FullCountPitch - These Guys are Catching on

This week's column for FullCountPitch.com is about the new breed of catchers making their way in the Major Leagues and trying to be the next Joe Mauer.

It’s not often that a rookie catcher makes a huge impression in the Major Leagues, but that is exactly what Buster Posey did last season for the San Francisco Giants. The National League rookie of the year hit .305 with 18 home runs and 67 RBI in just 108 games. His defense was stellar as well- he threw out 37% of would-be base stealers and caught a starting rotation that was the key to the Giants’ first World Series victory in 56 years. The rookie also stepped up in the playoffs, hitting a combined .288 in three series with a home run and five ribbies.

The 23-yr old is part of a new breed of catcher that is beginning to have a big impact on Major League Baseball. The position is no longer referred to as the “tools of ignorance” and the prototypical catcher is no longer built like a fireplug. The new guys are athletic, quick, solidly built, and can hit the heck out of the baseball.

Click Here to read the rest of the free column and to read more about Jesus Montero, Carlos Santana, J.P. Arencibia, and Matt Wieters.

Baseball Digest Birthdays: Dom DiMaggio | Baseball Digest

Baseball Digest Birthdays: Dom DiMaggio | Baseball Digest

Had Dominic Paul DiMaggio been born into a different family he may have gained much more notoriety, but being the younger brother of Joe DiMaggio, Dominic was often overlooked by the media and the fans outside of Boston. However, Dom DiMaggio was beloved in front of his hometown Fenway fans and was an outstanding player in his own right.

The youngest of nine children born (Feb 12, 1917) in San Francisco, Dom had ideas of becoming a chemical engineer. His father hoped he would be a lawyer. But just like brothers Joe and Vincent, Dom had a talent that would take him to the minor league San Francisco Seals and then to the Major Leagues.

Dom was 19-yrs old when Joe made his Yankees debut. Just four years later, Dom made his first appearance for the rival Boston Red Sox. There another great outfielder, Ted Williams, would cast a long shadow over the younger DiMaggio’s career. It wouldn’t take Dom long to establish his own identity, though.

As a rookie, DiMaggio, nicknamed “The Little Professor” by his teammates due to his glasses and scholarly look, hit .301 with 32 doubles, eight home runs, 46 RBI, 46 walks, and six triples. (The Rookie of the Year Award wasn’t established until 1941.) It would be the start of a career that saw DiMaggio named to the AL All-Star team seven times. He led the league in runs scored twice, topped the AL in stolen bases and triples once, and finished in the top 20 in MVP voting four times. He was one of the best leadoff men in the game and was also a superb centerfielder. Williams had this to say, “He was the easiest outfielder I ever played with. When he yelled ‘Mine!’ you didn’t have to worry about the rest of that play.” Author David Halberstram called Dom the most underrated player of his era.

The Boston Globe’s Bob Holbrook spoke to DiMaggio in 1948 about his prowess in centerfield. Click here to read all about it!

In the years following his playing career, Dom revealed how hard it was to play in his brother’s shadow. “Yes, he’s my brother — and I’m his brother,” Mr. DiMaggio liked to say. “It’s been a struggle all my life…. It followed me all through my major league career. I was always Joe’s kid brother…. I never encouraged my two sons to get into baseball. I knew it would be twice as hard on them as it was on me. The Joe DiMaggio legend was just too strong.”

Dom played 11 seasons in the majors, sitting out three years (1943-1945) to serve during World War II. He finished as a .298 career hitter and played in one World Series in 1946 against the St. Louis Cardinals. He was part of one of the most famous plays in World Series history due to his absence. Having been removed from the game due to a pulled hamstring, Dom could only watch as his replacement, Leon Culbertson, couldn’t throw out the Cardinals’ Enos Slaughter during his famous “Mad Dash” home from 1st base to score the game’s and the World Series’ winning run.

In his post-baseball life, DiMaggio became a plastics manufacturer and was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1995. He and his wife Emily raised two sons and a daughter. He passed away in 2009 at 92 years of age.

Also Born Today

Ruben Amaro Jr. (Philadelphia, PA 1965): The 11th round pick in the 1987 amateur draft had a nondescript eight-year career with the Angels, Phillies, and Indians. Amaro, whose father played in the big leagues for 11 seasons, has found great success in the front office. After serving as an assistant GM for the Phillies for a decade, he was named general manager in November, 2008. He helped shape the team that won its second straight NL pennant in 2009, engineered the trade that brought 2010 CY Young winner Roy Halladay to Philly, and this winter gave the Phillies the best starting rotation in baseball by signing free agent pitcher Cliff Lee.

Chet Lemon (Jackson, MS 1955): The centerfielder had a steady 16-year career split between the Chicago White Sox (7) and Detroit Tigers (9). He was a three time All-Star who didn’t mind taking one for the team- he led the league in hit-by-pitches four times. A .273 lifetime hitter, Lemon hit 215 career home runs and played in 1,988 games. After going hitless in 13 at-bats in the 1984 ALCS, Lemon made up for it in the Tigers’ World Series win over the Padres, hitting .294 with an RBI, two walks, and two stolen bases. Though his team lost the 1987 pennant to the Twins, he enjoyed a fine ALCS, hitting .278-2-4. Lemon, who was always commended for his work ethic, is now passing on his knowledge of the game as the coach of two AAU baseball teams in Florida.

Joe Garagiola (St. Louis, MO 1926): The catcher never had the talent of his good Missouri buddy Yogi Berra, but Joe Garagiola parlayed a nine-year career in baseball into a successful post-baseball career. Garagiola became a baseball announcer, teaming with legends like Mel Allen and Curt Gowdy, and a television personality who was seen regularly on the Today Show. He became a fixture on NBC’s MLB Game of the Week before resigning in 1988 as the network was on the verge of losing broadcast rights. In 1991 he received the Ford Frick Award for his outstanding contributions to baseball broadcasting.

Garagiola still gives back to the game in many ways, including visiting teams during spring training to warn of the dangers of chewing tobacco. He has also contributed his time to the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.)

Charles “Chick” Hafey (Berkeley, CA 1903-1973): Played 13 seasons (1924-1935, 1937) with the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. To look at his numbers you would not think the outfielder had the statistics to reach the Baseball Hall of Fame, but he did just that, elected by the veterans committee in 1971. Hafey was a solid player; he hit .317 lifetime and over a three year stretch (1928-1930) averaged 28 HR and 114 RBI. He won the 1931 batting title by getting a hit in his final at-bat. But Hafey suffered from a serious sinus condition that affected his vision and caused him to wear different eyeglasses depending on what his condition was at the time. He was a member of the 1928 Cardinals World Series winner and two other pennants, but was dealt to the Reds prior to the 1932 season after back-to-back salary disputes.

BD Hot Stove: AL Central Prospects | Baseball Digest

Is 2011 the arrival date for Mike Moustakas?

BD Hot Stove: AL Central Prospects | Baseball Digest

This is it. Are you excited? Are you ready to go? You do know what I am talking about right? It’s the last Friday before pitchers and catchers report! It’s finally here…spring training! It also means this is the last edition of the Baseball Digest Hot Stove. It’s been a great pleasure to have brought you all the hot stove news, rumors, and transactions this off-season, as well some in-depth analysis of the best players in the game right now and those who are on the horizon.

