The Graduate: Jesse Carlson | Born: December 1980 | Left-Handed Pitcher

Southpaw reliever Jesse Carlson finally reached the Major Leagues at the age of 27 and in his second tour of duty in the Jays’ system. Originally a 15th round selection out of college by Detroit, Carlson bounced around the minors for parts of seven seasons and spent four seasons at Double-A. He received his first MLB promotion early in 2008 and ended up appearing in 69 big league games. He allowed just 41 hits in 60 innings of work with rates of 3.15 BB/9 and 8.25 K/9. A fastball-slider pitcher, Carlson actually used his slider more often than his fastball in 2008 (42.7% to 56.1%). Bill James’ projection for 2009 expects Carlson to remain a productive left-handed reliever, leaving the Jays with four quality left-handed relievers: Carlson, B.J. Ryan, Scott Downs, and Brian Tallet.

The Riser: J.P. Arencibia | Born: January 1986 | Catcher

A 2007 first-round draft pick, J.P. Arencibia is arguably one of the Top 3-5 catching prospects in all of baseball, with the Orioles’ Matt Wieters firmly at No. 1. Arencibia split 2008 between High-A ball and Double-A and hit 27 home runs and drove in 105 runs. He also significantly improved his defence and will have no problems remaining behind the plate, which was a concern during his college career. Arencibia needs to work on his patience at the plate if he is going to hit for a respectable average at the Major League level. He walked less than four percent of the time this past season and often swings at the first pitch, which is something experienced pitchers will exploit.

The Tumbler: Trystan Magnuson | Born: June 1985 | Right-Handed Pitcher

A late-blooming college reliever, Trystan Magnuson was nabbed by the Jays in the 2007 supplemental first round as a college senior for his impressive fastball. Moved to the starting rotation in 2008, Magnuson was brutal in the first half and posted an 11.85 ERA in five May starts. He settled down in the second half of the season. Overall, he allowed 91 hits in 81.2 innings and posted rates of 3.86 BB/9 and 5.40 K/9. He’ll turn 24 in June and will probably begin 2009 back in A-ball so it might be wise to converted him back to a reliever in the hopes that he can accelerate his timetable to the Majors.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Tyler Pastornicky | Born: December 1989 | Shortstop

The Jays jumped back into the prep drafting pool in 2008, after finding success in 2007 – the first year the organization had spent heavily on drafting high school players in five years. Taken in the fifth round, Tyler Pastornicky was a little more advanced than the Jays had expected and he hit .263/.348/.356 with 27 stolen bases in 50 Rookie Ball games. He also took 21 walks, while striking out just 21 times. Impressively, his offensive numbers improved in each month, from June to August, as he made adjustments. Pastornicky showed solid hands in the field too, and he made just six errors in 38 games at shortstop.

The ’09 Sleeper: Brad Emaus | Born: March 1986 | Second Baseman

There weren’t many players that improved their stocks more in 2008 than Brad Emaus. The second baseman, in just his first full season, impressed offensively despite skipping over A-ball and beginning the year in High-A ball. Emaus hit .302/.381/.463 with a .161 ISO during the regular season and then dominated the Hawaii Winter Baseball league by hitting .333/.447/.494 (and taking 17 walks compared to just seven strikeouts) in 26 games. The Jays now have some depth up the middle, as fellow second base prospect Scott Campbell also had a breakout season in Double-A. At worst, Emaus should be able to have a similar career to former A’s infielder Scott Spiezio.

Up Next: The Colorado Rockies

The Graduate: Sergio Romo | Born: March 1983 | Right-Handed Pitcher

A former 28th round selection, Sergio Romo has faced an uphill battle to the Major Leagues but he made the most of his opportunities and appeared in 29 games with the Giants in 2008. He allowed just 16 hits in 34 innings with rates of 2.12 BB/9 and 8.74 K/9. His minor league numbers have been almost video-game like with rates of 1.73 BB/9 and 10.06 K/9 in 271.1 career innings. His stuff is underwhelming with a fastball that averages 88.9 mph and a slider at 77.5 mph. He utilized a change-up 3.3% of the time.

