The Graduate: Nick Blackburn | Born: February 1982 | Right-Handed Pitcher

The Twins featured a very inexperienced starting pitching staff in 2008 and Nick Blackburn was no exception. Entering the season, he had just six games of MLB experience but he provided 193.1 innings and posted an ERA of 4.05. Blackburn did not miss a lot of bats by allowing 224 hits, with a K/9 rate of 4.47, so he relied heavily on his defence. He won’t hurt himself with walks after posting a rate of 1.82 BB/9. Blackburn is not going to be a star, but he should be an innings-eater for the foreseeable future.

The Riser: Ben Revere | Born: May 1988 | Outfielder

You’d think a former first round pick (2007) would already be pretty highly though of – but most analysts felt Ben Revere was a huge overdraft. Do they still think that after his first full season in pro ball? Not so much. Revere flirted with hitting .400 for much of the minor league season. He showed a far more advanced bat than expected, and does a little bit of everything well – except hit for power (.113 ISO). He finished the season with a line of .379/.425/.497 with 44 stolen bases (13 CS) in 340 at-bats. If Revere needs to work on one thing in particular, it is his patience at the plate. More walks (7.4 BB%) could help him become an even more effective lead-off hitter.

The Tumbler: Deolis Guerra | Born: April 1989 | Right-Handed Pitcher

The crown jewel of the John Santana trade with the Mets prior to the 2008 season, Deolis Guerra took a huge step back and may have put too much pressure on himself to impress his new club. It’s also possible that he was over-matched as a 19-year-old in High-A ball, although he spent most of 2007 there as well and posted better numbers. Guerra went 11-9 in 2008 but posted a 5.47 ERA thanks in part to 138 hits and 71 walks in 130 innings. He also struck out just 71 batters. The good news is that Guerra has plenty of time to right the ship.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Tyler Ladendorf | Born: March 1988 | Shortstop

An offensive-minded shortstop, Tyler Ladendorf posted gaudy numbers in junior college and showed the ability to hit for average and power – with speed on the base paths. He found pro ball to be a little more difficult, though. In 147 Rookie League at-bats, Ladendorf hit .204/.287/.293 with one home run and six stolen bases. He posted rates of 10.4 BB% and 19.7 K%. Expect better numbers in 2009 now that he has his feet wet.

The ’09 Sleeper: Wilson Ramos | Born: August 1987 | Catcher

Wilson Ramos is finally attracting some much-deserved attention as an offensive-minded catcher. It will be interesting to see how Minnesota gets his bat into the line-up when he’s ready, given the presence of Joe Mauer. Ramos had his third straight solid offensive season and produced a line of .288/.342/.434 with 13 home runs in 452 at-bats. His ISO has averaged .146 in each of the last three seasons. With a career walk rate around 7.5%, he could stand to be a little more patient, while also trimming the strikeouts (22.8 K%). Defensively, Ramos has improved his receiving skills and features a dangerous arm behind the plate (41% CS in 2007, 43% in 2008).

Up Next: The Pittsburgh Pirates

The Graduate: Geovany Soto | Born: January 1983 | Catcher

It was pretty easy to pick the Cubs’ graduate for 2008, as Geovany Soto was the only rookie who had any significant impact on the team… with apologies to Jeff Samardzija. Soto played solid defence and provided above-average offence for his position, which likely won him the Rookie of the Year award. The stocky catcher slugged 35 doubles and 23 homers, while posting a .219 ISO. Although he struck out 121 times in 494 at-bats, he took a healthy 62 walks. The Cubs have to feel good about the future of the backstop position with Soto leading the way and some other interesting catchers filtered throughout the system… They just might want to pull back a bit on the 136 games he played behind the dish.

The Riser: Mitch Atkins | Born: October 1985 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Mitch Atkins was a quiet seventh round selection out of a North Carolina high school in 2004. But he has made steady progress over the past five seasons and spent half the 2008 season in Triple-A. Atkins caught the eyes of some fans by winning 17 games on the season but he is likely to top out as a fourth starter at the Major League level. In 164.1 combined innings this past season, he allowed 155 hits. At Triple-A, he posted rates of 3.81 BB/9 and 7.29 K/9. He features a low-90s fastball, cutter, curveball and change-up.