But have no fear! Beginning Monday we’ll be bringing you a daily spring training report with news from all the camps. And of course we will still let you know about any rumors we hear about and any transactions that unfold right up until opening day.

Today though we take a look at the top prospects on each team in the AL Central.

Twins: Minnesota has developed what seems like an endless number of good young pitchers over the years so it’s no surprise that their #1 prospect is a pitcher. Kyle Gibson passed when the Phillies selected him in the 36th round of the 2006 draft and attended the University of Missouri instead. The move helped Gibson become the 22nd overall selection by the Twins in the 2009 draft. He would have gone even higher if not for a stress fracture in his elbow.

Gibson made his professional debut last season and made appearances at three different levels. The 6’6″ right-hander was 4-1, 1.87 in the Florida State League (High ‘A’), which earned him a quick promotion to Double-A New Britain. He put up solid numbers there as well, allowing 91 hits in 93 innings, and struck out 77 while walking just 22 hitters. That success earned him a three game look at Triple-A Rochester late in the season. His command wasn’t as good (five walks, nine K’s), but he allowed just three earned runs in 15.2 IP.

ESPN’s scouting report had this to say about Gibson: “He’s tall and projectable, already showing a solid-average fastball at 89-93 mph with good downhill plane. His changeup is ahead of his slider, although both project as above-average pitches; he turns the changeup over well and gets good fading action on it, while the slider is less consistent, at times showing good bite and tilt but at others going a little soft. On days when he has the sharp slider, he’ll miss plenty of bats. His command and control have always been above-average.”

Gibson has received an invite to the Twins spring training camp and will start the season in Triple-A. With the back end of the Minnesota rotation on somewhat shaky ground, an impressive start to the season could land Gibson in the Twin-Cities in the second half of the season.

Indians: Like Gibson, Lonnie Chisenhall didn’t sign after being drafted in ’06 (Pirates, 11th rd), and instead played JUCO ball in North Carolina. The Indians then selected him with the 29th overall pick in the 2008 draft. Chisenhall immediately made a solid impression with his bat in rookie ball (NYPL), hitting .290 with 45 RBI in 68 games. He followed that up with a good season at High ‘A’ Kinston in ’09, producing 18 HR and 79 RBI with an .838 OPS. It earned him a 24 game stint at Double-A Akron, but it was too much too soon as Chisenhall hit below .200 and struck out at a high rate.

Last season Chisenhall returned to Akron and showed improved hitting skills. He cut down on his strikeouts (90-77) from the previous season, and produced similiar numbers from his prior season in ‘A’ ball (.278-17-84, .801 OPS). Chisenhall’s defense is another matter though. While scouts all like Chisenhall’s bat, he’ll need to improve his skills at the hot corner where he’s averaged 20 errors per season.

Tigers: Just like Rick Porcello, #15 prospect (MLB.com) Jacob Turner would like to make the trip to Detroit’s Comerica Park a quick one. Turner was the 9th pick in the 2009 draft out Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, but didn’t make his professional debut until this past season. MLB.com had this to say about the 6’5″ Turner prior to the 2010 season: “Turner is what you look for in a high school right-hander — big, strong and projectable. Thought to be one of the better prep arms in the class, it was unclear whether he’d live up to advanced billing. He has a good arm and there’s likely to be more velocity, especially if he can correct some delivery flaws. His secondary pitches lag behind somewhat and his command can be inconsistent as he sometimes elevates his pitches.”

Turner split his 24 appearances last season almost exactly in half between ‘A’ and Advanced ‘A’ ball. Combined he was 6-5, 3.28, 102 K in 115.1 IP, and walked just 23 batters. Baseball Analyst Jonathan Mayo had this to say after the season, “He’s got the stuff, a feel for pitching and the mound presence to keep moving quickly. Once just a hard thrower, he’s much more of a pitcher now, having made significant progress with his secondary stuff.”

Royals: Kansas City fans have been hearing about Mike Moustakas for a long time. The former shortstop turned 3rd baseman was the 2nd player drafted (behind David Price) in the 2007 amateur draft out of Chatsworth (CA) HS. There were some doubts about whether it was a valid selection after a mediocre offensive season in 2009. A .250 average, 16 home runs, 90 strikeouts, and a .718 OPS saw Moustakas drop from the 13th rated prospect by Baseball American to #80 prior to the 2010 season.

But 2010 saw Moustakas destroy Double-A and Triple-A pitching to re-establish himself as one of the top prospects in the game. The 22-yr old tore up the Midwest League to the tune of an 1.100 OPS, 21 HR, and 76 RBI in 66 games. That earned him a promotion to Omaha (PCL) where he added another 15 HR and 48 RBI in 52 games. Overall, Moustakas’ split was .322/.369/.630 with 36 HR, 124 RBI. It’s the type of numbers that has the KC front office wondering if it’s time for Moustakas to play Major League Baseball or have him get a little more experience under his belt. It will probably be the latter, but with Mike Aviles and Wilson Betemit currently sharing the hot corner, Moustakas’ time could come very soon.

White Sox: Pitcher Chris Sale is the top talent in the organization; he was the 13th pick in last June’s draft and was promoted to the majors after just 11 appearance in the minors. He’s assured of a spot either as a starter or reliever this season after his 21 appearances in the bigs last year. That makes our #1 minor leaguer shortstop Eduardo Escobar, who has been in the organization since 2006 when he was signed out of Venezuela.

Baseball analyst Kevin Goldstein: “Shortstop prospects who really are shortstops are a rarity, and it’s surprising the Escobar doesn’t warrant more attention. The 21 year-old Venezuelan has above-average range and a plus-plus arm, and his bat started to show some signs of life in 2010, as Escobar showed a surprising ability to drive balls into the gap. In a system desperate for prospects, as a good defender with some offensive value, Escobar is the real deal.”

The now 22-yr old played 87 games in High ‘A’ ball before a 49 game promotion to Double-A. With his bat stilling needing work, Escobar will probably start the 2011 season in Double-A. Especially since current White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez recently signed a new deal that would take him through 2015.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The Dodgers signed reliever Juan Rincon to a minor league deal.

Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday has volunteered to defer some of his salary to help the team sign Albert Pujols to a new deal. So far the two sides are far apart.

Jeremy Guthrie and the Orioles avoided arbitration by agreeing on a one year, $5.75M deal.

Michael Bourn is the latest player to hire Scott Boras as his agent. Nick Swisher was rumored to be considering switching to Boras as well, but instead hired Dan Lozano. Swisher could become a free agent after the 2011 season if the Yankees don't pick up his club option for 2012.

The Mariners have signed reliever Manny Delcarmen to a minor league deal.

BD Hot Stove: AL East Prospects | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: AL East Prospects | Baseball Digest

The Hot Stove turns to the the beasts of the east today with a look at the AL East prospects. The division produced three Rookie of the Year winners in the last decade – Eric Hinske (2002), Dustin Pedroia (2007), and Evan Longoria (2008).