The Riser: Madison Bumgarner | Born: August 1989 | Left-Handed Pitcher

The Giants organization knew it had something special with Madison Bumgarner, who was a first round selection out of high school in 2008. He spent the entire year in A-ball and posted an unbelievable 1.46 ERA in 141.2 innings. He allowed 111 hits and posted rates of 1.33 BB/9 and 10.42 K/9. Bumgarner, if he continues to pitch this well, could reach Double-A in 2009. The southpaw’s fastball works in the low 90s most of the time but he can touch 96 mph. His slider and change-up are works in progress.

The Tumbler: Wendell Fairley | Born: March 1988 | Outfielder

Wendell Fairley was considered a bit of a reach at 29th overall in the 2007 draft, as some suggested it was a selection to help the club save money as it had multiple picks in the first two rounds. Fairley struggled to hit in Rookie Ball at the age of 20, with a line of .259/.346/.337 with an ISO of .078. He also stole just seven bases in 52 games. On the plus side, Fairley has a lot of athleticism and showed a willingness to take a walk (11.9 BB%).

The ’08 Draft Pick: Roger Kieschnick | Born: January 1987 | Outfielder

Roger Kieschnick, the Giants’ third round selection in 2008, signed too late to appear during the regular season so the organization sent him to the fall Hawaii Winter Baseball league. He held his own but struggled to hit for average with a line of .236/.333/.482 with six homers in 110 at-bats. He also struck out 46 times, though. Kieschnick should begin 2009 in A-ball.

The ’09 Sleeper: Clayton Tanner | Born: December 1987 | Left-Handed Pitcher

Bumgarner and Tim Alderson got a lot of attention in 2008 but Clayton Tanner has some intriguing talent as well. The 20-year-old southpaw was drafted in the third round of the 2006 draft. He has been hittable in his career – 288 hits allowed in 278.1 innings – and has not struck out a ton of batters (6.89 K/9) but there are a number of positives. He has allowed just seven home runs in his career and has excellent control (2.94 BB/9). Tanner features a high 80s fastball that can touch the low 90s, as well as a slider and change-up.

Up Next: The Toronto Blue Jays

The Graduate: Justin Masterson | Born: March 1985 | Right-Handed Pitcher

He’s not flashy – but Justin Masterson has the potential to be a beast coming out of the bullpen. The right-hander’s fastball averages out at 89.5 mph but it has incredible sink on it, which causes batters to consistently beat balls into the dirt. In 2008, Masterson allowed just 68 hits in 88.1 innings, along with rates of 4.08 BB/9 and 6.93 K/9. Although he started nine games, the right-hander is better suited for bullpen work where he can focus on his sinking fastball and slider. He used his change-up at the Major League level just 3.1% of the time. Once he cleans up his control, Masterson should really take off.

The Riser: Daniel Bard | Born: June 1985 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Daniel Bard had a horrible 2007 season, which included a 6.42 ERA in A-ball and 56 walks allowed in 61.2 innings. He completely turned things around, though, in 2008 with a shift from starting to relieving. Bard began the year back in A-ball and allowed just 12 hits and four walks in 28 innings. He then moved up to Double-A where he allowed 30 hits in 49.2 innings with rates of 4.71 BB/9 and 11.60 K/9. The control was obviously a little shaky at Double-A, but the potential is there to be a dominating eighth-inning reliever (and eventual closer) with a high-90s fastball and a slider.

The Tumbler: Clay Buchholz | Born: August 1984 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Expectations were high at the beginning of 2008 for Clay Buchholz after he threw the 17th no-hitter in Red Sox history on September 1, 2007 (in just his second big league start). Buchholz, though, ended up back at Double-A in 2008 after posting a 6.75 ERA for the Major League club. He allowed 93 hits in 76 innings and posted rates of 4.86 BB/9 and 8.53 K/9. His fastball velocity was the same as 2007 and he allowed more ground balls but his command suffered, his pitches had less movement and batters made better contact against him (up five percent over 2007). The potential is still there, but Buchholz is in danger of being passed by other pitching prospect in a strong Red Sox system.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Derrik Gibson | Born: December 1989 | Shortstop

A third-round selection out of high school in 2008, Derrik Gibson had an impressive debut by hitting .309/.398/.394 with 14 stolen bases in 94 at-bats. He also earned a 14-game promotion to A-ball where he struggled and hit .086 (His BABIP was .125). Gibson does not possess much power at this point but he stole 16 bases in 2008 in as many attempts and also showed a good eye at the plate with a walk rate of 14 percent. He has the potential to be a solid top-of-the-order threat.

