points of the game, but who might also fade into obscurity if he relies on nothing but home run swings.
More Scouting Book Info on Cody Johnson >
231
RHP, CHW
A 13th-round pick in the 2004 draft, Egbert has made a slow but steady climb through the Sox system. While he's never been a white-hot prospect, he does project as a solid back-of-rotation pitcher in the next few years.
More Scouting Book Info on Jack Egbert >
232
2B, SF
A smallish, versatile infielder, Denker won't win any home run competitions. He can, however, spray hits all over the field with abandon: he's put up .300ish averages at every minor league stop since 2005. Acquired from the Dodgers in 2007 as the player-to-be-named later part of the Mark Sweeney trade, Denker adds a little depth to the dusty Giants system.
More Scouting Book Info on Travis Denker >
233
LHP, ATL
The latest in a long line of lefthanders growing up on the Atlanta farm, willowy Jeff Locke's 94mph fastball is a definite plus pitch, with late movement that he can command at will. His curve ball is also well under control and projects as a second plus pitch. With the Braves rotation staggering, Locke has a terrific opportunity to step up in 2008 or 2009.
More Scouting Book Info on Jeff Locke >
234
RHP, FLA
No information is available on this player at this time. Check back later for an updated report.
More Scouting Book Info on Ryan Tucker >
235
C, MLW
It's a bit cheap comparing Canadian slugger Brett Lawrie to fellow Canucks Larry Walker and Justin Morneau, but in this case the comparison is about more than nationality: Lawrie can flat-out rake, though he does it from the right side of the plate. An all-around baseball talent with no ceiling in sight, the fact that he's played both shortstop and catcher well enough to make it onto both position lists tells you something about the special youngster.
More Scouting Book Info on Brett Lawrie >
236
LHP, CLE
A first round draft pick (Blue Jays) back in 2004, Jackson went from being one of Toronto's best prospects to a mediocre one in Milwaukee. He did some service time in 2007, posting a 5.40 ERA in seven starts for the Brewers, but the team recast him as a long bullpen arm last year, though there's no good reason he couldn't return to starting given the right situation. While he still seems to have the tools that made him so coveted a few years ago, he's been a bit of a late-bloomer who could probably benefit from a change of scenery or a different approach.
More Scouting Book Info on Zach Jackson >
237
RHP, SD
It took almost an entire year to sign him, but the Padres finally secured their 11th-round pick from 2006. Mat is a righthanded pitcher with a 98mph heater and developing secondary pitches that will determine his future.
More Scouting Book Info on Mat Latos >
238
RHP, WAS
A righthander with three quality pitches and middle of the rotation capability, Aaron Crow's a nice fit for a patient Nationals team that's good at developing overlooked pitching talent. There'll be no rush to move him up, which means he should have a couple of years to hone his craft under one of the league's better coaching and development staffs.
More Scouting Book Info on Aaron Crow >
239
RHP, FLA
No information is available on this player at this time. Check back later for an updated report.
More Scouting Book Info on Brett Sinkbeil >
240
RHP, BAL
No information is available on this player at this time. Check back later for an updated report.
More Scouting Book Info on Pedro Beato >
241
2B, LAD
Not much of a rookie following eight years in the Twins system. Maza is still a valuable spare part who can play all seven fielding positions. Now a Dodger, he may finally break into MLB, at least for a time, on the injured backs (or hamstrings, or shoulders) of Jeff Kent and/or Nomar Garciaparra and/or Rafael Furcal.
More Scouting Book Info on Luis Maza >
242
LHP, CLE
Drafted by the Angels and then Phillies in two subsequent years, Huff elected to finish college at UC Irvine instead, and he ended up a Cleveland Indian in 2005's supplemental round. His four pro-ready pitches helped him blow through AA. He has looked so good in AAA that he's likely to get a chance in Cleveland before 2008 is over. If Laffey or Miller struggle or fail to impress, Huff could slide right into the rotation for 2009. Because Cleveland's other arms have gotten so much press, Huff is one of the best sleeper candidates among young pitchers today.
More Scouting Book Info on David Huff >
243
2B, SEA
The son of ex-major leaguer Tim Hulett, junior is an offensive-minded second baseman in the Dustin Pedroia fashion. While he lacks serious power, he has shown excellent discipline and occasional pop while maintaining an OBP over .400 for most of his young career. He's also been a team leader and is considered a good clubhouse personality, which bodes well for his future.