Yankees: From the moment George Steinbrenner and company signed Jesus Montero out of Venezuela at age 16, Yankees fans have been drooling at the prospect of seeing Montero reach the majors. The $2M bonus baby is a presence behind the plate at 6’4″, 225 lbs, a factor that has many scouts wondering if that’s where his future lies. Early in this off-season Montero was nearly guaranteed a chance to prove himself at the majors in 2011, but then the Yankees signed Russell Martin and told the former Dodger that he would be the starting catcher. That left Jorge Posada as the full-time DH/part-time catcher and Montero wondering what the immediate future holds for him. GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office must decide whether to let Montero be mentored at the major league level by Martin, Posada, and coach Tony Pena or have him start the season at Triple-A Scranton. Montero’s spring training performance will certainly have an impact on that decision.

The Yankees aren’t too concerned with the hard hitting catcher’s bat, but know he needs to prove himself defensively. In his four seasons in the minors Montero has a .314 career batting average and .882 OPS. He has also averaged 19 home runs over the past two seasons. The now 21-yr old was nearly dealt at last season’s trade deadline for Cliff Lee, but instead remained in the organization and caught fire at the plate. His hitting coach Butch Wynegar told the NY Times, “Initially it bothered him. He didn’t come out and say it exactly, but I could tell it in his demeanor. He wants to be a Yankee, and I think that did motivate him a little bit, knowing that nobody’s untouchable around here. It kind of shook him up a little bit, like, ‘I’ll show them.’ ”

“Monty was a joy to be around, and he’s still raw and growing,” said Wynegar. “That’s why I call him a beast. That’s why I think he can be a monster.” Ranked the ninth best prospect by MLB.com, the Yankees hope 2011 is the arrival of the monster.

Red Sox: When Casy Kelly and a package of prospects were sent to San Diego for Adrian Gonzalez, shortstop Jose Iglesias became Boston’s number one prospect. The Red Sox have had stalwarts at all infield positions, but shortstop since the team traded Nomar Garciaparra during the 2004 season. Marco Scutaro, in his second season in Boston, holds down the position for now. Jed Lowrie has also seen time there, but the long term plans for him in the organization are unknown. GM Theo Epstein is hoping that Iglesias, a native of Cuba that signed in 2009, will be the shortstop for many years to come. The 21-yr old played the majority of his first season at Double-A Portland, but missed a substantial amount of time after being hit on the right hand with a pitch. His return from injury included a 13 game stint in the New York-Penn league (rookie ball).

Iglesias’ time in Portland showed that his bat still needs work. Though he hit .285, he posted just a .695 OPS- nearly 80% of hits were singles and he lived up to his reputation as a free swinger by drawing just eight walks. Iglesias’ glove work is well ahead of his bat though. He’s got very good range, an excellent arm, and soft hands. Despite the missed time, Iglesias was still ranked the #42 prospect for 2011 by MLB.com. Spring Training will determine whether Iglesias starts the season in Portland or Pawtucket (Triple-A).

Rays: Tampa Bay lost many players via free agency this winter and dealt others, but this is an organization stocked with very good prospects. One of them is outfielder Desmond Jennings, who is the heir apparent to Carl Crawford. But the name on everyone’s lips after his brief 2010 stint in the majors is right-handed pitcher Jeremy Hellickson. The fourth round pick in the 2005 amateur draft (Hoover HS- Des Moines, IA) has got the goods. Only Mike Trout is rated as a higher prospect in Major League Baseball.

Hellickson throws a steady fastball that hits the mid-90s and can throw both his curve and changeup for strikes. He has excellent composure on the mound and is aggressive in his approach towards hitters. The Iowa native averaged 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings at Triple-A Durham last season while posting a 1.173 WHIP. He made his Major League debut on August 2, holding the Twins to two runs and three hits over seven innings to earn his first win in the bigs. Hellickson allowed just three earned runs in his first three starts, all of which he won. The Rays monitored his innings, however, and of his seven additional appearances, just one was as a starter.

With nothing left to prove in the minors, Hellickson will go to spring training trying to win the final spot in the rotation. If he doesn’t, the Rays will then have to decide whether to use him out of the pen or send him back down to Triple-A.

Blue Jays: Another right-handed pitcher with tremendous potential is in the #1 spot for the Toronto Blue Jays. Kyle Drabek, acquired in the Roy Halladay deal, is on the precipus of what many feel should be a long and illustrious career. Drabek’s big pitch is his nasty curveball. Padres pitcher Mat Latos had the chance to play with Drabek earlier in his career and had this to say, “It’s (Drabek’s curveball) pretty filthy. I’ve seen a lot of curveballs and some nasty sliders, but not a curveball like that. All I could think was, ‘I’m glad I’m not a hitter.”’

Drabek’s four seam fastball is in the low 90′s, while his two-seamer is is around 88-90 mph and has plenty of movement. Like Hellickson, Drabek has receivEd High mark for his mound composure. He’ll need it since he should be in the Blue Jays starting rotation opening day and facing the best the AL East has to offer.

Orioles: The Orioles have developed some fine young talent of late- catcher Matt Wieters and pitcher Brian Matuz immediately come to mind. Shortstop Manny Machado was rated the best pure hitter and defensive infielder in the O’s organization by Baseball America and the 24th best prospect by MLB.com. He’s the highest pick by the Orioles since they draft pitcher Ben McDonald out of LSU in 1989.

Just 18 years old, Machado was the 3rd overall selection in last June’s amateur draft from Brito Miami (FL) High School. He didn’t sign until mid-August though, so the Orioles got to see him play just nine games, seven of which were for Aberdeen of the NY-Penn League. In that short stretch, Machado impressed with 10 hits in 29 AB (.345) and an .855 OPS. Being from Miami and having a 6’3″ frame, Machado has already drawn comparisons to fellow Miami native Alex Rodriguez. There are some in the organization who feel Machado, like A-Rod, will eventually move to 3rd base once his body matures.

The comparisons to A-Rod end there though. Machado is expected to hit for average with some power. He gets high marks for his fielding ability and for his hard work. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen has known Machado since he was 10. “He’s hungry. (Machado) wants to be good. … I’ve see this kid prove himself day by day, week by week, year by year, to get better. I never thought he would be this good.” Machado will start the season in ‘A’ or Advanced ‘A’ ball.

Rumors, News, Transactions

MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian and Fox’s Ken Rosenthal have reported that the Cleveland Indians and infielder Orlando Cabrera have agreed to a deal. Rosenthal expects Cabrera to compete for the 2nd base job.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein told reports that 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez is ahead of schedule in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

The Texas Rangers and centerfielder Josh Hamilton have agreed to a new two year, $24M deal.

The Angels Jered Weaver lost his arbitration hearing and will “only” make $7.37M this season. He had been asking for $8.8M.

Rumors are spreading that the Twins are thinking of dealing lefty Francisco Liriano, though they have him under control through 2012.

BD Hot Stove: AL West Prospects | Baseball Digest

It's only a matter of time before Mike Trout is shredding MLB pitching

BD Hot Stove: AL West Prospects | Baseball Digest

It’s time for the Hot Stove to switch over the Junior Circuit to take a look at the top prospects in the American League. Let’s begin with the AL West, which produced the last two AL Rookie of the Year Award winners (Neftali Feliz, Andrew Bailey). In fact, the West has produced 44% (11/25) of the AL winners since 1985.

