#39 Brian Matusz, P, BAL - The lefty out of San Diego University was taken in the first round of the 2008 draft. While he lacks a true plus pitch, Matusz does have four above-average pitches that he can throw with excellent command. He was arguably the best college pitcher in 2008 placing near the top in every major statistical college category. He will probably make his pro debut at A+ and has a chance, due to his polish, to move quickly through Baltimore's system, a 2009 September call-up is not out of the question.
#38 Elvis Andrus, SS, TEX - THe speedy 19 year old held his own in a full season at AA in 2008, compiling a line of .295/.350/.367 with 4 homeruns and 54 stolen bases in 482 at-bats. His plate discipline was definitely sub-par but not horrible (38BB/91K), which is to be expected from someone who is so young for their level. As the .367 SLG shows, Andrus will probably never have much power, but his speed and contact ability along with his solid defense make him a solid bet to be a contributor at the major-league level. Texas' President, Nolan Ryan, said Andrus would have a chance to compete for the big league shortstop job in the spring, if he does not make the team out of spring training, he should be up by mid-season.
#37 Jose Tabata, OF, PIT - In the lower levels of the minor leagues, Tabata showed fantastic power potential, however after 2007 off-season wrist surgery, that power may be on hold for the time being. As a 19 year old in AA, Tabata .272/.339/.368 with 6 homeruns and 18 stolen bases in the offense-depressed Eastern League. Hitters usually find their power again in the second year after wrist surgery, so it's not unlikely that Tabata could flash his former 30+ homerun potential again. He has a chance to start the year in AAA, but a half-season at AA would definitely do him some good, look for him in a Pirates uniform by September, 2009.
#36 Josh VItters, 3B, CHC - The 3rd overall pick in the 2007 draft struggled in A- during the first month of 2008 compiling a line of .322/.357/.495. Even though most of his counterparts had successful seasons at full-season ball, Vitters should still be considered an elite hitting prospect with 30 homerun potential. He will probably split 2009 between A- and A+, though there's a chance he could see some time at AA if he has success. He could be the Cubs starting third-baseman by early 2011.
#35 Alcedes Escobar, SS, MIL - The 21 year old broke out in 2008, proving that he is worthy of elite prospect status. At AA, Escobar posted a line of .328/.363/.434 with 8 homeruns an 34 stolen bases. While he is a fantastic hitter, Escobar is even better at defense, his outstanding play a shortstop has given him a chance to win Milwaukee's starting job in spring training. If all goes well, Escobar could be a very special major leaguer.
#34 Angel Villalona, 1B, SF - As a 17 year old in A-, Villalona proved that he could hold his own in full-season ball. In 464 at-bats, Villalona posted a line of .263/.312/.435 with 17 homeruns and 64 RBI. Villalona's plate discipline is still extremely raw, he only walked 18 times last year, while striking out 118 times. He will have to improve upon those numbers dramatically if he wants any chance of getting to the big leagues. Villalona also needs to watch his weight, he has already played his way off of third base, and if he doesn't stay in shape, even first base could be a challenge. Ultimately, VIllalona has a chance to become a very special hitter, but he still has a long way to go, don''t expect to see him in the majors before late 2012.
#33 Jesus Montero, C, NYY - the 18 year old had a fantastic season at A- in 2008; In 525 at-bats, Montero compiled a line of .325/.376/.491 with 18 homeruns and 87 RBI. Montero could still improve his plate discipline, but that will come in time. Scouts have rated Montero's power an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale; if he can make enough contact, he should have a long, productive career. His defense is horrible, but with the Yankees signing Mark Texieria to a long-term deal, Montero should get every opportunity to succeed as a catcher. Look for him in pin-stripes by late 2011.
#32 Gorden Beckham, SS, CHW - The 2008 college homerun champ was the Whitesox 1st round pick in 2008. While his defense is just average, Beckham's bat, especially for a shortstop will make him extremely valuable in the long run. He should start 2009 in either A- or A+ and could have a chance to fight for the starting shortstop job in spring training of 2010.
#31 Yonder Alonso, 1B, CIN - The top first baseman in the 2008 draft combines fantastic plate discipline with tremendous power and has a chance to be an absolute offensive monster when he reaches the big leagues. Alonso should start 2009 at A- and has a chance to move quickly through the system, He could be the Reds starting first baseman by opening day, 2010.
#30 Brett Wallace, 3B, STL - With Troy Glaus' injury, Wallace actually has a chance to be St. Louis' opening day third baseman. He had arguably the best bat in the 2008 draft, and is close to being a major league ready hitter. Wallace's defense at third base is poor but his bat can more than make up for it; he should reach the majors sometime in 2009.
Tune in again next Saturday, 2/21, for # 29-20.
Sources
FirstInning.com
Baseball America
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