The ’09 Sleeper: Nick Hagadone | Born: January 1986 | Left-Handed Pitcher

Nick Hagadone appeared in just three games in 2008 thanks to Tommy John surgery. He showcased his immense talent in those three games by allowing just five hits and striking out 12 in 10 innings. He also dominated in his pro debut in 2007 with a low-to-mid-90s fastball and an excellent slider. Hagadone could be another dominating late-game reliever or he could find success as a starter if he can improve his change-up. He should be fully recovered from surgery by spring and could begin the year in High-A ball.

Up Next: The San Francisco Giants

The Graduate: Clayton Kershaw | Born: March 1988 | Left-Handed Pitcher

The seventh overall selection in the 2006 draft, Clayton Kershaw rocketed through the minor leagues and made his pro debut at the age of 20. He began the season by posting a 1.91 ERA, allowing 39 hits and striking out 59 in 61.1 innings at Double-A. Kershaw was then promoted to the Majors where he allowed 109 hits in 107.2 innings of work. He also posted rates of 4.35 BB/9 and 8.36 K/9. It’s easy to see why Kershaw favored his fastball (which he threw 71.4% of the time) because the lefty averaged 94 mph with it on the radar gun. He also utilized a nasty curveball (23%) and a change-up (5.3%).

The Riser: Victor Garate | Born: September 1984 | Left-Handed Pitcher

The organization is loaded with talent but Victor Garate stands out thanks to his interesting background. A middle reliever in the Houston Astros organization, Garate was nabbed by the Dodgers in the minor league portion of the 2007 Rule 5 draft. He was a little old for A-ball but he took to the starting role like a fish to water, so there may be something there. It will be interesting to see if the Dodgers organization fast-tracks him to Double-A even though he struggled a little bit in a tough pitching environment to finish the season at High-A ball (44 hits allowed in 38.1 innings, but with rates of 3.29 BB/9 and 11.03 K/9). Earlier in the season, Garate carved up A-ball hitters with 61 hits allowed in 77.2 innings. He also posted rates of 3.24 BB/9 and 11.94 K/9. The southpaw has a high-80s fastball and a plus change-up, as well as an OK breaking ball. If he can tighten up his third pitch, Garate could slide into a fourth or fifth starter’s role at the Major League level, thanks in part to solid deception and good command.

The Tumbler: Josh Wall | Born: January 1987 | Right-Handed Pitcher

The former 2005 second round pick out of an LA high school is slowly losing steam in the system. But 6’6” pitchers that can touch the mid-90s earn plenty of chances. Josh Wall allowed 152 hits in 129 innings this past season and posted rates of 4.40 BB/9 and 7.05 K/9. He needs to become more consistent – when he’s bad, he’s really bad – and his maturity has also been questioned. Wall’s ERA in High-A ball was a nasty 6.28 but his FIP showed some potential at 4.56.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Kyle Russell | Born: June 1986 | Outfielder

Kyle Russell made a lot of noise as a draft-eligible sophomore in 2007 by hitting 28 home runs in college but he spurned a pro contract offer from the Cardinals and returned to school for the 2007-08 season. He did not come close to duplicating his outstanding 2007 but he was still selected in the third round of the amateur draft by the Dodgers. Russell had a solid pro debut – albeit in Rookie ball which mainly consists of 17 to 19-year-old players). He hit .279/.358/.534 with 11 home runs and an ISO of .256 in 219 at-bats. Russell will really need to cut down on the strikeouts to succeed at higher levels: 37.4 K% in 2008.

The ’09 Sleeper: Andrew Lambo | Born: August 1988 | Outfielder

Andrew Lambo has been a hitting machine since signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit .343 with an OPS of .953 in his debut in 2007 and followed that up with a 2008 line of .288/.345/.462 in A-ball. Lambo also received a brief call-up to Double-A where he hit .389 and slugged three home runs in eight games. He appears to be one of those players that needs motivation to play at his peak and he coasted a bit in A-ball. Lambo has displayed slightly below-average power for a left-fielder but he has more raw strength that could develop into usable power. He also needs to improve his defence.