Mariners: Seattle is doing their best not to rush Dustin Ackley to the major leagues, but considering the Mariners’ horrendous 2010 season, it’s easier said than done. The 2nd overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft (U of NC) played 82 games at Double-A before a promotion to Triple-A for 52 games. His average was pedestrian – .267, but Ackley drew 75 walks and slugged .407. Ackley’s season wasn’t done though; he went on to the Arizona Fall League and was named MVP after putting up a remarkable .424/.581/.758 split. His numbers included four home runs, 26 walks, 10 doubles, 19 RBI, and five stolen bases.

Ackley, the #5 prospect in the bigs according to MLB.com, is destinted to play 2nd base for the Mariners. The question is whether it will be this year or next year.

Rangers: Having a stud left-hander at the top of the rotation helped Texas reach the World Series for the first time last season. The Rangers hope Martin Perez can be that guy some day. Signed out of Venezuela in 2007, Perez made a big splash on the scene in rookie and ‘A’ ball, but has yet to master the Double-A level. The soon-to-be 20 year old has nasty stuff, but doesn’t have complete command as of yet (101 K’s, but 50 BB in 99-2/3 innings last season).

ESPN’s Keith Law had this to say about Perez last summer, “He’s stumbling a little, especially with control, although one brutal outing on June 18 spiked his ERA by a run. If Texas dangled him in a trade, they could probably name their price, given how good he is and how highly regarded he is by other clubs.”

Perez has a four-seam fastball that is from the low- to mid-90′s, a sharp breaking curve, and a good changeup. Jason Parks of Baseball Times compares Perez to a mix of Johan Santana and Greg Maddux. Texas should be so lucky.

Athletics: Grant Green said “no thanks” to the San Diego Padres when they made him their 14th round pick out of high school. Green wisely waited and became the 13th overall pick in the 2009 draft by Oakland out of USC. The 6’3″ shortstop made an immediate impression last year in his first full season in the minors. Playing for Advanced ‘A’ Stockton, Green smacked 20 home runs, drove in 87 runs, hit .318, slugged .520, and scored 107 runs. Some naysayers point to the fact that the Cal League’s hitter-friendly environs aided Green and that his low walk (38)/high strikeout counts (117) are a better indicator of his ability. Green will have the chance in Double-A this season to prove them wrong.

Green’s defense, however, is a concern to all who have scouted him, and there’s every reason to believe that shortstop will not be the position he plays if and when he makes it to the majors.

Angels: The last prospect the Hot Stove will take a look at today is the best prospect in all of baseball.Mike Trout is ranked as the #1 guy by MLB.com, Baseball America, and others. Drafted out of Millville (NJ) High School (25th overall) in 2009, Trout has torn up opposing pitching in his two seasons in the minors. Just 19-yrs old, the outfielder has a .344 career average and .915 OPS. Last season, in addition to hitting .341 at ‘A’ and Advanced ‘A’ ball, Trout drew 73 walks and showed some developing power (10 HR). Oh, and the kid is fast, too…he stole 56 bases, which aided him in scoring 106 runs.

Trout is 6’1″, 217 lbs, and has the build of a more veteran player. MLB Fanhouse’s Frank Piliere had this to say about the centerfielder’s swing, “Many young hitters struggle to learn to trust their hands and they continue to lunge at off-speed pitches. That hasn’t been an issue for Trout and, in fact, it’s a strength. Trout showed me that he was able to lay off some tough pitches, and if a pitcher came in the zone with a breaking ball he was able to lay back and use his hands very well. He isn’t just staying back and hitting singles to right field either. He’s driving the ball with authority into the gaps on these pitches.

In other words, Trout is not a guy you have to worry about being a pure fastball hitter as he moves up the ladder. He has the luxury of excellent bat speed, plus a calm approach and demeanor at the plate, so that he can trust himself to still be able to turn around the fastball if he gets it. There aren’t many players out there that profile as pure high-average hitters, but he is one of them. From what I saw in Peoria, Trout has the look of a perennial .300 hitter, and given his speed, he is a potential batting title contender. With his feel with the bat head, plus bat speed and good pitch selection, I could also see him developing into a 25-homer threat.”

The question is not whether Trout can play Major League Baseball, the question is how soon he will arrive.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Alfredo Aceves has signed a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox, reportedly worth $650K with another $100K available through incentives. Aceves had been non-tendered by the Yankees in December after breaking his clavicle while riding a bicycle. The Red Sox also signed lefty Dennis Reyes to a minor league contract.

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Blue Jays are interested in moving Juan Rivera and his $5.25M salary. Rivera was acquired as part of a package from the Angels in the Vernon Wells deal. The Jays already moved Mike Napoli who was also picked up in the trade.

The Mets signed veteran left-hander Casey Fossum to a minor league deal.

Once a highly touted prospect, 1st baseman Ryan Shealy has inked a minor league deal with the Blue Jays.

The Pirates’ Ross Ohlendorf beat the team in an arbitration hearing and will earn $2.025M this season.

The Yankees added veteran right-hander Luis Ayala to their compilation of minor league pitchers. The Giants did the same with Elmer Dessens.

Adios Alfredo

Apparently the red hat was an omen.

Alfredo Aceves won't be back in a Yankees uniform in 2011. The Yankees non-tendered the pitcher, they had plucked from the Mexican League in 2008, in December after he broke his clavicle riding a bicycle. A free agent, he has signed a one year deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Aceves missed almost of the 2010 season with a bad back, but was a key to the Yankees 2009 World Series title when he went 10-1, 3.54 in 43 appearances, all but one of which was in relief. The Yankees first got a glimpse of what Aceves could do during the 2008 season when they he threw 30 innings late in the season. Aceves finished 14-1, 3.21 in 59 career appearances for the Bronx Bombers.

The Red Sox reportedly have guaranteed the 28-yr old Aceves $650K for 2011 plus the possibility of another $100K in incentives.

BD Hot Stove: NL East Prospects | Baseball Digest

Mets prospect Wilmer Flores hopes his bat can live up to the Miguel Cabrera comparisons.

BD Hot Stove: NL East Prospects | Baseball Digest

It’s time for the Hot Stove to wrap up the top prospect look in the National League by concentrating on the NL East.

Phillies: Ever since the Phillies drafted outfielder Domonic Brown in the 2006 amateur draft (20th round) they’ve waited excitedly and patiently for his presence on the big league roster. Phillies fans got a taste last year when injuries caused a call up for Brown in late July. Brown doubled, drove in two runs and scored twice in his major league debut, but things weren’t so easy after that. Brown’s splits (.210/.257/.335) showed he wasn’t ready for prime time yet after just 28 games at the Triple-A level. But his time in the minors in 2010 did show he’s getting very close.

Brown is a tremendous athlete (He turned down a football scholarship to the U of Miami) and it showed in his game last year. The 23-yr old hit 15 HR and drove in 47 runs in just 65 games at Double-A Reading before a promotion to Lehigh Valley of the Int’l League. There he added another five home runs and 21 RBI in 28 games. He also stole 17 bases between the two levels and played all three outfield positions. With Jayson Werth gone, he’ll get a chance to battle Ben Francisco for playing time in the Phillies outfield.

Mets: Pitcher Jenrry Mejia was the most talked about player in the Mets organization last year and is still ranked as their top prospect in some circles. But we’re going with shortstop Wilmer Flores as the top youngster in the Mets organization. The now 19-yr old was signed as a 16-yr old out of his native Venezuela in 2007. He made an immediate impression in rookie ball when he slugged eight home runs and drove in 42 runs and has already drawn comparisons to his fellow countrymen Miguel Cabrera.

