#69 Wilmer Flores, SS, NYM - The 17 year old posted a very good line at rookie league hitting 8/41/.310 in 265 at-bats. He only walked 12 times however he struck out just 28, showing that he can put the ball in play. He's currently listed at 6'3, 175 pounds, so it's likely that he will outgrow shortstop and have to move to third base where his bat should play fine. If he improve his plate discipline and stay healthy, Flores should hit for both power and average, but probably not before 2013 at the earliest.
#68 Andrew Lambo, OF, LAD - Lambo posted solid numbers at A- in 2008, hitting 15/79/.288 in 469 at-bats. The 20 year old struck out 109 times while only drawing 41 walks. The Dodgers' outfield is crowded right now so they can afford to be patient with Lambo, who will need a few more years of seasoning in the minors. Look for him in a Dodger uniform by late-2012.
#67 Andrew Brackman, P, NYY - Standing 6'10 Brackman is an imposing force on the mound--when healthy. He was out all of last year, recovering from Tommy John Surgery and should be ready for 2009. Before the injury, Brackman coupled his upper 90's fastball with a plus curveball. This will be his first professional season, and if he pitches well, he could move quickly through the system and reach the Yankees by mid-2010.
#66 Jose Ceda, P, FLA - The 21 year old was dominant as a reliever last year, striking out over 12 batters per 9 innings in AA. He has a fastball that sits in the upper 90's with great movement, and a very good power-slider. Now some struggles as a starter, Ceda should move very quickly through the system and probably make his major league debut y mid-season.
#65 Adam Miller, P. CLE - Miller suffered yet another injury-plagued season, with held him to only 28 innings in AAA last year. He throws both 2-seam and 4-seam fastballs along with a fantastic slider, which could help him become a front-line starter, or if his injury woes continue, a lights-out closer. Expect to see him in Cleveland as soon as mid-season if he can stay healthy.
#64 Kyle Blanks, 1B, SD - Weighing in at almost 300 pounds, the 6'6 Blanks has tons of power. Last year he showed he could hit for average and walk too, posting a line of .325/.404/.514 and belting 20 homeruns in 492 at-bats at AA. He actually stole 5 bases last year, nevertheless he will still need to keep his weight in check as he gets older. He is currently blocked by Adrian Gonzalez at first base, if rumors about a Gonzalez trade come true, Blanks could become San Diego's starting 1st baseman by mid-season.
#63 James McDonald, P, LAD - The converted outfielder, tore up AA last year, striking out almost a batter per nine innings and posting a 3.19 ERA. McDonald finished the year as a reliever for the Dodgers in September and should fight f0r a rotation spot this spring. He has a low 90's fastball, a very good curveball, and an average change-up, all of which he can throw for strikes. He appears to be an extreme flyball pitcher, but that shouldn't be a problem in the wide outfields at Dodger Stadium. He has a very good chance to open 2009 as the Dodgers #5 starter.
#62 Kila Ka'aihue, 1B, KC - The 24 year old destroyed AA and AAA last year posting a combined line of .313/.457/.629. Obviously, he is very old for his levels but he showed incredible plate discipline walking 104 times compared to just 66 strikeouts. He is blocked by Mile Jacobs and Billy Butler at 1B and DH respectively, but if he can put up another dominant half-season in the minors, Kansas City will have no choice but to call him up. Look for him by mid-season if all goes well.
#61 Cedric Hunter, OF, SD - Hunter posted an incredible 92% contact rate last year, one of the highest in the minor leagues. The 20 year old compiled a line of .318/.362/.442 last year in A+. He will never hit for much power, but if he could walk more, Hunter could become a successful leadoff man with the skills to get hit for high average and steal bases. He still has a long way to go, but we could see Hunter in a Padres uniform by late 2011.
#60 Scott Elbert, P, LAD - The 23 year old lefty came back from minor offseason shoulder surgery as a reliever to pitch very well in AA and eventually earn a September call-up. It's unknown if the Dodgers will attempt to make Elbert a starter again, if they do, he could develop into an ace, however there is a big injury risk involved. If the Dodgers keep Elbert as a relief pitcher, he could start the season in their bullpen and eventually become an elite closer.
That concludes #69-60, tune in next Saturday, 1/31, as we count down #59-50.
Sources
FirstInning.com
Baseball America
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