Up Next: The Boston Red Sox

The Graduate: Garrett Olson | Born: October 1983 | Left-Handed Pitcher

Garrett Olson had a nice start to his 2008 Major League season and maintained a respectable ERA through the month of June. After that, though, the southpaw posted an ERA over 8.00 in his final 14 starts and allowed 98 hits in in 68.1 innings. Overall, he allowed rates of 4.21 BB/9 and 5.63 K/9. Bill James’ projection for 2009 sees Olson returning to form as a No. 4 or 5 starter in the Baltimore rotation. He’ll need to fool batters a little more in 2009 to achieve that projection, as hitters made contact more than 90 percent of the time when they swung at pitches in the strike zone against Olson in 2008.

The Riser: Jake Arrieta | Born: March 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Jake Arrieta took a little bit of a tumble in the 2007 draft due to signability concerns and signed late – so he did not put on a pro uniform until last year’s Arizona Fall League. He more than held his own there and carried that success on over into 2008. Arrieta allowed just 80 hits in 113 High-A ball innings. He posted rates of 4.06 BB/9 and 9.56 K/9. He features a low-90s fastball that touches the mid-90s, a slider and a change-up. Despite his lack of pro experience, Arrieta could be pitching in Baltimore by the end of the 2009 season.

The Tumbler: Billy Rowell | Born: September 1988 | Third Baseman

Billy Rowell, the Orioles first-round pick in 2006, is only 20 years old and has plenty of time to right the ship but Baltimore is no doubt disappointed with his development to this point. The first high school player selected in the draft, Rowell has already been surpassed development-wise by Toronto’s Travis Snider, who was selected shortly after him but has already made his Major League debut. In 2008 at High-A ball, Rowell hit .248/.314/.368 with seven home runs and an ISO of .120 in 375 at-bats. He walked 8.8 percent of the time, while striking out at a rate of 27.7 percent.

The ’08 Draft Pick: L.J. Hoes | Born: March 1990 | Second Baseman

A Washington D.C. native, L.J. Hoes was selected in the third round of the 2008 draft out of high school and thrived in Rookie ball. He hit .308/.418/.390 with an ISO of .082 and 10 stolen bases in 159 at-bats. He posted rates of 15.9 BB% and 13.8 K%. Defensively, he may move to center field down the line.

The ’09 Sleeper: Brandon Erbe | Born: December 1987 | Right-Handed Pitcher

It’s understandable that some Baltimore fans are getting frustrated with Brandon Erbe’s apparent lack of development, but the right-hander will be pitching at Double-A in 2009 – his fifth season in pro ball – at the age of just 21. Erbe pitched at High-A ball in 2008, for the second straight season, and had a solid year by allowing 120 hits in 150.2 innings of work. He posted rates of 2.99 BB/9 and 9.02 K/9. His control was much improved this past season as he shaved off almost two walks per nine innings. Erbe’s biggest nemesis is consistency, followed by a penchant for allowing home runs (21 in 2008, at a rate of 1.25 HR/9). I am going on record by stating, if healthy, Erbe will be one of the biggest breakout pitchers of 2009.

Up Next: The Los Angeles Dodgers

The Graduate: Chase Headley | Born: May 1984 | Outfielder

Chase Headley has bounced around defensively a little bit as the Padres worked to get his potent bat into the Major League line-up. He has settled into the outfield for now and had a decent debut season. He hit .269/.337/.420 with an ISO of .151 in 331 MLB at-bats. His rates have some room to improve at 8.3 BB% and 31.4%. Bill James’ 2009 projections expect even better numbers from Headley in 2009.

The Riser: Matt Buschmann | Born: February 1984 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Matt Buschmann was stolen in the 15th round of the 2006 draft out of Vanderbilt University, which is a heavily-scouted college. He has made significant improvements in his pro career and is finally on the cusp of a big league role. Buschmann survived the 2007 while pitching at a very good hitters’ environment. His 2008 numbers were even better upon a promotion to Double-A and he allowed just 137 hits in 147 innings of work. His rates included 3.53 BB/9 and 7.18 K/9. His fastball is fringe-average at 88-90 mph, along with a potentially-plus slider and a developing change-up.