The Tumbler: Tyler Colvin | Born: September 1985 | Outfielder

Tyler Colvin was a gutsy selection as the 13th overall pick of the 2006 draft. There weren’t many – if any – other teams that saw him as a potential first round option. Selected one pick right after Colvin, high school outfielder Travis Snider has already made his Major League debut and impressed. Yes, Colvin is athletic, but one major flaw keeps haunting him: His walk rate. Between 2006 and 2007, he walked just 32 times in more than 750 at-bats. He did improve that rate significantly (for him) in 2008 by walking 44 times in 540 at-bats (7.5%). Unfortunately, in his second go in Double-A, Colvin’s batting average took a big hit and dipped to .256 as he struggled to identify off-speed pitches. His slugging percentage has also been on a three-year decline. After playing center field for most of his career, Colvin split 2008 between center and left field.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Andrew Cashner | Born: September 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

One of the better college relievers available in the draft, Andrew Cashner had a brutal start to his pro career. He exhibited poor command and control while walking 23 batters in 20 innings over three minor league stops. He also allowed 24 hits and struck out 19 batters. Cashner was not a first-round option before the 2008 season so he really only has one year of above-average pitching and his command was also considered spotty at best. This could end up being a selection that the Cubs will regret… but it is also a very small sample size.

The ’09 Sleeper: Steve Clevenger | Born: April 1986 | Catcher

A converted infielder, Steve Clevenger has improved steadily behind the dish for the Cubs in the past two seasons. He nabbed 20 of 63 base runners attempting to steal against him in 2008 between High-A and Double-A, and also made just four errors. Offensively, Clevenger doesn’t walk a lot, but he doesn’t strike out much either… with 2008 rates of 11.6 BB% and 13.1 K%. He won’t hit a lot of home runs (.101 ISO), but he has the potential to hit .300.

Up Next: The Minnesota Twins

The Graduate: Mike Aviles | Born: March 1981 | Shortstop

Mike Aviles is a great story. A former NCAA Division II player of the year, he signed as a college senior for $1,000. At 5’9” he has fought his way through the minor league system and posted solid numbers. Regardless, his ascent was a slow one and lasted six seasons. At the age of 27, Aviles not only made his debut in the Majors, he showed he belonged in the league. That said, there are some areas that need work if he is going to continue to succeed, such as his walk rate (4.1%). If he is going to be a utility player, Aviles is also going to need to improve defensively at second base and third base. His play at shortstop is solid.

The Riser: Alex Caldera | Born: October 1985 | Right-Handed Pitcher

A 2007 13th round selection out of California, Alex Caldera was second in the organization in strikeouts with 120 and allowed 141 hits in 149 innings pitched. He also did an excellent job of keeping the ball in the park with just six home runs allowed (0.32 HR/9). Caldera showed excellent control of his repertoire, which includes a low-90s fastball, with a walk rate of 2.17 BB/9.

The Tumbler: Jeff Bianchi | Born: October 1986 | Shortstop

Jeff Bianchi, a former second round pick out of a Pennsylvania high school, caught people’s attentions by hitting more than .400 in his first two seasons. Unfortunately he did it in only 40 games due to injuries. The last two seasons, though, Bianchi has struggled to hit for average and he has also posted low on-base numbers: 6.4 BB% in 2007, 4.8 BB% in 2008. On the plus side, his slugging percentage rose from .315 in 2007 to .442 in 2008 and his ISO improved from .068 to .187. He may need to begin 2009 back in High-A ball. At the age of 22, he has plenty of time to find his stroke.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Tim Melville | Born: October 1989 | Right-Handed Pitcher

It’s pretty impressive that the Royals were able to nab, arguably, both the best high school hitter (Eric Hosmer) and the best high school pitcher (Tim Melville) in the 2008 draft. Even more impressive is the fact that the Royals got Melville in the fourth round because everyone else thought he was unsignable and headed to college. In the last two seasons, the Royals have done exactly what a struggle organization (with not a lot of money) needs to do – which is develop within and do not cut corners on the draft. Melville has yet to pitch in pro ball, but he features a fastball that can touch the mid-90s, a knuckle-curve with plus potential, and a developing change-up.