More Scouting Book Info on Tug Hulett >
244
LHP, WAS
One of the top high-school pitchers available, Smoker was an unexpected first round supplemental pick by the Nationals in 2007. His long arm and easy, slinging action let him throw a low to mid-90's fastball with the same apparent motion as his slider, splitter and change. The net result of all that? Filthy.
More Scouting Book Info on Josh Smoker >
245
OF, OAK
His top-flight prospect status delayed for a couple of years, Herrera still projects to be a starting outfielder in MLB someday soon. He doesn't have quite the power that he once projected, but he's a solid offensive-minded fielder with a plus arm, which should land him a corner outfield spot sooner or later.
More Scouting Book Info on Javier Herrera >
246
RHP, PIT
Pittsburgh is a confusing maze of prospects. Every year they put half a dozen starters on the prospect lists, and every year some of them work out (Ian Snell) while some of them don't (Zach Duke). Here's the latest entry, Brad Lincoln, complete with his 19:7 K to BB ration. Take a flyer late, but don't bank on him. The Pittsburgh system is just too wildly unpredictable to know when the reports are right.
More Scouting Book Info on Brad Lincoln >
247
RHP, BAL
A stocky righthander with good fundamentals, the oddly-named Chorye ('Corey') has four good pitches, including a mid-nineties four-seamer, and a low-nineties two-seam fastball with good sink. His curve and change are still works in progress, but show signs of becoming plus offerings in the near future. His mound presence is intense, though he does seem to get rattled and thrown off his game on occasion.
More Scouting Book Info on Chorye Spoone >
248
RHP, STL
A University of Miami alumnus with a hot fastball and erratic control, Perez has a likely future in the Cardinal bullpen sometime in 2008 or 2009. He his electric stuff and solid, aggressive approach to hitters, he has closer-of-the-future written all over him.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Perez >
249
LHP, TEX
Drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2005 draft, the Braves considered Jones to be the best prep left-hander in the country. He was acquired by the Rangers as part of the package of prospects that netted the Braves Mark Teixeira in 2007.
More Scouting Book Info on Beau Jones >
250
LHP, KC
Hughes, a lefthander who was once highly ranked before requiring midseason Tommy John surgery in 2006, is still well-regarded, if a bit behind schedule. Depending who you listen to, The Kid from Tupelo is either the next Tom Glavine, or destined for sixth-starter status. His performance as he works back from his injury will say a lot.
More Scouting Book Info on Dusty Hughes >
251
RHP, COL
A rail-thin flamethrower from Venezuela, Chacin is on the fast track in Colorado, especially as some of the other Rockie options have slid from their earlier grace. His 94mph fastball has good location and late movement, and his curve and change show plus promise. He seems to have the character and work ethic to be a frontline starter, but he could be adapted to the bullpen as well. Either way, he's a good 2010 option for the Rockies right now.
More Scouting Book Info on Jhoulys Chacin >
252
RHP, CLE
One of the hottest arms in the White Sox organization, the polydactylic Perez had 'future closer' written all over him until being stolen away by Cleveland when the Sox, perhaps foolishly, tried to pass him through waivers. Before losing him, Perez was the best long-term bet to become the next Sox fireman.
More Scouting Book Info on Oneli Perez >
253
OF, CLE
A smart, savvy hitter with strong arms and developing power, Weglarz uses very fast hands to work the bat through the zone quickly, with line-drive power to all fields. His swing lacks the loft of a true power-hitter, though that may come soon as his large frame continues to fill out: last season, his most productive yet, he produced 24 long balls in 127 games as a 19 year old in A ball. A first-baseman in high school, the Indians have been using him in left field, though that experiment may soon end: his glove and arm are not better than average.
More Scouting Book Info on Nick Weglarz >
254
C, HOU
Three catchers were in the top ten picks of the 2008 draft, and Castro was one of them. Now, why the Astros took another catcher, especially one as close to MLB-ready as Stanford graduate Castro is a bit of a head-scratcher, since they already have the very talented J. R. Towles under lock and key. But with first base looking like an opening in the near future, there should be somewhere to play both. Castro has plus power and good defense, which means he should move quickly and be ready for the majors as soon as late 2010 or 2011.
