Down on the Farm - 2008 Edition

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Thanks to everybody who contributed last season. The 2007 edition thread can be found here: http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showthread.php?t=85710

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Jarrod Parker (#46) and Max Scherzer (#66) are the Diamondbacks representatives on this years BA Top 100 Prospects list. For those wondering, Carlos Gonzalez (#22) and Brett Anderson (#36) also made the list.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2008/265655.html

 

[overseascardfan]

Jarrod Parker (#46) and Max Scherzer (#66) are the Diamondbacks representatives on this years BA Top 100 Prospects list. For those wondering, Carlos Gonzalez (#22) and Brett Anderson (#36) also made the list.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2008/265655.html

Went to the OAK/SF game Saturday and C-Gon is a stud, guy ripped 2 doubles that I saw, I missed the first 2 innings so don't know his complete line but this guy will be a star.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Keep an eye on Emilio Bonifacio, who showed some versatility by playing left field last game for the Diamondbacks. He skipped over AAA when he got his brief appearance last season, and there is an outside chance he could make the team out of Spring Training. However, it is still more likely that he starts out in AAA where he can develop and play every day.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

From Nick Piecoro:

*Outfielder Cyle Hankerd seems like a forgotten hitter. He absolutely raked in the summer of ’06, after he was drafted out of USC, and actually didn’t hit too badly last season considering he was playing with a bad wrist. He had surgery and is telling the coaches the wrist feels good. I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts himself back on the map with a good offensive summer at Double-A.


*Watched shortstop Reynaldo Navarro (third round, 2007) take batting practice from both sides and I had a little trouble figuring out which was his stronger side. Then farm director A.J. Hinch told me he just started switch hitting in October. Amazing. Very smooth, line-drive swing.


*Perhaps your next top-notch outfield prospect: Alfredo Marte. Had a nice season in the Dominican Summer League at age 18. Coaches were raving about how quick his hands are at the plate. Unfortunately he is sidelined with a shoulder injury of some sort. The team is awaiting word on the severity of the injury.


*A pitcher to watch this summer: left-hander Scott Maine. Saw Maine throw a bullpen session and his stuff looks nasty. Three-quarters delivery, he runs it up there hard -- I'm told mid-90s -- with a sharp curveball and a change-up. Sort of a Jeremy Affeldt type with a lower arm slot. Maine will be used out of the bullpen and with that stuff he could be a fast mover.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/NickPiecoro/19191

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

By the way, Jason Neighborgall, our 3rd round ultimate boom or bust pick back in 2005, has retired. I'll miss those oh so zany stat lines.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Here's a rendering of Reno's new stadium, which will be the home of the Diamondbacks AAA affiliate in 2009. Its a shame that Tucson is losing the Sidewinders, but this looks like a pretty cool stadium.

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You must be registered for see images

 

[overseascardfan]

Is there a new Top 10 D'back prospect list after the Haren trade. Would be interested to know who we have left. It appears pitching is now the farm system strength from what I hear.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Jarrod Parker (#46) and Max Scherzer (#66) are the Diamondbacks representatives on this years BA Top 100 Prospects list. For those wondering, Carlos Gonzalez (#22) and Brett Anderson (#36) also made the list.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2008/265655.html

If Lyon and Pena struggle closing this year, I would not be surprised to see Scherzer called up to fill in. Scouts say he is a completely different pitcher when coming out of the pen.

Here's a rendering of Reno's new stadium, which will be the home of the Diamondbacks AAA affiliate in 2009. Its a shame that Tucson is losing the Sidewinders, but this looks like a pretty cool stadium.

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see images

WOW! For a Triple-A stadium that is pretty impressive.

 

[BC867]

I wonder if a AAA stadium in Reno is a test for a MLB team in Vegas.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Is there a new Top 10 D'back prospect list after the Haren trade. Would be interested to know who we have left. It appears pitching is now the farm system strength from what I hear.