The ’09 Sleeper: Jose Bonilla | Born: August 1988 | Catcher

We dip down all the way to Rookie Ball for the Royals’ sleeper. Jose Bonilla received a taste of North American ball in 2007 when he appeared in three games, but he did not see regular playing time until this past season and he made the most of the opportunity. Bonilla hit .357/.405/.625 in 112 at-bats. His walk rate was low (4.3 BB%) but there aren’t many young catchers that can mix hitting for average with power (.268 ISO). He is someone to keep an eye on in 2009.

Up Next: The Chicago Cubs

The Graduate: Gregor Blanco | Born: December 1983 | Outfielder

Gregor Blanco was hardly a heralded prospected coming into the 2008 season; he did not even make Baseball America’s Top 30 Braves prospect list. The Venezuelan, who signed at age 16, paid his dues in the minors and did not make his debut until this past season when he appeared in 144 games for the Braves. Blanco is going to have to use his legs more – he slugged just .309 with an ISO of .058 – if he is going to continue to play regularly. He needs to steal more than the 13 bases he swiped in 2008. One of the most promising things about Blanco is that, as a player with zero power, he understands the importance of getting on base and he walked 74 times (14.7%).

The Riser: Tyler Flowers | Born: January 1986 | Catcher

The Braves liked Tyler Flowers so much that the organization drafted him twice – in the 27th round of the 2004 draft and in the 33rd round of the 2005 draft. He finally relented and became a Brave in 2006 as a draft-and-follow. He has a ton of potential with the bat with a three-year career line of .291/.400/.488. He posted a .206 ISO in High-A ball this year and has tremendous power potential. Like Blanco, Flowers also understands the importance of getting on base and walked 98 times (19.2%) this season. Defensively, the 6’4” backstop is a good receiver but is still learning to call a game. He threw out 43 of 155 base stealers (28%).

The Tumbler: Jordan Schafer | Born: September 1986 | Outfielder

By now, we likely all know that Jordan Schafer made some bad choices and paid for it by making a late start to his 2008 season. He struggled through the rest of the season and never truly looked comfortable at the plate and was inconsistent. He hit .269/.378/.471 in 297 Double-A at-bats, but showed some power potential with an ISO of .202. Schafer is attempting to make up for lost time this winter by playing in the Mexican winter league, where he is currently hitting .343/.395/.400 in 35 at-bats.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Zeke Spruill | Born: September 1989 | Right-Handed Pitcher

There have been five players in Major League history named Zeke, and Ezekiel Spruill is looking to become the six. Drafted 70th overall in 2008, Spruill went 7-0 in his debut in the Rookie League. He pitched 40 innings and allowed 42 hits with rates of 4.00 BB/9 and 7.20 K/9. He did a nice job of keeping the ball in the park and allowed just one home run.

The ’09 Sleeper: Erik Cordier | Born: February 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Erik Cordier was one of the Royals’ brightest, young pitching prospects before being derailed by Tommy John surgery. The Royals sold low on Cordier and shipped him to the Braves for Tony Pena Jr., who became the starting shortstop for the club in 2007 but was brutal in 2008. Cordier missed all of 2007 (and 2005 due to a knee injury) but returned to the mound this season for 11 starts. He was not overly sharp, but his fastball was around 92-93 mph (He was touching 98 mph before the injury) and his secondary pitches were not sharp (He showed a plus change-up before the injury). With another year separating him from the surgery, Cordier could be poised for a breakout 2009 season.

Up Next: The Kansas City Royals

The Graduate: Chris Davis | Born: March 1986 | 1B/3B

Chris Davis‘ big 2007 certainly wasn’t a fluke. He thrived in 2008 at every level he visited and made his MLB debut at the age of 22. Between Double-A and Triple-A, Davis hit .333/.386/.643 with 23 homers and 73 RBI in just 77 games. In the Majors, the slugger hit .285/.331/.549 with 17 homers (with a .265 ISO) in 295 at-bats. The downside to Davis’ game (aside from his defence at third base), and the reason why he won’t keep hitting above .270 constantly, is his poor strikeout and walk rates. Davis walked just 6.5 percent of the time, with a strikeout rate just below 30 percent.