The Tumbler: Matt Antonelli | Born: April 1985 | Second Baseman

Matt Antonelli was the 17th overall pick of the 2006 draft and big things were expected from him… but his ability to hit completely disappeared in 2008 – at both the Major League and Minor League level. Antonelli hit just .215/.328/.322 at Triple-A and .193/.292/.281 in 57 big league at-bats. The Padres promoted Antonelli aggressively to Triple-A to begin the 2008 season after just 187 Double-A at-bats in 2007… and it appears to have been a mistake. Expect him to spend much of the 2009 season in Triple-A.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Cole Figueroa | Born: June 1987 | Second Baseman

As if the Padres did not already have enough second base prospects, with the likes of Eric Sogard and Matt Antonelli, the club picked up another talented player in Cole Figueroa. When I interviewed Matt LaPorta prior to the 2007 draft, he pointed to Figueroa as his most talented college teammate. Figueroa, who was drafted out of high school by the Blue Jays, had a solid pro debut by hitting .289/.413/.474 with an ISO of 184 in 114 short-season at-bats. He should open 2009 in High-A ball.

The ’09 Sleeper: Eric Sogard | Born: May 1986 | Second Baseman

It can be tough to project prospects in a system that has a minor league level that significantly favors either hitters or pitchers… but such is the case with San Diego’s High-A affiliate. Eric Sogard’s 2008 season, though, may have been a result of a breakout, rather than related to his environment. An excellent college hitter, Sogard hit .308/.397/.453 with an ISO of .146 in 536 at-bats in 2008. He slugged 42 doubles and 10 homers, while posting more walks (12.8 BB%) than strikeouts (11.6 K%). Neither of those rates are directly affected by playing in a hitters’ park.

Up Next: The Baltimore Orioles

This week’s salary dump by the Florida Marlins will definitely benefit the Washington Nationals. The trade sent established Major League players Josh Willingham, an outfielder, and Scott Olsen, a left-handed pitcher in need of an attitude adjustment, to Washington for three prospects. Yesterday, you read about Dave Cameron’s take on the Major Leaguers in the trade.

The three prospects obtained by Florida include: second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, infielder Jake Smolinski, and right-hander P.J. Dean. I’ll touch on Bonifacio with a little more depth tomorrow over at RotoGraphs, because he has the most potential of the three for regular playing time at the Major League level in 2009. Basically, he’s really fast, doesn’t walk enough and strikes out too much. He hit .243/.296/.337 in 169 MLB at-bats in 2008 at the age of 23.

Smolinski was a 2007 second round pick out of an Illinois high school. He was a shortstop in high school, played outfield in his pro debut and then spent 2008 at second base, where he failed to set the world on fire. The 19-year-old hit .306/.364/.408 with no home runs in 98 short-season at-bats in 2008. He also hit .261/.330/.402 with four home runs in 184 A-ball at-bats. He posted rates of 9.4 BB% and 17.9 K% at the higher level. His ISO increased from .102 in the short-season league to .141 in A-ball. Smolinski is your basic B-level prospect whose value could easily go way up or way down in 2009.

Dean is my favorite player in the deal. He is a young, projectable right-hander who currently throws 90-92 mph with room to grow. Dean also has a curveball with plus potential and a developing change-up. A 2007 seventh round pick out of high school, Dean has spent the past two seasons in short-season ball. In 2008, he posted a 1.57 ERA (but 3.40 FIP) with 26 hits allowed in 46 innings pitched. He also had rates of 3.13 BB/9 and 6.65 K/9. In two seasons totaling 77 innings, Dean has allowed just three home runs.

The trade between Florida and Washington will definitely favor the latter organization for at least the next three seasons. But if either Dean or Smolinski reaches his potential, it could swing back to Florida’s favor (at least until said player gets too expensive).

The Graduate: Evan Longoria | Born: October 1985 | Third Baseman

Tampa Bay did not graduate many rookies in 2008 while racing towards the organization’s first World Series appearance. The club obviously chose quality over quantity as Evan Longoria snatched up the Rookie of the Year award this week after hitting .272/.343/.531 with 27 home runs in 448 at-bats. Longoria posted rates of 9.3 BB% and 27.2 K%, as well as an ISO of .259. Defensively, he made 12 errors with a .963 fielding percentage and showed solid range at third.