Flores struggled mightily in ‘A’ ball in 2009, but bounce back last year, splitting his season of 133 games nearly in half between Savannah (‘A’) and Port St. Lucie (‘A+’). Flores hit 11 home runs, drove in 84 runs, and recorded a decent .758 OPS. Flores is a contact hitter who needs to learn to show more patience at the plate (He drew just 32 walks last season.). Listed as 6’3″, 175 lbs, Flores won’t last at shortstop much longer as he gets bigger and stronger. The only question is where will he go, to the outfield or to a corner position?

Marlins: Florida has had some pretty good hitting 3rd baseman in their 18 year history. Mike Lowell, Miguel Cabrera, Bobby Bonilla, Gary Sheffield (the latter two saw limited time there.)…Lowell provided Gold Glove defense to boot (or in this case should it be “not to boot”?). Could Matt Dominguez be next in line? He’s shown the glove so far, but he’ll hit have to improve offensively to stick in the major leagues. Dominguez was the Marlins 1st round pick (12th overall) in the 2007 amateur draft out of Chatsworth (CA) High School. Power came quickly to Dominguez in the minors- he hit 18 home runs as an 18-yr old at Single-A Greensboro in 2008. He added 16 doubles, a .296 average, and an impressive .853 OPS. But Dominguez took a step back the last two years to the type of player the scouts feel is the truer picture. A .250 hitter with 15 home run power and a decent run producer (81 RBI, 61 runs at Double-A Jacksonville last season).

Marlins hitting instructor John Mallee had this assessment of Dominguez early last year. “(Dominguez is) a hitter whose swing had gotten long, who was chasing balls out of the zone with two strikes and who was not staying behind the ball. But he was encouraged that Dominguez still had good pitch recognition. He’s getting better and better at staying behind the ball and when he does that he’s really going to hit. He’s coming. I think he’s going to be legitimate.”

With Wes Helms manning the hot corner this season for Florida, Dominguez will have an excellent shot at taking over the job in 2012.

Braves: It would be hard to top the splash Jason Heyward made on Major League Baseball last season, but right-handed pitcher Julio Teheran may not be too far away from creating a commotion of his own. Teheran was signed as a 16-yr old by the Braves out of his native Colombia after impressing scouts with a low 90′s fastball. After playing rookie ball for two years, Teheran spent 2010 at three different levels last season, making an impression at each stop. All told, Teheran struck out 159 hitters in 142 2/3 IP (10.0 per 9 innings) and had a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio.

Braves GM Frank Wren had this to say about Teheran: “The first time I saw him, I thought of Pedro — a little taller Pedro. I still see that. He’s live-bodied. When you watched Pedro, you could see by the way he carried himself that he knew he was good and knew he was going to get you out. He exuded that, and Julio is kind of that way.”

Teheran has a consistent mid-90′s fastball, a good curve that breaks low in the zone, and an even better changeup. He’s received an invite to the big league camp, but will start the season in Triple-A. He definitely has a great shot to get a pre-September call up in 2011 and an even better shot at being in the rotation in 2012.

Nationals: I’ll give you one guess who the Nationals top prospect is. If you didn’t say Bryce Harper, go directly to jail and don’t collect $200 (Haven’t seen any new Monopoly boards lately, is it still just $200?). Harper is of course the teen phenom that (along with his parents) ticked off people by skipping out of high school two years (he did get his GED) early to play ball at the JUCO level. The 18-yr old was the #1 selection in last year’s amateur draft. Right at the signing deadline, he inked a five year, $9.9M deal that included a $6.25M signing bonus

Harper’s first professional exposure came in the Arizona Fall League, where he torn things up in a nine game stint for the Scottsdale Scorpions. A .410 (12-35) average included three doubles, two triples, and a home run. Harper drove in seven runs and posted a 1.039 OPS. There’s no question Harper can hit, but the organization has not decided yet whether to have him play outfield or to catch, the latter of which would slow his progression to the major leagues.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Michael Young is mad as hell and isn’t going to take it any more. He may not throw a television out the window, but Young wants out of Texas..NOW! Feeling disrespected and misled by the Rangers front office, Young has demanded a trade. And Texas is happy to oblige, though it may not happen too quickly because of the $48M still owed the 3rd baseman.

Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore hopes to begin playing spring training games by mid-March as he continues his recovery from microfracture surgery on his knee. His teammate, catcher Carlos Santana, is making an even quicker recovery from his knee injury and has been cleared to hit and catch bullpen sessions.

Needing room on the 40-man roster for Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, the Rays designated outfielder Justin Ruggiano for assignment.

White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy continues his way back from shoulder surgery and threw off of a mound earlier today.

Free agent catcher Bengie Molina has still not decided whether to play or not in 2011.

It’s not risky or even risque, but the Orioles have signed pitcher David Riske to a minor league deal. The Dodgers have done the same with infielder Aaron Miles.

Martin: In Best Shape Of Career

In an interview with CBC Sports in Canada, Quebec native and new Yankee Russell Martin said he is in the best shape of his life. Martin worked out with an Ultimate Fighting Trainer to help work his way back from knee and hip injuries.

"I feel like I've trained myself the right way this year. … It's just really high intensity, power endurance-type training," said Martin of MMA training, which he began in mid-October in Chaimberg's Montreal gym.

Among the other things Martin told CBC- he turned down more guaranteed money with the Dodgers, because he figured he had a better chance of winning with the Yankees.

Click here to read the full interview.

BD Hot Stove: NL West Prospects | Baseball Digest

Dee Gordon hopes to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Tom "Flash" Gordon, and become a big leaguer in 2012.

BD Hot Stove: NL West Prospects | Baseball Digest

Last Friday the Hot Stove began looking at the top prospect on each team in Major League Baseball by showcasing the NL Central. Today let’s take a look at the highly competitive NL West.

Giants: San Francisco got to celebrate their first championship in 56 years thanks to the young pitching they had developed. Starting pitchers Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and Madison Bumgarner were drafted (all but Sanchez were first round picks) and developed by the Giants farm system. Now the Giants can turn their attention to developing some offense- 1st baseman Brandon Belt is the top prospect in the organization. Belt was actually a three time draftee. He passed on the Red Sox (11th round) in 2006 and the Braves (11th round) in 2007. It took a 5th round selection by the Giants in 2009 for Belt to leave the University of Texas and sign a major league contract. Last season he played at three different levels of the minors, including 13 games at Triple-A. Combined he posted a 1.056 OPS, belted 23 home runs and drove in 112 runs. He also stole 22 bases and drew 93 walks. He will need to keep his strikeouts under control, though 99 whiffs isn’t bad considering the numbers he put up.

Baseball analyst John Sickels had this to say about Belt, ranked as the 26th prospect in baseball by MLB.com, “One of Belt’s advantages is that he has an uncanny way of keeping his bat in the zone for pitches, making him able to turn on fastballs but do a good job of hitting the other way. His speed is not going to be a big part of his game. He himself said that when pitchers start getting wise, the stolen bases will stop.”

Belt will begin the season in Triple-A after destroying Single- and Double-A pitching. He won’t join the Giants until 2012 unless injuries should strike or Aubrey Huff struggles, or the Giants perform poorly, which is not likely to happen.