The Riser: Tommy Hunter | Born: July 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Who had the better breakout season, Tommy Hunter or Derek Holland? You could make a compelling case for either pitcher but Hunter had success at a higher level than Holland, so he gets the nod here. Hunter was a 2007 supplemental first round pick out of college and is seen by many as a future closer for a number of reasons, including his mound demeanor. Regardless, he spent 2008 pitching in the starting rotation and played at four levels – including a three-game stop in the Majors where he was roughed up. Hunter has a four-pitch mix, although he relied mainly on his fastball and curveball. During his minor league stint in 2008, Hunter struggled to strike out batters in Double-A and Triple-A after posting a rate of 7.71 in nine A-ball starts. His rate at Double-A was just 4.82 and it was 4.75 at Triple-A.

The Tumbler: Eric Hurley | Born: September 1985 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Eric Hurley was rated by Baseball America as the third-best prospect in the Rangers system coming into 2008, but he struggled. His struggles can be partially blamed on the shoulder inflammation that sidelined him in mid-season. In 13 Triple-A starts, the right-hander allowed 86 hits in 74.2 innings and posted rates of 3.50 BB/9, 8.68 K/9 and 1.81 HR/9. In five MLB starts, Hurley allowed 26 hits in 24.2 innings, with rates of 3.28 BB/9, 4.74 K/9 and 1.82 HR/9. He has struggled at Triple-A for two straight seasons and gives up far too many home runs. For a pitcher who averages out at 90 mph with his fastball, he’s going to have to work down in the zone more effectively.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Joe Wieland | Born: January 1990 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Despite having one of the best minor league systems entering into the 2008 season, the Rangers organization increased its embarrassment of riches with a group of 2008 prospects that had very impressive debuts. Joe Wieland, at the age of 18, posted a 1.44 ERA in Rookie Ball, while allowing 32 hits in 43.1 innings. He posted rates of 1.65 BB/9 and 8.45 K/9. Wieland also allowed just two home runs. He has a three-pitch mix with solid command and has the potential to add velocity to his fastball, which currently tops out between 91-92 mph.

The ’09 Sleeper: Taylor Teagarden | Born: December 1983 | Catcher

I have to admit that I am a Taylor Teagarden junkie. I thought he was the best college catcher in the 2005 draft – and that was before I realized he could hit a little bit too. Teagarden was an excellent defensive catcher in college – and still is, although injuries have taken a little bit of shine off those abilities. He suffered through more injuries in 2008 and struggled to hit for average in Triple-A, but thrived upon his promotion to the Majors. In 47 at-bats, Teagarden hit .319/.396/.809 with six home runs. The catcher has always struck out a ton, so his batting average is going to suffer at the Major League level but he should be able to constantly hit in the .240-.260 range with a bunch of homers and above-average defence.

Up Next: The Atlanta Braves

The Graduate: Chris Volstad | Born: September 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Chris Volstad has always had a high profile as a former first round selection (16th overall) out of high school in 2005. He posted solid – but unspectacular – minor league numbers, mainly because of a low strikeout rates due to a reliance on the groundball. As he matures as a pitcher, he may strikeout more batters. Volstad allowed 193 hits in 168 2007 minor league innings, but rebounded to allow just 76 hits in 84.1 Major League innings. At 6-8 and 225 pounds, he has the body to be a workhorse for years to come and could be a more dominating Major League pitcher, than minor league, due to improved defence behind him.