The Riser: Jeremy Hellickson | Born: April 1987 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Jeremy Hellickson is quickly becoming the best pitching prospect in the system – not named David Price. The right-hander was originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 draft and moved slowly during his first three pro seasons, peaking at A-ball. He jumped on the fast track in 2008, though. After allowing 64 hits in 76.2 innings with a 2.00 ERA in High-A ball, Hellickson was promoted to Double-A, where he made 13 starts. He allowed 84 hits in 75.1 innings but posted excellent rates of 1.79 BB/9 and 9.44 K/9. His biggest issue at Double-A was the home run – he allowed 15 (1.79 HR/9) and must show better command within the strike zone against the more advanced hitters.

The Tumbler: Chris Mason | Born: July 1984 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Chris Mason is not often mentioned in the same breath as Jacob McGee or Wade Davis despite posting solid numbers – well, until 2008. Mason struggled mightily in 2008 and posted a 6.21 ERA during his first shot at Triple-A. The former second round pick out of UNC-Greensboro allowed 144 hits in 108.2 innings of work. He also posted rates of 3.40 BB/9 and 7.45 K/9. Both those rates are respectable, which gives hope for a significant rebound but Mason’s walk rate did increase by about 1.00 BB/9. He may be better suited to a relief role due to an average fastball in the 87-89 mph range.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Jake Jefferies | Born: October 1987 | Catcher

A solid all-around player, Jake Jefferies was nabbed in the third round of the 2008 draft out of college. He had a solid pro debut with a line of .315/.371/.433 in 238 short-season at-bats. Jefferies also posted encouraging rates of 8.1 BB% and 9.2 K% with an ISO of .118. The catcher is currently a solid contact hitter and is working on learning to drive the ball. A left-handed batter, Jefferies is also a solid-average defensive catcher (although he threw out just four of 23 runners attempting to steal in 2008) and he could end up as a third-round steal.

The ’09 Sleeper: Nick Barnese | Born: January 1989 | Right-Handed Pitcher

There are a lot of talented pitchers in the system and Nick Barnese can sometimes get overlooked after spending the past two seasons in short-season ball. However, the right-hander posted solid numbers in 2008: 52 hits allowed in 66 innings pitched, along with rates of 3.27 BB/9 and 11.45 K/9. He also allowed just one home runs all season and posted a FIP of 1.99. The former third round pick features a low-90s fastball that flirts with 95 mph, as well as a slider and a change-up.

Up Next: The San Diego Padres

The Graduate: J.R. Towles | Born: February 1984 | Catcher

J.R. Towles came into the 2008 season as the No. 1 prospect in the Astros (weak) minor league system. He promptly fell on his face and was an offensive mess. Towles hit .137/.250/.253 with an ISO of .116 in 146 at-bats. He rebounded in the minors to hit more than .300 at Triple-A, but the damage has been done to his reputation as a potential front line catcher. His BABIP was a lousy .157 and he showed a little bit of patient with a walk rate of 9.9%. Towles is definitely a better hitter than he showed in 2008 but Jason Castro (the Astros’ first round draft pick in 2008) is now breathing down his neck.

The Riser: Drew Sutton | Born: June 1983 | Second Baseman

Keeping in mind that the Astros have one of the worst minor league systems in Major League Baseball, Drew Sutton was no where to be found at the end of 2007 when discussing prospects in the organization. Fast-forward a year and you have a potential long-term replacement for Craig Biggio. Sutton spent the 2008 season in Double-A (admittedly his second straight season at that level) and hit .317/.404/.523 with 20 homers and 102 RBI in 520 at-bats. His ISO jumped from .119 in 2007 to .206 in 2008. He’s also good for 20 stolen bases in a season and balances out his strikeouts (18.8 K%) with a healthy number of walks (12.8%). Sutton is continuing his hot season by hitting .370 (1.175 OPS) in the Arizona Fall League with six homers in 81 at-bats.

