Trade Deadline Prospects Ranked, Part 3
At the expiration of the Major League Baseball trading deadline, 35 prospects had changed hands (beginning July 19 with Milwaukee’s acquisition of Felipe Lopez). Over the next week, FanGraphs will take a look at each prospect, while also ranking them individually in value from 35 down to one. Players such as Justin Masterson, Clayton Richard, Kevin Hart, and Jeff Clement were not considered in this list because they have expired their rookie eligibility. However, they can still technically be considered “prospects” because they are young and have yet to establish themselves at the MLB level.
On Monday, we looked at the players ranked 35-29. On Tuesday, we looked at the prospects ranked 28-22.
From Boston to Pittsburgh
A slick fielder, Diaz does not currently project to hit enough to play every day in the Majors. Prior to the trade, the 22-year-old shortstop was hitting .253/.309/.310 in 277 double-A at-bats. The Pirates organization immediately promoted him to triple-A after the trade but he’s hitting below .200 in his first 10 games. With Brian Friday and Jordy Mercer looking like MLB utility players, the Pirates have no clear cut future regular at shortstop.
From Philadelphia to Cleveland
Donald, 24, has followed up his offensive-breakout campaign in 2008 with an injury-filled ’09 season. An average fielder at shortstop, Donald will likely have to move to second base in the Majors, although the hot corner is an option if he develops more power (which is not expected to happen). He hasn’t looked overly sharp since coming back from his injury.
From Seattle to Pittsburgh
Pribanic was the Mariners’ 2008 third-round draft pick. The right-hander does not strike out many batters (5.59 K/9 in ’09) but he induces a ton of ground balls (63.5 GB%). He’s also allowed just one home run this season. Pribanic has good bloodlines as his grandfather Jim Coates was an MLB all-star who played parts of nine seasons in the Majors. Pribanic works in the low 90s with his fastball and also has a curveball, slider and splitter.
From Chicago AL to San Diego
Despite leading the league in strikeouts (143 in 118 IP), Carter was left in low-A for the entire season to work on his secondary pitches. The 22-year-old was a 13th-round pick in the 2008 amateur draft by the White Sox. With a good fastball and a 6’6” 195 lbs frame, Carter could develop into a dominating closer if his breaking ball and changeup do not show enough improvements. His numbers are impressive in ’09 but he’s old for the league.
From Detroit to Seattle
The key to the Jarrod Washburn trade, Robles had been flying under the radar in a weak Detroit system. The 20-year-old southpaw will face a stiff challenge in High Desert, which is a great hitter’s park. In Detroit’s system prior to the trade, Robles allowed 79 hits in 91.1 innings, along with 111 Ks and 41 walks. Control is an issue for the left-hander, who could also stand to work down in the zone more consistently. His fastball can touch 94 mph when he’s on. Robles also flashes a curveball and a changeup.
From Colorado to Cleveland
Graham, 23, is a hard-throwing, right-handed pitcher who is probably better suited for set-up or closer chores than he is for starting. He has a good slider and a fastball that can touch 95 mph. Prior to the trade, the 6’6” former fifth-round draft pick allowed 68 hits in 80.1 innings of work, along with 41 walks and 87 Ks. The 4.59 BB/9 rate is worrisome but Cleveland immediately promoted Graham to double-A after the trade.
From St. Louis to Oakland
A 2008 second-round pick out of Long Beach State, Peterson has shown the ability to hit .280-.300 but he lacks the power for a corner outfield spot and the range to play center field on a regular basis. The left-handed hitter also has not walked much in 2009. Peterson has the ability to steal 10-15 bases a season, while hitting 10-12 homers. He could develop into a solid regular, but he’ll likely never be a star.
Check back Thursday for prospects 14 to eight.