The Riser: Logan Morrison | Born: August 1987 | First Baseman

I can hear the questions already: Why didn’t you pick Michael Stanton for ‘The Riser?’ Well, Stanton had an amazing year but he also had a higher prospect profile as a former second round pick. Logan Morrison, despite a pretty solid 2007 season in A-ball, was still underestimate by many at the beginning of 2008 – but no more. The former 22nd round selection, who spent the majority of the season as a 20-year-old in High-A ball, hit .332/.402/.494 in 488 at-bats. Average-wise, Morrison had a BABIP of .291 in 2007 and .377 in 2008, so his potential is probably somewhere in the middle. He also has impressive power and posted an ISO rate of .216 in 2007 and .162 in 2008.

The Tumbler: Brett Sinkbeil | Born: December 1984 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Baseball is a funny game. Brett Sinkbeil was supposed to be the “safe college pick” to off-set a number of prep pitchers that were taken by the Marlins early on in the 2006 draft. Well, Sinkbeil spent the 2008 season scuffling in Double-A, while a number of those “risky picks” made it to Florida, including Chris Volstad and Ryan Tucker. Sinkbeil allowed 172 hits in 143.1 innings and posted rates of 3.20 BB/9 and 4.14 K/9.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Brad Hand | Born: March 1990 | Left-Handed Pitcher

While first round selection – and fellow prep pick – Kyle Skipworth struggled offensively in his debut, second rounder Brad Hand raised some eyebrows with his solid debut. He ended the season in the New York Penn League, which is mainly populated by college draft picks. Overall, Hand allowed 36 hits in 47.1 innings and posted rates of 4.00 BB/9 and 8.77 K/9. He already touches 93 mph, which is encouraging for a young lefty, and his secondary pitches show a lot of promise. Give Brad a hand (OK, I couldn’t resist).

The ’09 Sleeper: Jeff Allison | Born: November 1984 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Josh Hamilton has shown that there is a possibility for a baseball life after drugs, and Jeff Allison is hoping to tell a similar story. The former 2003 first round selection appeared in just 25 games in five seasons while battling his demons. He returned for his first full pro season at the age of 23. His stuff is nowhere as dominating as it used to be but he battled on the mound while posting a 5.22 ERA in 120.2 innings. Allison allowed 122 hits, and posted rates of 4.25 BB/9 and 5.15 K/9. He is learning how to pitch without his best stuff.

Up Next: The Texas Rangers

The Graduate: Daric Barton | Born: August 1985 | First Baseman

Daric Barton was being counted on to help carry the offence in 2008, but he regressed significantly after a promising minor league career and brief cup of coffee in the Majors in 2007. The former catcher, who was acquired in the trade with St. Louis for Mark Mulder, hit just .226/.327/.348 in 446 at-bats after posting a career minor league line of .299/.411/.455. He likely put too much pressure on himself to drive in the big runs. He should get a second chance in 2009 and is still only 23 years old.

The Riser: Vince Mazzaro | Born: September 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Vince Mazzaro made huge strides in 2008 after struggling in both 2006 and 2007. He began the year in Double-A, where he was dominating. Mazzaro posted an ERA of 1.90 and allowed just 115 hits 137.1 innings. He posted rates of 2.36 BB/9 and 6.82 K/9 with his repertoire of a low-90s fastball, plus change-up and developing curveball. He was roughed up a bit during a late-season promotion to Triple-A and allowed 49 hits in 33.2 innings of work. On the plus side, Mazzaro’s other rates held and his BABIP was .404.

The Tumbler: Henry Rodriguez | Born: February 1987 | Right-Handed Pitcher

The hard-throwing Venezuelan took a big step backward last season after getting pounded in Double-A, in part due to inconsistent command and in part due to the lack of a reliable breaking ball. Henry Rodriguez can throw 92-96 mph and even touch 100 mph, but better hitters can sit on the pitch. He second best pitch is a change-up. He has a ways to go to harness his stuff after posting a rate of 9.66 BB/9 in 41 Double-A innings.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Rashun Dixon | Born: August 1990 | Outfielder

Rashun Dixon is not a typical A’s draft pick. The athletic, but raw, outfielder was considered the best hitting prospect in Mississippi and had committed to play football in college. He has the potential to be a 30-30 player if he can harness his abilities. He struck out far too much in his debut in rookie ball (38 K%) but he slugged 10 triples and posted an ISO of .263. Patience is required, as Dixon should move slowly through the minor league system.