More Scouting Book Info on Jason Castro >
255
OF, MIN
A combination OF-1B bat who will probably end up at DH, Parmelee is one of the best pure power hitters in the minor leagues. He has a smooth, lofty swing that puts breaking pitches into the bleachers as fast as pitchers can curse. He's got a plus arm, but lacks the speed or range to hold down right field. A definite work-in-progress, Parmelee today is a sort of poor man's Lars Anderson: a big barrel of booming potential, with underdeveloped collateral skills. The bat is so monstrous, though, that the Twins are unlikely to move him or abandon his training: the Twins refuse to lose another David Ortiz.
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Parmelee >
256
1B, BOS
No, this isn't (Vernon) Chris Carter, the California-born first-baseman traded from Arizona to Oakland for Dan Haren. This is (William) Chris Carter, the California-born first-baseman who was traded from Arizona (!) to Boston for Wily Mo Pena. This Chris Carter is four inches smaller and four years older, with more refined skills but a lower ceiling. He's also a left-handed hitter, unlike the Earth-A version. He's a viable first base candidate, but less of a big league talent than the Carter the A's picked up. He could spend some MLB bench time in 2008 or 2009 spelling Youkilis (a task we've all struggled with from time to time.)
More Scouting Book Info on Chris Carter >
257
RHP, NYY
The Yankees drafted William Alan Horne in the 11th round of the 2005 MLB Draft, a lower position than xpected due to his TJ surgery. He's come along slowly but surely since then: he went 12-4 with a 3.11 ERA and a 165/57 K/BB ratio with AA Trenton last year, on his way to winning the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year honors.
More Scouting Book Info on Alan Horne >
258
RHP, MLW
Before he got banged up, Rogers looked like he was starting to figure out how to pitch (not just throw). His raw stuff is still majestic, but he needs to show a lot more polish and smarts to make it in 2007-2008.
More Scouting Book Info on Mark Rogers >
259
OF, TB
Not content to merely outdraft the rest of baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays have also set out to sign every emerging soccer star in the United States. Perez, a superior soccer player who only began learning his way through baseball in college, wound up an All-Ivy pick as Columbia's centerfielder in 2004, when he hit .317 and led the League with 18 steals.
More Scouting Book Info on Fernando Perez >
260
OF, MIN
A legitimate 5-tool prospect who the Twins should have the patience to develop, this is an Adam Jones / Carlos Gomez type prospect who's just a few years behind that curve. He needs more than a year or two of seasoning, as his skills haven't yet caught up to his raw ability, but the great Twins development machines should take care of that. He could be the best player on the Twins roster come 2013 or so.
More Scouting Book Info on Aaron Hicks >
261
RHP, LAD
No relation to Russ, though the righthander pitcher does have at least one other thing in common with catcher: both are viable backups at third base. But the Dodgers are asking for Ethan Martin as a pitcher and only a pitcher, and that might be more than enough. The powerful, savvy righthander projects a lot like the Giants' young Tim Lincecum, with a pinpoint fastball and a nasty hard slider coming from a compact frame. He's not close to ready, but when he does add some experience to his talent, he should be yet another in a long string of powerful home-grown Dodger arms.
More Scouting Book Info on Ethan Martin >
262
1B, TOR
The Blue Jays have been bereft of developing power threats recently, but they're fixing it with this move. Cooper is a high-average, high-on-base machine with significant power to all fields. He was drafted higher than expected, but the way the power bats were vanishing from the board this year, one can hardly blame the Blue Jays for reaching.
More Scouting Book Info on David Cooper >
263
RHP, CHC
Texas Christian's ex-closer, Andrew Cashner has that perfect mix of electric 98mph fastball and nasty low-90's slider that everyone wants to see in a ninth-inning specialist. Of course, the Cubs already have two or three of those on staff, so it's possible that Cashner could be stretched into starting duty: he's already got the workable changeup and innings-eating frame to do that if needed. Whether it's as a spot starter or long reliever, it's likely that the Cubs will take a closer look at Cashner as early as late 2008.
More Scouting Book Info on Andrew Cashner >
264
RHP, DET
A tall righthander with a 98mph fastball and electric breaking stuff, Perry is a bit of a pitching project. Despite his stuff, which includes not just a hard slider but a plus change, he's been very hittable on some outings, as he seems to think himself out of the game. Detroit has capable farm-handlers, so they stand a good chance at developing the young stud, but he's far from a sure thing at this point. In fact, what's the opposite of a sure thing? Oh, right: a pitching prospect.