Here we go, from John Sickels:

1. Jarrod Parker, RHP, Grade B+
2. Max Scherzer, RHP, Grade B+
3. Gerardo Parra, OF, Grade B
4. Billy Buckner, RHP, Grade B
5. Wes Roemer, RHP, Grade B
6. Brooks Brown, RHP, Grade B-
7. Esmerling Vasquez, RHP, Grade B-
8. Barry Enright, RHP, Grade B-
9. Juan Gutierrez, RHP, Grade C+
10. Emilio Bonifacio, INF, Grade C+
11. Hector Ambriz, RHP, Grade C+
12. Matt Torra, RHP, Grade C+ (look at his first half/second half splits)
13. Cyle Hankerd, OF, Grade C+
14. Ed Easley, C, Grade C+
15. Dan Stange, RHP, Grade C+
16. Jailen Peguero, RHP, Grade C
17. Matt Green, RHP, Grade C
18. Reynaldo Navarro, SS, Grade C (great tools but too raw to rank higher for me)
19. Leo Rosales, RHP, Grade C (personal favorite, relief sleeper for '08)
20. Sean Morgan, RHP, Grade C

http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2008/1/5/14110/39616

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

This one's sort of a long read, but worth it.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/...19&content_id=371544&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

 

[Yuma]

Here's a rendering of Reno's new stadium, which will be the home of the Diamondbacks AAA affiliate in 2009. Its a shame that Tucson is losing the Sidewinders, but this looks like a pretty cool stadium.

You must be registered for see images

You must be registered for see images

Thanks for posting this! I am going next year since I live south of Reno now. I heard they were building but never saw any renderings. This is so cool!

 

[overseascardfan]

Here we go, from John Sickels:

1. Jarrod Parker, RHP, Grade B+
2. Max Scherzer, RHP, Grade B+
3. Gerardo Parra, OF, Grade B
4. Billy Buckner, RHP, Grade B
5. Wes Roemer, RHP, Grade B
6. Brooks Brown, RHP, Grade B-
7. Esmerling Vasquez, RHP, Grade B-
8. Barry Enright, RHP, Grade B-
9. Juan Gutierrez, RHP, Grade C+
10. Emilio Bonifacio, INF, Grade C+
11. Hector Ambriz, RHP, Grade C+
12. Matt Torra, RHP, Grade C+ (look at his first half/second half splits)
13. Cyle Hankerd, OF, Grade C+
14. Ed Easley, C, Grade C+
15. Dan Stange, RHP, Grade C+
16. Jailen Peguero, RHP, Grade C
17. Matt Green, RHP, Grade C
18. Reynaldo Navarro, SS, Grade C (great tools but too raw to rank higher for me)
19. Leo Rosales, RHP, Grade C (personal favorite, relief sleeper for '08)
20. Sean Morgan, RHP, Grade C

Thanks. I read in BA awhile ago that we might have the next C-Gon in our system. I forget the kid's name but they say in a couple of years he will be just as good as Gonzalez. He's a Latin American OF we just signed, just can't remember the name. Anyone else know?

 

[boondockdrunk]

Thanks. I read in BA awhile ago that we might have the next C-Gon in our system. I forget the kid's name but they say in a couple of years he will be just as good as Gonzalez. He's a Latin American OF we just signed, just can't remember the name. Anyone else know?

Gerardo Parra is his name. And yes, he could actually be better than C-Gone.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Its been a good couple of days for Dbacks pitchers.

Matt Torra threw six shutout innings for AA Mobile. The 2005 supplemental first round pick been looking good ever since the second half of last season, after coming back from injury. He could wind up in Tucson not to long from now if he keeps up. Max Scherzer had five scoreless innings yesterday in Tucson, and apparently looked really good in the process. Not converting him into a reliever could pay big dividends for the team. And lastly, Leyson Septimo, the former shortstop turned hard throwing lefty reliever, threw 1.2 scoreless innings in High A Visalia. He's a guy that could really climb up the prospect charts this season, and one of the prospects I am looking forward to following the most.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Its been a good couple of days for Dbacks pitchers.

Matt Torra threw six shutout innings for AA Mobile. The 2005 supplemental first round pick been looking good ever since the second half of last season, after coming back from injury. He could wind up in Tucson not to long from now if he keeps up. Max Scherzer had five scoreless innings yesterday in Tucson, and apparently looked really good in the process. Not converting him into a reliever could pay big dividends for the team. And lastly, Leyson Septimo, the former shortstop turned hard throwing lefty reliever, threw 1.2 scoreless innings in High A Visalia. He's a guy that could really climb up the prospect charts this season, and one of the prospects I am looking forward to following the most.