The Tumbler: Max Sapp | Born: February 1988 | Catcher

It was a bad year for incumbent catching prospects in the Astros system. Max Sapp, the Astros 2006 first round pick, had a dismal year while repeating A-ball. His line of .200/.284/.294, with rates of 10.5 BB% and 30.2 K%, was a steep drop from an already-disappointing 2007 season. Defensively, Sapp showed some improvements by cutting his passed balls in half to eight and throwing out 26 of 78 base runners (33%). Only 20, the catcher still has time to resurrect his career.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Ross Seaton | Born: September 1989 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Ross Seaton was considered the best prep pitching prospect in Texas, so it is no surprise that he was nabbed by Houston. Seaton, though, was projected to go as high as the supplemental first round of the 2008 draft. He lasted until the supplemental third round and Houston happily grabbed him and gave him an over-slot deal. Seaton had a rough, but brief, introduction to professional baseball by allowing eight hits in four innings of work, along with two walks and four strikeouts. Seaton has above-average control for his age, as well as a low-to-mid-90s fastball. He also features a slider and change-up.

The ’09 Sleeper: Koby Clemens | Born: December 1986 | Catcher

Despite posting lackluster numbers in his career, Koby Clemens has always been in the spotlight because of who his father is… or was. Recognizing that Clemens was not going to make it as a third baseman, the organization converted the hard-working youngster to a catcher and he showed some promise in 2008 – but he remains very raw. Offensively, he maintained his stats reasonably well considering he spent the year focusing on his defence. Clemens managed a line of .268/.367/.423 with an ISO of .155. He also posted rates of 13.6 BB% and 25.5 K%. Defensively, he made eight errors, committed 31 passed balls and threw out 45 of 130 base runners (35%) – while learning to play the position in-game and at the High-A ball level.

Up Next: The Tampa Bay Rays

The Graduate: Joba Chamberlain | Born: September 1985 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Perhaps you’ve heard of this graduate. Joba Chamberlain was one of the most talked about young player of 2008 despite splitting the season between the starting rotation and the bullpen. A more defined and constant role in 2009 could help him become one of the best pitchers in the American League. Overall, he allowed 87 hits in 100.1 innings with rates of 3.50 BB/9 and 10.58 K/9. Chamberlain also allowed just five homers (0.45 HR/9). His fastball averaged out at 95 mph, which he threw 65.3 percent of the time. He also utilized a slider, curveball and occasional change-up.

The Riser: Zach McAllister | Born: December 1987 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Zach McAllister rebounded from a bumpy 2007 to post excellent numbers during the 2008 season. He allowed 133 hits in 151 innings split between two A-ball affiliates. In 14 starts in the second half of the season at High-A ball, McAllister posted a 1.83 ERA with rates of 1.32 BB/9 and 6.29 K/9. He showed solid control, but his low strikeout numbers temper his ceiling a bit. As a sinker baller, though, he relies on pitching to contact. McAllister has a solid change-up but needs to improve his slider.

The Tumbler: Alan Horne | Born: January 1983 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Alan Horne’s 2008 season was ruined by injuries including a bicep strain, which caused him to miss a good chunk of the first half of the season. Horne, who was on the cusp of a Major League promotion before the injuries, will have to wait until 2009 for his debut. In 2008, during three rehab starts in High-A ball, Horne posted an ERA of 23.14. In eight Triple-A appearances, he allowed 35 hits in 32 innings of work and posted rates of 6.19 BB/9 and 6.75 K/9.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Corban Joseph | Born: October 1988 | Shortstop

Corban Joseph was nabbed in the fourth round of the 2008 draft as an offensive-minded shortstop out of a Tennessee high school. He had a solid pro debut and posted a line of .277/.358/.434 with an ISO of .157 in 159 Rookie Ball at-bats. His rates were: 11.2 BB% and 15.1 K%. Eventually, Joseph may need to move off shortstop, but he should have enough power to play third base in the Majors.

The ’09 Sleeper: Austin Romine | Born: November 1988 | Catcher

It’s easy for Austin Romine to get overlooked as he spent time in 2008 splitting the backstop position with one of the Yankees’ top hitting prospect – Jesus Montero. Romine more than held his own, though, with a line of .300/.340/.437 with a .138 ISO in 407 at-bats. He needs to be a little more patient at the plate with a BB% of 5.8, but his strikeout rate was a solid 13.8 K%. He has a much better chance of sticking behind the plate than Montero, although he allowed 18 passed balls in 54 games. He also threw out 20 of the 98 runners attempting to steal a base.

Up Next: The Houston Astros