Dodgers: Current LA shortsop Rafael Furcal is always a stolen base threat and has a little bit of pop to boot (though not as much as when he played for the Braves). His eventual replacement looks to be even more of a threat on the bases and still has time to develop some power. But right now Devaris “Dee” Gordon is content to be a table setter and base thief. Since being drafted in the fourth round out of Seminole (FL) Community College in 2008, Gordon has played at one level in each of his three seasons in the minors. He swiped 73 bases in ‘A’ ball in 2009, posting a .362 OPS. His number dropped last season at Double-A Chattanooga, but he still got on base at a .332 clip and stole 53 bags.All told, Gordon has swiped 144 bases in 194 attempts (74%) in his three seasons in the minors. He’s ranked 44th on MLB.com’s Top 50 prospect list.

The son of former big league pitcher Tom “Flash” Gordon didn’t start playing baseball until his senior year of high school and at times it shows. But new Dodgers manager Don Mattingly had this time say about him. “He reminds me of a young [Omar] Vizquel. You look at him and think you can knock the bat out of his hands, but he just gets better and better. You see the tools, but he has to go out and play and continue to get better so he’ll be ready to play when he gets here.” With the guaranteed portion of Furcal’s deal up after the 2011 season, Mattingly could very well be managing Gordon next year.

Rockies: Colorado set a club record ($3.9M) to sign high schooler Tyler Matzek, their first round pick (11th overall) in the 2009 draft. The two sides didn’t come to term until mid-August so Matzek didn’t make his professional debut untl 2010. Playing for Asheville (SAL), Matzek struck out 88 batters in 89.1 innings while posting a 2.92 ERA. On the downside he walked 62 hitters, walked four more, threw seven wild pitches, and committed three balks. In other words, Matzek’s season was the life of a young pitcher in a nutshell.

Rockies player development director Marc Gustafson had this to stay about his prospect: “He can get up to 97 mph on his fastball, but his comfort zone is 92-93. With the slider, curve and changeup that he has, those can complement his fastball. He doesn’t need all that velocity, but he can go get it if he needs it.” Scouts like Matzek’s mound presence and feel he has the make up to be a legitimate major league starter. MLB.com’s #33 prospect will start the year in Double-A Modesto of the California League.

Padres: San Diego’s top prospect wasn’t even in their system when the 2010 season ended, but Casey Kelly was part of the package sent to the left coast by Boston to acquire 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez in December. Kelly was the 30th overall pick in the 2008 amateur draft, plucked out of Sarasota (FL) High School. This past year was the first full season in the minors as a pitcher for Kelly, who strictly played shortsop in 2008 and split his time between the two positions in 2009. He had previously put up solid pitching numbers between ‘A’ and advanced-’A’ ball, but regressed a bit last year at Double-A Portland as his full focus was on pitching.

Kelly throws his fastball consistently in the low 90′s and he can reach the mid 90′s as well. The command of his fastball and curve is something he needs to work on, but scouts are impressed with his changeup and his composure on the mound. It’s why he’s been projected as a top of the rotation starter. The destination for the #22 prospect in baseball, per MLB.com, will be determined during spring training. The thinking here is that the Padres won’t be as aggressive with Kelly as the Red Sox were and will have him start the season once again in Double-A at their affiliate in San Antonio.

Diamondbacks: Despite missing all of the 2010 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Jarrod Parker finds himself in the #1 position among Arizona’s prospects. Parker made 16 of his 20 starts at Double-A in 2009, putting up very respectable numbers, including 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings. The former 9th pick in the 2007 amateur draft (Norwell HS in Indiana), had four pitches he could throw for strikes prior to having surgery. Whether he can still hit his targets remains to be seen.

Parker’s surgery and rehab have gone well. He threw in some instructional league games in the fall and began bullpen sessions in late Janaury. Diamondbacks’ GM Jerry DiPoto told Paolo Bovin of the Arizona Republic, “We do want to make sure we’re doing the right thing for his future. We’ll bring him along a little more slowly than would normally be the case, but . . . “. By not finishing his thought, DiPoto intimated that if Parker is healthy the team might be a little more aggressive than originally planned. That being said Parker will most likely pick up where he left off in Double-A Mobile.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

In case you missed it over the weekend, the Baltimore Orioles came to terms with Vladimir Guerrero on a one year, $8M deal ($3M of which is deferred). The O’s were hoping to pay about half of that, but Guerrero’s representatives won out in the end. Francisco Liriano and the Twins avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one year, $4.3M contract.

ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that the Cardinals and Albert Pujols are at a standstill in discussing a new contract.

Former Pirate pitcher Ian Snell has inked a minor league deal with the Cardinals that includes an invite to the big league camp.

Talks broke down between the Rockies and Rangers regarding Michael Young, but the Rangers still expect to deal the 3rd baseman within the next few weeks. How much of Young’s contract the Rangers are willing to pick up will help determine how quickly a deal gets done. The Rockies wanted Texas to pay out $20M of the $48M owed Young.

The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo hears the Red Sox are interested in former Yankee reliever/spot starter Alfredo Aceves.

There Can Be Only One

Less than an hour away from kickoff in Super Bowl XLV. A game between two of the most stories franchises in NFL history. The winner of the first two Super Bowls (and later a third) against a team with an NFL record six Lombardi trophies.

Vince Lombardi was the face of the Green Packers franchise when he coached and he still is today. He led the Packers to three NFL titles in addition to the two SB's, including three straight titles (1965-1967). It makes any Giants fan sick to their stomach to realize he could have easily been coaching the Giants instead of the Packers. There was Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, Max McGee, Jim Taylor, and on and on it went.

The Packers would go to the SB twice more, defeating New England and losing to Denver with Brett Favre leading the way.

Pittsburgh struggled at the bottom of the league for years, but then the 1970's came along. Coach Chuck Noll and a fearsome squad- the "Steel Curtain" defense led by Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Jack Ham. A ferocious set of running backs in Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, the divine Lynn Swann at wide receiver, and of course, the field general Terry Bradshaw. Four SB championships over the best the NFC had to offer- Minnesota, the LA Rams, and Dallas, not once, but twice.

Ben Rothliesberger, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Troy Polamalu would come along in this decade to help lead Pittsburgh to two more SB rings. In between there was a tough loss to Dallas, but the Steelers remain football's version of the Yankees when it comes to winning the Super Bowl.

But, there can be only one. And I say that one will be the Green Bay Packers. I was happy to see Pburg win their last two, but that's before Big Ben and his little willy started acting like an idiot. Aaron Rodgers may not be a choir boy, but he's easy to root for today. But this isn't just about that. Both teams have solid/stellar defenses that can make big plays. But for Green Bay to win they need James Starks to have a good game rushing the ball and the Packers must also contain Rashard Mendenhall on the defensive side of the ball.

Final score - Green Bay 27 Pittsburgh 21

Baseball Digest Birthdays: Hank Aaron | Baseball Digest

Baseball Digest Birthdays: Hank Aaron | Baseball Digest

I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting on our couch, eyes glued to the television set. Al Downing of the LA Dodgers delivered the pitch and the Atlanta Braves’ Hank Aaron sent it deep to left-center field. Left fielder Bill Buckner, (yes, that Bill Buckner!) leaped on top of the fence, but the ball easily cleared the wall to the right of the 385-ft sign and landed in the glove of pitcher Tom House in the Braves bullpen. Hank Aaron had just broken Babe Ruth’s career record for home runs with his 715th blast.