More Scouting Book Info on Ryan Perry >
265
SS, NYM
A successful shortstop in college whose range is a bit of a question in pro ball, South Carolina graduate David (Reese) Havens could make a heck of a second baseman for a future Mets infield that already includes two All Stars and the player picked just before him in the 2008 Draft, first baseman Ike Davis. A solid line drive hitter with plus plate discipline, Havens could be a long-term keystone for New York.
More Scouting Book Info on Reese Havens >
266
1B, SD
Another of the rich 2008 draft class of slugging first basemen, Dykstra is a textbook lefty power bat with no obvious position in San Diego, but he's bubbling over in hitting talent. He'll need a year or two in the minors to develop his secondary skills, and the Padres will need to deal with the question of his fielding position, but he projects as a solid 25-30 homer type a few years from now.
More Scouting Book Info on Allan Dykstra >
267
SS, PHI
A superstar high school shortstop whose future is likely in the outfield, Hewitt is a genuine five tool wunderkind who could electrify Philly fans... if he signs there. The shining future star is already committed to Vanderbilt, so he might not ever see the inside of a Phillies uniform. If he does, though, he'll be a good one in the Justin Upton mold.
More Scouting Book Info on Anthony Hewitt >
268
LHP, COL
A smart value-pick from the 2008 draft by the Rockies, Friedrich was one of the two or three best lefthanders in the pool, as well as one of the best prep pitchers available, making him a steal at the 25th overall pick. Christian has four good pitches, including a plus curve that he uses off his 92mph fastball. If his good stuff shows up in Rookie ball, he could jump ahead of the disappointing Franklin Morales in the Rockies "best minor league lefty" category.
More Scouting Book Info on Christian Friedrich >
269
LHP, ARZ
The son of offensive lineman and ESPN commentator Mark Schlereth, Daniel is a power lefty with a strikeout curve who most see as a relief specialist. It's likely that Arizona will try to develop Schlereth into a starter. If he can extend his strikeout artistry across six innings instead of one or two, Arizona's got a future ace in the hole, here. If not, he'll still be a useful bullpen cog.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel Schlereth >
270
2B, OAK
He's not just Rickie's little brother, he's a different kind of player. He's not the strong masher that Weeks is, but Jemile is more patient at the plate and faster on the bases. Like number one pick Tim Beckham, Weeks could see a move to centerfield sometime, where his plus speed would be more of an asset and his so-so glovework wouldn't be a problem.
More Scouting Book Info on Jemile Weeks >
271
RHP, MIN
The ex-Miami Hurricanes closer throws a 98mph fastball that could get even faster as he comes back from TJ surgery. His breaking ball is sub-par, but if any coaching staff can coax secondary pitches from power arms, its the wizard's guild in Minnesota. He's a couple years away from being noteworthy, but Minnesota works in mysterious ways, which means he could get a look in 2009 as a setup man.
More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Gutierrez >
272
LHP, NYM
A wiry left-hander with a deadly curve, Jon Niese is a dark-horse pitching prospect who has a shot at the Mets rotation in 2009. A graduate of the same high school as Chad Billinsgley, Niese will start 2008 at AA, but he has the maturity and guile to move up quickly. He has a nice fastball and a heavy sinker, but he needs another year or two to refine his other pitches. If he can do that, he might be a front-of-rotation starter, though he could help out in the bullpen or back-end long before that.
More Scouting Book Info on Jon Niese >
273
SS, TB
While lost in the sea of Tampa prospects, Andy Cannizaro deserves a look as an up-and-coming middle infielder, even though he's of advanced age for a prospect.
More Scouting Book Info on Andy Cannizaro >
274
SS, FA
Nioka, a free agent soon after the 2007 season, is a slick fielding shortstop and quality hitter who may help many major league teams.
More Scouting Book Info on Tomohiro Nioka >
275
C, BOS
A smart, careful student of the game, Kottaras is an offensive catcher with very good plate discipline and 20-homer potential. His body is still filling out, but he's expected to be able to perform to MLB levels while remaining behind the plate. His experience catching knuckleballer Steve Sparks makes him attractive early carry for the BoSox, who have been carrying Mirabelli year-to-year while waiting for a better backup-slash-Wakefield catcher. Even if he's called up, though, Kottaras will be a part-timer or backup for awhile, but he's a valid prospect nonetheless. A trade could make him a lot more valuable overnight.