The ’09 Sleeper: Andrew Carignan | Born: July 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

A 2007 fifth round pick, Andrew Carignan has done nothing but post solid numbers in his pro career. The late-game reliever spent most of 2008 in Double-A, in his first full pro season. Carignan allowed just 36 hits in 52.2 Double-A innings but walked too many (6.66 BB/9), while striking out a ton (11.45 K/9). Once he develops better command, Carignan could challenge for a set-up role in Oakland.

Up Next: The Florida Marlins

The Graduate: John Lannan | Born: September 1984 | Left-Handed Pitcher

A 2005 11th round pick, John Lannan has made the Nationals’ scouting department look good. He is not a long-term No. 1 or 2 starter, but Lannan should be a reliable innings-eater. He allowed fewer hits than innings pitched in 2008, but did not strike out a ton of batters (5.79) and walked a few too many (3.56 BB/9), so there is room for improvement. He does a nice job of keeping the ball on the ground (53.6%) but allows his fair share of gopher balls (1.14 HR/9).

The Riser: Jordan Zimmermann | Born: May 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

A second rounder from the 2007 draft, Jordan Zimmermann has posted solid numbers in the minors and reached Double-A in his first full pro season. In Double-A, he posted rates of 7.51 H/9, 3.29 BB/9, and 8.69 K/9. Zimmermann could see Washington in 2009. His repertoire includes a low-90s fastball, curveball and developing change-up.

The Tumbler: Ross Detwiler | Born: March 1986 | Left-Handed Pitcher

After ending 2007 with a brief taste of the Major Leagues, Ross Detwiler struggled at High-A ball in 2008. The former No. 1 pick had difficulty missing bats (10.16 H/9) and walked too many batters as well (4.14 BB/9). He did a nice job of keeping the ball in the park, though, with a homer rate of 0.58 HR/9. He may begin 2009 back in the Florida State League.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Adrian Nieto | Born: November 1989 | Catcher

The Nationals may have lost out on first round pick Aaron Crow in 2008, but it allowed them to sign a couple of prep sleepers away from college commitments, including Adrian Nieto and J.P. Ramirez. Nieto has been a long-time teammate of Royals’ 2008 first round pick Eric Hosmer. The young catcher appeared in only eight Rookie League games after signing but held his own and should return to short season ball in 2009 to continue to work on his defence.

The ’09 Sleeper: Derek Norris | Born: February 1989 | Catcher

The Nationals organization certainly has some interesting catchers in the low minors and 19-year-old Derek Norris is one of them. In his second pro season, Norris posted a line of .279/.434/.463 in 227 at-bats against a league consisting mainly of 21 and 22-year-old college players. He posted rates of 21.7 BB% and 24.7% with an ISO of .185. He’ll get his first taste of full-season ball in 2009.

Up Next: The Oakland Athletics

The Graduate: Jeff Clement | Born: August 1983 | Catcher

Isn’t it nice that Seattle did not trade away all of its prospects… just most of them. Oddly though, with Jeff Clement on the horizon, current Seattle backstop Kenji Johjima was re-signed for another three seasons through 2011, which clouds the future for Clement behind the plate. Regardless, Seattle should find at-bats for Clement elsewhere, whether it be at first base or designated hitter. He’s going to be an excellent hitter but the time away from catching could hurt his growth as a defender. Clement still has work to do offensively, as well, as he struck out far more than he did as a minor leaguer (30% in the Majors compared to about 18% in the minors). His ISO also dropped to .133 after being above .200 for his minor league career.

The Riser: Greg Halman | Born: August 1987 | Outfielder

Greg Halman has always oozed tools, but he’s a free swinger who has struggled with breaking balls. The native of the Netherlands still struck out too much in 2008 (29 K% – although it’s a huge improvement over 2007 at 38%) – and probably won’t hit for a high average in the Majors – but he showed 30-30 potential by slugging 29 homers and stealing 31 bases split between A-ball and Double-A. Halman also needs to improve his walk rate a bit as it is currently at 6.2%. The fact that his numbers did not drop off after a promotion to Double-A, speaks well for his future.