Aaron was greeted by a pair of overeager fans as he rounded the bases and was swarmed by his teammates when he reached home plate. Also waiting there was his wife and parents and a throng of photographers. Craig Sager, who was fashionably challenged even then, interviewed Aaron for the raucous Fulton County Stadium crowd of 53,775. It was April 8, 1974 and it seems like yesterday.

Henry Louis Aaron was born (February 5, 1934) in Mobile, Alabama to Herb and Estella Aaron. Hank was one of seven children, including his brother Tommie who would one day become his teammate on the Braves. Aaron and his family picked cotton by day and young Hank played sports when he could. His family couldn’t afford equipment, so Aaron practiced by hitting bottle caps and fashioned bats and balls out of materials he found on the street.

As he grew up, Aaron excelled at sports, prompting him to quit high school to join the Negro Leagues when he was 17. After a year of playing for the Independent League Mobile Black Bears, Aaron helped the Indianapolis Clowns to the 1952 Negro League championship. His performance led to offers from the Boston Braves and New York Giants. Aaron chose the Braves because their offer was $50 higher. Imagine that… Hank Aaron and Willie Mays could have been teammates!

Aaron made the majors with the Braves, who were in Milwaukee by then, in 1954 and finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting after a .280-13-69 season. It was the last time he hit under 20 home runs in a season until his next-to-last year in 1975.

Aaron’s home run record was criticized at times over the years because he never hit more than 50 home runs in a season, played most of his career in a 162 game schedule (not crediting him for his remarkable durability), and sadly, because he is African-American. Racial bias directed towards him was never more evident than when Aaron was approaching Ruth’s home run record.

During the 1973 off-season, Aaron received a large amount of hate mail and death threats, as did members of the media who supported him. Sports Illustrated summed it up best, saying “Is this to be the year in which Aaron, at the age of thirty-nine, takes a moon walk above one of the most hallowed individual records in American sport…? Or will it be remembered as the season in which Aaron, the most dignified of athletes, was besieged with hate mail and trapped by the cobwebs and goblins that lurk in baseball’s attic?” The public in general was behind Aaron, including Babe Ruth’s widow Claire Hodgson, who denounced the racism.

In December, 1973, the Washington Post’s Paul Attner marveled at Aaron’s soon-to-happen accomplishment and pondered who might possibly break the new record. Click here to read all about it.

In all, Hank Aaron finished with 755 home runs, playing his last two years back in Milwaukee as a member of the American League’s Brewers. (I had the privilege of seeing Aaron tie Babe Ruth’s all-time RBI record against the Yankees at Shea Stadium on April 27, 1975). He hit more than 40 home runs – seven times, drove in 2,297 runs, hit .305 lifetime, was a 25-time All-Star and the 1957 NL MVP (he finished in the top five in voting seven times) when the Braves won their only World Series in Milwaukee. He was an outstanding defender in right field (3-time Gold Glove winner) and base runner (he stole 31 bases in 1962).

Hammerin’ Hank Aaron was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 with the third highest percentage (97.8) of all-time. His post-playing career life has included a number of different positions in the Atlanta Braves organization and he has served as an ambassador for Major League Baseball. When Barry Bonds approached and eventually surpassed his home run record, Aaron carried himself with the same dignity and class that he always had despite some personal reservations regarding accusations against Bonds.

A very Happy 77th Birthday to Hank Aaron.

Also born on this day:

Roberto Alomar (Ponce, Puerto Rico, 1968): Alomar will be joining Aaron in the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 24, 2011. Alomar posted a .300 career average over 17 seasons with a career .814 OPS. He topped 500 doubles, 200 home runs, 1000 RBI (1,134), and stole 474 bases. More notable was his defense at 2nd base, where he won 10 Gold Glove awards. Alomar was a 12 time All-Star and helped the Toronto Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series titles in 1992-1993.

Roger Peckinpaugh(1891-1910): The native of Wooster, Ohio played 17 seasons in the major leagues with the Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, Washington Senators, and Chicago White Sox. He won the AL MVP award in 1925, at age 34, when the Senators lost the World Series to the Pittsburgh Pirates in seven games. After his acquisition from the Indians, Peckinpaugh served as player-manager for 20 games in New York’s first season where they were known as the Yankees. After retiring as a player, Peckinpaugh managed the Indians for seven years (1928-1993, 1941).

BD Hot Stove: NL Central Prospects | Baseball Digest

The Cardinals Shelby Miller coming soon to a ball park near you.

BD Hot Stove: NL Central Prospects | Baseball Digest

It’s the second to last Friday before pitchers and catchers report. Yes, the Hot Stove may be cooling off, but we’re just getting warmed up here at Baseball Digest. Spring training is a time for rejuvenations, the sound of ball popping into mitt and glove, the crack of the bat, the warmth of the Florida or Arizona sun, and the chance to get a glimpse of the talent pool in each organizations. So starting today the Hot Stove takes a look at the top prospect in each organization, beginning with the NL Central. These are some of the kids that will be getting eye balled during the coming month and a half.

NL Central Prospects

Reds: Obviously, Aroldis Chapman is the top man, but he’ll be on the 25 man roster heading North for opening day. The next most popular prospect is catcher Devin Mesoraco (Baseball America rates Billy Hamilton as the #2 guy behind Chapman). Mesoraco was the 15th overall pick in the 2007 draft and was selected from Punxsotawney High School. (No word on if he saw his shadow on draft day.) Listed as 6’1″, 220 lbs, Mesoraco split 99 games in 2010 between High ‘A’ and Double-A ball before a 14 game look at Triple-A Louisville. The 22-yr old should spend the entire season in Triple-A this season after he hit26 home runs last year and put up a combined .302/.377/.587 split.

Mesoraco also showed some good discipline at the plate, drawing 43 walks while striking out just 80 times in 451 plate appearances. As for defense, this from baseball analyst John Sickels, “Defensively, he remains vulnerable to passed balls and excessive errors, but he’s thrown out 40% of runners trying to steal on him, and there seems to be a general consensus that his other defensive issues will get better in time.” Sickels actually did a 180 degree flip on Mesoraco, thinking he was a complete bust prior to the 2010 season. It should be noted that Mesoraco’s development was also slowed by Tommy John surgery in high school.

Cubs: Outfielder Brett Jackson and pitcher Trey McNutt (great name) are the top choices among those in the know. For today, we’re going to focus on Jackson, the 31st overall pick in the 2009 draft. The University of California-Berkley junior was ranked by Baseball America as the second best athlete in his draft class. After posting a .908 OPS in rookie and ‘A’ ball, Jackson showed some of the offensive skills in 2010 that turned scouts on to him. Playing at Dayton (‘A+’) and Tennessee (‘AA’), Jackson showed power (12 HR), speed (30 SB, 14 2B, 12 3B), and the ability to set the table (73 BB, .395 OPS). He will need to cut down considerably on his strikeouts (126) though.

Ranked as the #43 prospect in all of baseball by MLB.com, Jackson should start the season in Double-A, but will make his way to Triple-A Iowa rather quickly.