More Scouting Book Info on George Kottaras >
276
RHP, COL
A once promising Stanford righthander shut down for shoulder surgery. Before the shoulder issues he was seen as a big, durable innings horse. Post-op, he may have a future as reliever in Colorado one of these years, but he's got a lot less glitter than he once did.
More Scouting Book Info on Greg Reynolds >
277
SS, FA
A versatile fielder who can perform well at second, third or short, German Duran also has reasonably pop in his bat. In 130 games at AA Frisco last season, he batted an even .300, with 22 homers and only 70 strikeouts.
More Scouting Book Info on German Duran >
278
SS, BOS
A big, strong shortstop (for now) with plus power and a cannon arm, high schooler Casey Kelly is already 6-3 and 200lbs, with more size and strength to come as he fills out. He's considering a football career, but if he decides to spare his knees from an early demise and commit to baseball full-time, he could end up being a long-term third base or right field solution for the Red Sox, who would dearly love a right-handed power bat to offset the looming loss of Manny Ramirez.
More Scouting Book Info on Casey Kelly >
279
RHP, HOU
A converted outfielder, Paulino threw 112 innings of Double-A ball in 2007 (3.69 ERA, 110 Ks : 49 BBs) before his cup of coffee tryout in Houston. Other than a gem of a two-hit performance against the eliminated Braves on September 30th, though, he failed to dazzle, which means he'll be back in AA next season. Because of his late start as a pitcher, he's only really got two pitches so far: a sizzling mid-90's fastball with late movement and a nifty 12-6 curve that he's still learning to throw for strikes. He could be an effective reliever tomorrow, but if the Astros are serious about making a starter out of him, he'll need a couple of more years and a couple of more pitches.
More Scouting Book Info on Felipe Paulino >
280
RHP, WAS
Drafted late in the second round (67th overall) by the Nationals in 2007, Jordan Zimmermann (no relation to Ryan, Jeff or the other pitcher named Jordan) is a big, polished righthander with a mid-90's fastball and average breaking stuff. He managed to finesse his way to nice numbers in the NY Penn League (low A) last year, striking out 71 in 53 innings of work while walking only 18. He has the kind of clean, repeatable throwing motion that scouts like to see, so he should be around long enough to develop secondary pitches. He could end up as an end-of-rotation arm.
More Scouting Book Info on Jordan Zimmermann >
281
SS, CLE
Originally drafted out of high school by the Pirates, Chisenhall was chosen again three years later, this time by the Indians. While questions of character are going to dog Lonnie for years to come thanks to a college misunderstanding about a missing big-screen TV and Playstation 3, at least we know he's got game. He's also got bat: Chisenhall is a plus hitter with a short and sweet stroke and solid power to all fields. His position is up in the air, but wherever the Indians put him he's likely to produce. A bit of a sleeper to watch.
More Scouting Book Info on Lonnie Chisenhall >
282
LHP, BAL
Another of many development projects undertaken by the Seattle Mariners, Butler was been an on-again/off-again hot prospect since he was drafted by the Ms in the 3rd round (81st overall) of the 2006 draft. Traded to the Orioles as part of the package that brought Erik Bedard to Seattle in 2008, Butler's chance to break into the starting rotation will now happen in Baltimore Orange.
More Scouting Book Info on Tony Butler >
283
OF, HOU
One of baseball's gaggle of Iorgs, Cale's older brother Eli is a gap-hitting corner outfielder with a plus arm. While he suffered a nasty setback in early 2007 (tearing an elbow ligament while diving for a line drive), he did return late in the season an produced. He'll be 25 this spring, though, so the window for him to arrive is closing. If he does show up in a Houston uniform, he'll be one of an elite group of players whose names include more vowels than consonants.
More Scouting Book Info on Eli Iorg >
284
RHP, NYY
The Yankees selected Daniel McCutchen in round 13 of the 2006 Draft. A product of the University of Oklahoma, McCutchen's rapid rise to the bigs was derailed by a 50-game steroids suspension near the beginning of his pro career. Following that interruption, he burned through A-level ball and was promoted to AA in the summer. He posted a combined 2.45 ERA while going 14-4, with 103 K's to only 33 walks.