Don't forget about Juan Gutierrez. He pitched six innings giving up only one earned run. He and Billy Buckner represent the first starters who should be called up should Randy go down again if there are other injuries.

 

[Gaddabout]

I wonder if a AAA stadium in Reno is a test for a MLB team in Vegas.

Maybe I'm missing something ... you mean like the Dodgers' long-time AAA farm team in Vegas?

 

[boondockdrunk]

Jarrod Parker threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings for low Single-A South Bend in his pro debut on Friday.
He did allow five hits before coming out. Parker was the ninth overall pick in the 2007 draft. He signed too late to pitch last season.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&filter_teams=N&id=5105

 

[Kolo]

After two starts, Max Scherzer--12 innings, 5 hits, 2 walks, 18 k's, no earned runs.

 

[Lefty]

After two starts, Max Scherzer--12 innings, 5 hits, 2 walks, 18 k's, no earned runs.

Max pitched 7 innings last night and gave up 3 hits, one run(not earned) and struck out 11 while surrendering no walks. Most everyone has him penciled in as a closer when he gets to the majors but he because he is starting for the Sidewinders, is it possible he could be a starter for the Diamondbacks? If he continues to throw like he is, he would be a big plus as a #5 pitcher here.

 

[PDXChris]

Max pitched 7 innings last night and gave up 3 hits, one run(not earned) and struck out 11 while surrendering no walks. Most everyone has him penciled in as a closer when he gets to the majors but he because he is starting for the Sidewinders, is it possible he could be a starter for the Diamondbacks? If he continues to throw like he is, he would be a big plus as a #5 pitcher here.

When looking at the current rotation, 4 or the spots seem to be locked in for the next 3 to 4 years with Webb. Haren, Davis and Owings. The big question is if Edgar Gonzalez is capable of being a full time MLB started. He is going to get his chance to prove it. Johnson may be done after this year, so Edgar Gonzalez could be the 5th guy next year as well. Being that Davis is 32, Max could get a chance, but it may not be for a year or 2 unless Edgar Gonzalez fails. If Johnson comes back strong and pitches next year too, that may cause a log jam that any team would love to have.

 

[AsUdUdE]

Max pitched 7 innings last night and gave up 3 hits, one run(not earned) and struck out 11 while surrendering no walks. Most everyone has him penciled in as a closer when he gets to the majors but he because he is starting for the Sidewinders, is it possible he could be a starter for the Diamondbacks? If he continues to throw like he is, he would be a big plus as a #5 pitcher here.

IMO.. Edger is nothing more than a long-reliver forced to start because of injury...

I don't understand why MAx isn't seriously getting considered to come up and become the 5th starter for the Dbacks...

Move Gonzalaz to long relief, Cruz to the 7th, Pena/Lyon 8th, Qualls to close...

Starting Rotation:

Webb
Haren
RJ
Owings
Scherzer

That is a SICK rotation.... And the Dbacks would have help in the Bullpen...

Everytime Edgar Gonzalez pitched, even when he is getting outs, teams are squaring him up and hitting the ball hard.. he is not fooling anyone and his only hope to get guys out is to throw pitches that players can hit and hope the defense does a good job... I am just not a fan of him at ALL...

Is there any chance that we bring him up late this year... or is there no shot... ofcourse baring injury...

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Baseball America Hot Sheet:

Hot - Max Scherzer (#1)
"Scherzer pitched deep into his first start of the week (7 IP) while expending just 83 pitches, and fanned 11 of the 25 batters to oppose him, then struck out 11 of the 18 batters he faced at Sacramento on Thursday night, giving up just two hits and needing 81 pitches. Long term, Scherzer probably profiles best as a top-flight reliever, but if he keeps pitching like this, he'll make the Diamondbacks' decision difficult."

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-hot-sheet/2008/265931.html

And the Scherzer starter/reliever debate continues...

 

[Lefty]

Matt struck out 11 in five innings and did not allow a run last week.