Cardinals: Without question, Shelby Miller is the top ranked prospect in the St. Louis organization. The hard throwing right-hander was selected 19th overall in the 2009 draft out of Brownwood (TX) High School. He blew away hitters for Quad Cities of the Midwest League (‘A’) last season, striking out 140 over matched batters in 104 1/3 innings. His strikeout to walk ratio was better than 4:1 and he allowed less than a hit an inning.

Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus describes Miller’s delivery as “..free and easy.Classic, almost textbook 3/4 delivery with nothing exaggerated in leg kick, landing, or follow through. Hands remain exceptionally quiet during windup with a quick load of right hand into position and lightning release. Landing is soft, in-line, and well balanced.” Miller’s fastball is generally in the low to mid-90s and is expected to be more consistently in the higher range. He mixes in a low 80′s curve and a low to mid-80′s changeup. Just 19 and ranked 20th among all prospects by MLB.com, Miller is expected to start the season at High-A Palm Beach.

Pirates: Bryce Harper- that’s the player that stood in the way of Jameson Taillon being the first, rather than second, overall pick in this past year’s amateur draft. The 6’7″, 230 lb right-hander has a fastball that topped out at 99 mph in high school, with an excellent curveball and slider. He also has a good change up, but didn’t need to throw it often against high school competition. He has also gotten high marks for his composure on the mound.

Taillon didn’t sign until mid-Augst so he did not pitch at the professional level last season. He’s ticketed for rookie ball this season.

Astros: Another right-handed pitcher is the top prospect for Houston; Jordan Lyles was the 38 overall pick of the 2008, 1st round draft out Hartsville (SC) High School. The 6’4″ pitcher spent most of the last season at Double-A Corpus Christi, posting a 7-9, 3.12 mark with 46 walks and 137 strikeouts in 127 innings pitched. Lyles also saw 31 innings at Triple-A Round Rock, but had much less success (5.40 ERA, 2:1 K to BB ratio). Lyles is not a power pitcher and must be accurate with his upper 80′s to low 90′s two seam fastball to be successful.

This could be a make or break season for Lyles, who should be in Round Rock when the minor league season opens. Once again, Baseball Prospectus’ Kevin Goldstein: “Lyles has little margin for error, and his inability to blow away hitters led to some struggles following a late-season promotion to Triple-A. Despite his length and a frame that should fill out, he’s not very projectable; it seems like his current velocity already requires effort, leaving many to feel he’s close to his ceiling.”

Brewers: With 2nd baseman Brett Lawrie dealt to Toronto, right-hander Mark Rogers became Milwaukee’s top rated prospect. It was no easy feat for the former #5 pick in the 2004 draft; Rogers missed all of 2007 and 2008 after undergoing shoulder surgery. But he topped 20 starts each of the last two seasons and threw a career high 116 innings in 2010. His command is still a question (72 walks), but he did strikeout nearly a batter an inning and gave up less hits than innings pitched in his 25 starts (All but one were at Double-A Hunstville). For his hard work, Rogers was rewarded with a four game stint with the major league club in September. In 10 innings pitched (two starts), Rogers allowed just two hits, two earned runs, walked three, and struck out 11.

No one questions Rogers’ stuff, but he must get his command under control at Triple-A Nashville this season if he is to eventually make the step up to the majors a permament one.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Andy Pettitte held his retirement press conference this morning in New York, though he never mentioned the word retirement specifically and said you can never say never. That being said, he also said he was happy with his decision and his head and heart were just not up to the grind of another major league season.

Fox’s Ken Rosenthal heard the Yankees were “kicking around” the idea of acquiring Scott Kazmir from the Angels. The Yankees front office probably came to their senses a short time later.

Jim Edmonds has decided to return for another year after the results of a physical convinced him to return to the Cardinals. For now he’s on a minor league contract until room can be freed up on the 40 man roster.

The Michael Young trade rumors are alive and well again. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that Texas has once again begun to explore dealing the 3rd baseman. With the signing of free agent hot corner man Adrian Beltre and the acquisition of Mike Napoli to DH, Young could be dealt to shore up the team’s pitching staff.

The Tigers have signed outfielder Timo Perez to a minor league deal. Perez has not been in the majors since 2007.

Juan Cruz will try to come back from shoulder surgery with the Rays organization after inking a minor league deal.

The Dodgers have signed left-handed journeyman Ron Mahay to a minor league deal, while the Orioles added outfielder Randy Winn with a minor league contract.

BD Hot Stove: Millwood’s Pitch Is Off Key | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Millwood’s Pitch Is Off Key | Baseball Digest

With Andy Pettitte retiring, Kevin Millwood may think he has a shot at signing a deal with the New York Yankees, but Buster Olney tweeted this morning that Millwood is looking for $4M-$5M per season. That’s not happening. Just as worrisome to any Yankees fan is Olney’s notion that the Yankees may be interested in the Phillies’ Joe Blanton.

Former Mets’ much hyped prospect Lastings Milledge has signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. The contract includes an invite for the now 26 year old outfielder, who is already with his fourth organization.

The Royals have signed veteran 3rd baseman Pedro Feliz to a minor league deal. Feliz struggled last season, but this move could be a low risk/medium reward venture for KC.

Mlb.com’s Scott Merkin writes that Matt Thornton is the early favorite to emerge as the White Sox closer. The position became available when Chicago let go of Bobby Jenks.

SI.com reports that Jim Edmonds is awaiting the results of a physical before deciding whether to return in 2011.

SI’s Jon Heyman reports the Angels are in the market for a lead off hitter.

Fox’s Ken Rosenthal reports that Jermaine Dye, who sat out all of last season, is likely to officially retire.

The Nationals signed reliever Cla Meredith to a minor league deal.

Mark Cuban told reporters that he is not interested in buying/investing in either the NY Mets or the LA Dodgers.

BD Hot Stove Breaking News: Pettitte To Call It Quits | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove Breaking News: Pettitte To Call It Quits | Baseball Digest

Michael Kay of the YES Network and 1050ESPN radio announced this morning that Andy Pettitte intends to officially retire tomorrow (Friday) after 16 seasons in the major leagues.

Since Pettitte’s return to New York prior to the 2007 season, he’s taken his time each off season to decide whether or not to return the following season. Since the 2010 season ended, Pettitte seemed to be heavily leaning towards calling it quits. Conversations with manager Joe Girardi and GM Brian Cashman gave every indication that the chances of Pettitte’s return for 2011 was less than 50%.

Pettitte finishes his career with a 240-138, 3.88 mark after playing in New York from 1995-2005, followed by three seasons in front of his hometown crowd in Houston, Texas, and a return to New York in 2007. His four years back in the Bronx included his 5th World Series ring in 2009.

Pettitte finishes with 203 wins as a Yankee, trailing only Whitey Ford (236) and Red Ruffing (231) in franchise history. His 1,823 strikeouts were 133 behind the franchise leader Ford. His overall numbers and post-season success make him a viable Hall of Fame candidate, but his admitted use of HGH will probably keep him from being seriously considered.

Pettitte’s retirement also means the Yankees only have three guaranteed spots in their rotation- CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, and A.J. Burnett. The final two spots will be determined in spring training. Among the candidates are Ivan Nova, Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia, Sergio Mitre, any and all prospects, and whomever the Yankees can sign between now and opening day.

We wish you the best in retirement Andy Pettitte. You always carried yourself with class even when you proved you were human.