More Scouting Book Info on Daniel McCutchen >
285
1B, ATL
The younger of the two Ka'aihue brothers, Kala (full name Isaiah Kala Ka'aihue) is the righthanded half of the matching Hawaiian sluggers. Kala was originally drafted by Boston, but declined and was later drafted by the Braves. He's one of Atlanta's best power prospects, drawing comparisons to Andres Galarraga. He crushed Myrtle Beach pitching in 2007 (22 homers in only 89 games) and was moved up to AA Mississippi for 2008. He's a great sleeper, especially for as long as he quietly develops in his older brother's shadow.
More Scouting Book Info on Kala Ka'aihue >
286
3B, FLA
A high-school shortstop drafted at #12 by the Marlins in 2007, Dominguez size and strength -- not to mention the presence of Hanley Ramirez -- prompted a move to third base last season. A raw power threat with a long but strong swing, Dominguez also brings a plus arm and very, very good defensive ability to the field. He won't be making anyone forget Miguel Cabrera anytime soon, but he has the potential to be a solid MLB contributor and perennial gold-glover: he could probably reach the bigs on the strength of his glove alone.
More Scouting Book Info on Matt Dominguez >
287
RHP, CIN
No information is available on this player at this time. Check back later for an updated report.
More Scouting Book Info on Tom Shearn >
288
3B, TOR
Drafted as a shortstop, the switch-hitting Ahrens has since been moved to 3B due to his lack of speed and fielding quickness.
More Scouting Book Info on Kevin Ahrens >
289
LHP, KC
The next phenom, or another phizzle from the KC draft department? One thing is for sure, the very talented Daniel Duffy certainly gets people's attention when he takes the mound.
More Scouting Book Info on Danny Duffy >
290
RHP, FA
Kawakami is a smart, creative pitcher who is known for finding ways to get even the toughest hitters out in big situations. His heavy fastball and assortment of off-speed pitches makes him a ground-ball specialist, which should draw interest from teams in the USA's smaller ballparks. His curve is especially knee-buckling.
More Scouting Book Info on Kenshin Kawakami >
291
2B, DET
Since the Tigers emptied the farm for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis in the winter of 2007, Scott Sizemore (no relation) has risen to be one of the team's top remaining prospects.
More Scouting Book Info on Scott Sizemore >
292
LHP, FA
One of very few Japanese lefthanders who's considered MLB-ready, Maeda is also the oldest of the handful of pitchers who are considering the major leagues for 2008.
More Scouting Book Info on Yukinaga Maeda >
293
RHP, FA
An old teammate of Hideki Matsui, Uehara is one of Japan's most promising pitchers, and one who's very likely to appear in a Major League uniform someday.
More Scouting Book Info on Koji Uehara >
294
RHP, SD
A screwball specialist, Guevara had strong success in the Reds system before being left unprotected in the 2007 Rule Five Draft. While he doesn't show much in terms of endurance, his raw stuff and effort promise a decent future in middle relief.
More Scouting Book Info on Carlos Guevara >
295
RHP, OAK
A fireballing righthander with a 96 mph heater, De Los Santos has a good future ahead of him, likely in the bullpen. While his secondary pitches are acceptable, an improved change would help him live on his fastball, making him a potent late-inning option.
More Scouting Book Info on Fautino De Los Santos >
296
1B, BOS
A third-round pick from the 2006 draft class, the 6-4 and 240lb Bates is a big, strong hitter with solid plate discipline. Aaron has plus power that's near big-league ready, but not much else. His bat-speed is suspect, which means he may flounder at higher levels if he keeps trying to hit every pitch 600ft. He'll start 2007 with the AA Sea Dogs, and he's likely to end the year in the same place: at this point he's too far down the depth chart to have much impact before 2010 or later. Because of the depth in the Sox system, Bates is a likely trade candidate, especially within the AL.
More Scouting Book Info on Aaron Bates >
297
1B, FA
231. Cody Johnson
232. Jack Egbert
233. Travis Denker
235. Ryan Tucker
236. Brett Lawrie
237. Zach Jackson
238. Mat Latos
239. Aaron Crow
241. Pedro Beato
242. Luis Maza
244. Tug Hulett
246. Javier Herrera
247. Brad Lincoln
249. Chris Perez
250. Beau Jones
251. Dusty Hughes
252. Jhoulys Chacin
255. Jason Castro
256. Chris Parmelee
257. Chris Carter
258. Alan Horne
260. Fernando Perez
263. David Cooper
264. Andrew Cashner
265. Ryan Perry
266. Reese Havens
268. Anthony Hewitt
270. Daniel Schlereth
275. Tomohiro Nioka
288. Tom Shearn