#89 Hank Conger, C, LAA - Conger had a breakout 2008 season hitting .303 with 13 homeruns and 75 RBI in 294 at-bats. The 20 year old may not have enough defense to stay at catcher and may be forced to move to DH, which will severely hinder his value. Also of concern, Conger only drew 14 walks compared to 55 strikeouts. If he can improve his plate discipline and stay at catcher, Conger should provide very good offensive value.
#88 Hector Rondon, P, CLE - The 20 year old had a strong season at A+ going 11-6 with a 3.60 ERA. In addition, Rondon showed dominance, striking out exactly 9 batters per nine innings, and control 3.1 K/BB rate. He should be entrenched in Cleveland's rotation sometime in 2011.
#87 Michael Bowden, P, BOS - After making his debut with Boston last September, Bowden should have a chance to fight for a full-time role in spring training. He split most of last year between AA and AAA and finished with 8.1 K/9, and a whopping 5.1 K/BB which illustrates his superior control. He should be seeing regular action as soon opening day, however mid-season is more likely.
#86 Aaron Hicks, CF, MIN - It's risky to make assumptions on rookie league performances, but Hicks' .314/.405/.491 line shows a lot of promise. The switch-hitter has the skills to be a dynamic leadoff hitter as well as play a gold glove centerfield. His first shot at full season ball should be intriguing, look for him in a Twins uniform in late 2012.
#85 Greg Golson, OF, TEX - Traded from Philadelphia over the off-season, Golson possesses an enticing combination of power and speed. During the 2008 season he spent most of the year at AA, hitting 13 homeruns and 60 RBI with a .282 batting average. Golson's problem is plate discipline, last year he struck out 130 times with only 32 walks. If he can get on base more, Golson could have star potential, he should reach the majors by 2010, if not sooner.
#84 Hector Gomez, SS, COL - Gomez was injured all of last year with various knee and leg injuries, when he's healthy the Dominican Republic product can flash the ability to hit for power and average. Expect him to unleash his offensive potential in A+next year and arrive in the majors by late 2011.
#83 Beau Mills, 1B, CLE - The 22 year old broke out last year in A+, hitting 21 homeruns and 90 RBI with a .291 average in 482 at-bats. Mills was very old for his level, this bears watching next year in AA, to see if he sinks or swims facing tougher competition. He should be in Cleveland by 2010.
#82 Kyle Skipworth, C, FLA - The 6th overall pick in last year's draft, Skipworth only got 151 at-bats--and didn't do much with them, hitting .192/.250/.331. Skipworth has above-average defense, as well as a bat that projects for above-average power and contact. Don't let the small sample size fool you, Skipworth can hit. He shouldn't reach the majors until 2013 at the earliest.
#81 Dominic Brown, OF, PHI - Brown had a solid 2008 season at A-, hitting .291 with 9 homeruns and 51 RBI in 444 at-bats. Brown complemented his power and contact skills with 22 stolen bases and 64 walks compared to 72 strikeouts. He should continue to grow as he moves through the minors, look for him in Philadelphia by 2012.
#80 Matt Antonelli, 2B, SD - Antonelli had one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory, compiling a line of .216/.335/.322 in 450 at-bats. If there was any bright spot in his abysmal '08 season, it was his plate discipline; he drew 76 walks and struck out 86 times. After only getting 187 at-bats at AA in 2007, Antonelli was promoted to AAA at the beginning of 2008. His awful season may have just been the result of being rushed. Look for a rebound in '09 and a call-up by mid-season.
That concludes #89-80, tune in next week, January 17th, for #79-70.
Sources
FirstInning.com
Baseball America
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