The Tumbler: Matt Mangini | Born: November 1985 | Third Baseman

The knock on Matt Mangini coming out of college was that he did not possess prototypical power for a third baseman. However, he was supposed to have been able to hit for average. Well, that hasn’t happened. The former supplemental first round draft pick hit .252 in his debut in 2007 but struggled in 2008 by hitting .265/.376/.431 at High-A ball (in the hitter’s paradise known as High Desert) and .202/.247/.248 upon a promotion to Double-A.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Dennis Raben | Born: July 1987 | Outfielder

The Mariners’ 2008 draft was not pretty – especially when you consider first round pick Joshua Fields (a college reliever) is still not under contract. Second round draft pick Dennis Raben did not set the world on fire but he hit a respectable .275/.400/.560 in 91 short season at-bats. He did show some nice patients by posting a rate of 17.4 BB%. Given the Mariners love of rushing players, Raben should begin 2009 in High-A ball.

The ’09 Sleeper: Tug Hulett | Born: February 1983 | Infielder

Tug Hulett, who was obtained from the Rangers last winter, will not be a superstar, but he has the potential to be an excellent bench player or platoon partner. He can play a number of positions and offers a great batting eye at the plate. Hulett has also shown more power at the plate in the last two seasons and posted an ISO of .220 in Triple-A this season. He could be in line to replace Willie Bloomquist, after appearing in 30 big league games in 2008.

Up Next: The Washington Nationals

The Graduate: J.A. Happ | Born: October 1982 | Left-Handed Pitcher

Oddly enough, the Phillies did not employee any rookie long enough in 2008 to expire his rookie status, but instead of leaving this space blank I thought we could take a quick look at J.A. Happ who could be in line for more playing time in 2009. Happ was valuable in his brief time in Philly because of his versatility, as he made four relief appearances and four starts. His stuff is nothing special (although the fastball is hard to pick up and has good movement) and he allowed a few too many walks (3.98 BB/9), but he limited the hits (7.96 H/9) and struck out his fair share of batters (7.69 K/9)

The Riser: Michael Taylor | Born: December 1985 | Outfielder

You could make the argument for a few names in this spot, which is great news for the organization, but I went with Michael Taylor because he made a bigger jump from where he was in 2007. The hulking outfielder (6-6, 260 pounds) was not even considered to be among the organization’s top prospects entering into 2008, after being drafted out of Stanford in the fifth round of the 2007 amateur draft. He split the season between both A-ball affiliates and hit .361/.441/.554 with a .193 ISO in Lakewood and .329/.380/.560 with a .230 ISO in Clearwater.

The Tumbler: Joe Savery | Born: November 1985 | Left-Handed Pitcher

Joe Savery all but disappeared while pitching in High-A ball in 2008. He was drafted 17th overall out of Rice University in the 2007 draft – and would have been taken higher if not for his history of injuries. Savery’s stuff was not at all like it used to be, especially with his fastball missing oomph. He allowed rates of 10.24 H/9, 3.59 BB/9 and 7.30 K/9. The 2009 season will be huge for Savery, who needs to get back on track to realize his former potential.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Jason Knapp | Born: August 1990 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Jason Knapp was drafted in the second round of the 2008 draft out of a New Jersey high school and immediately made himself known in Rookie ball. Knapp posted a 2.61 ERA in seven appearances and allowed just 26 hits in 31 innings. He also posted rates of 3.48 BB/9 and 11.03 K/9.

The ’09 Sleeper: Drew Naylor | Born: May 1986 | Right-Handed Pitcher

Drew Naylor, an Australian, had a nice first full season in professional baseball, after spending the previous two years in short-season ball. He allowed 69 hits as well as rates of 2.16 BB/9 and 10.00 K/9 in 87.1 A-ball innings, before moving up to High-A where he allowed 86 hits and rates of 3.58 BB/9 and 6.81 K/9 in 78 innings. Naylor must continue to improve his secondary pitches – a curveball and change-up – which complement his low-90s fastball.

Up Next: The Seattle Mariners