Archive for John Ely

General Manager: Ned Colletti
Farm Director: De Jon Watson
Scouting Director: Logan White

FanGraphs’ Top 10 Prospects:
(2009 Draft Picks/International Signees Not Included)

1. Devaris Gordon, SS, Low-A
DOB: April 1988 Bats: L Throws: R
Signed: 2008 4th round – Seminole Community College
MLB ETA: Mid-2012 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3

The son of long-time closer Tom ‘Flash’ Gordon, Dee is a speedy middle infielder with game-changing speed. The left-handed hitter stole 73 bases in 98 attempts this past season in low-A ball. He also showed some offensive potential with a line of .301/.362/.394 in 538 at-bats. Obviously the power is not there for him right now (.093 ISO) but he’s a valuable player even if he hits five homers in a season at the MLB level. His speed will help him turn a lot of singles into doubles and triples by moving up via the steal. His walk rate is OK for a top-of-the-order hitter, but it would be nice to see him break the 10% mark. The strikeout rate is acceptable at 16.7%. Gordon should be good enough at shortstop to remain there for the foreseeable future.

2. Ethan Martin, RHP, Low-A
DOB: June 1989 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2008 1st round – Georgia HS
MLB ETA: Late-2012 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3
Repertoire: 89-94 mph fastball, plus curveball, change-up

Martin’s first pro season was a success despite a rather high walk rate of 5.49 BB/9 in low-A. His walk rate was just 3.35 BB/9 while pitching with the lead so it may be a mental issue that he needs to overcome; his stuff is good enough that he doesn’t need to nibble in tight situations. The 20 year old posted a 3.45 FIP while allowing just 85 hits in 100.0 innings. The right-hander also tossed up a strikeout rate of 10.80 K/9. He also allowed just four homers (0.36 HR/9) despite a scary ground-ball rate just shy of 40%. Martin may not get away with so many fly balls at higher levels so he has some adjustments to make. Even so, he’s an exciting arm to watch in 2010.

3. Andrew Lambo, OF, Double-A
DOB: August 1988 Bats: L Throws: L
Signed: 2007 4th round – California HS
MLB ETA: Late-2010 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3

After tearing the minor leagues apart for much of the first two years of his career, Lambo hit a rough patch in double-A in ’09. He hit .256/.311/.407 in 492 at-bats, while playing much of the season as a 20 year old. The corner outfielder was not completely overpowered, though, and he posted a strikeout rate of just 19.3%, and his walk rate was a modest 7.2%. He possesses more raw power than what we witnessed by his .150 ISO last season (The 39 doubles are a good indication of that). Despite swinging from the left side, he showed better results against southpaws: .785 vs .690 OPS. Once he matures as a hitter, Lambo should be an offensive threat. Defensively, he’s an average-at-best fielder who may move permanently to first base.

4. Josh Lindblom, RHP, Triple-A
DOB: June 1987 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2008 2nd round – Purdue University
MLB ETA: Mid-2010 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3
Repertoire: 89-94 mph fastball, curveball, splitter, change-up

With good, but not great, results in the starting rotation, Lindblom was shifted to a relief role upon his promotion to triple-A in ’09. He started off the season in double-A where he allowed 55 hits in 57.1 innings of work. His strikeout rate was a respectable 7.22 K/9 and his FIP was 3.50 (4.71 ERA). In triple-A, he allowed 34 hits in 39.0 innings and his strikeout rate rose to 8.31 K/9. His walk rate was solid all year long at 2.20 in double-A and 2.77 in triple-A. The right-hander’s ground-ball rate was average. Lindblom projects to be more of a set-up man as opposed to a game-changing closer. He deserves another shot in the rotation.

5. Scott Elbert, LHP, Majors
DOB: August 1985 Bats: L Throws: L
Signed: 2004 1st round – Missouri HS
MLB ETA: Now 40-Man Roster: Yes Options: 2
Repertoire: 89-94 mph fastball, plus curveball, change-up

It seems like Elbert has been around forever, thanks to a long list of injuries and control issues. The southpaw, now 24, has spent parts of the past two seasons in the Majors and now appears poised to spend the bulk of the season in the Dodgers’ big-league bullpen. Elbert has a slightly-above-average fastball for a lefty and he pairs that with a solid breaking ball, which is death against left-handed batters (.162 batting average in the minors in ’09). He needs to cut down on his home-runs-allowed in the Majors (six in 25.2 innings) if he’s going to have success. Elbert is at worst a LOOGY, and at best a set-up man, but that’s a pretty steep drop from the potential he had coming out of high school.

6. Chris Withrow, RHP, Double-A
DOB: April 1989 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2007 1st round – Texas HS
MLB ETA: Mid-2011 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3
Repertoire: 88-92 mph fastball, curveball, change-up

Just 20, Withrow reached double-A in ’09 and should return there at least for the first half of 2010. The right-hander began the year in high-A where he made 19 appearances while posting a 2.96 FIP. He allowed 80 hits in 86.1 innings and showed rocky control with a walk rate of 4.69 BB/9. His strikeout rate, though, was good at 10.95 K/9 and he allowed just three homers despite a ground-ball rate below 40%. In double-A, Withrow’s walk rate improved to 3.95 BB/9 but his strikeout rate dropped to 8.56 K/9 and his ground-ball rate remained below 40%. His stuff isn’t electric and he projects as more of a No. 3 starter.

7. John Ely, RHP, Double-A
DOB: May 1986 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2007 3rd round – Miami University
MLB ETA: Mid-2010 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3
Repertoire: 88-92 mph fastball, plus change-up, curveball

Despite jumping from high-A to double-A between ’08 and ’09, Ely showed improvements in a number of categories. The right-hander saw his batting-average-allowed drop from .257 to .241, his FIP went from 4.02 to 3.33 and his home-run rate slipped from 1.11 to 0.52 HR/9. Ely’s walk rate of 2.88 BB/9 was almost identical to his ’08 number, but his strikeout rate worsened from 8.30 to 7.20 K/9. The knock on Ely has been his lack of a consistent knock-out pitch. Despite his average stuff, the former Sox prospect could succeed at the Majors thanks to his good command and solid ground-ball rates (+50%).

8. Trayvon Robinson, OF, Double-A
DOB: September 1987 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2005 10th round – California HS
MLB ETA: Mid-2011 40-Man Roster: Yes Options: 3

Signed as a raw prep athlete, Robinson took a big step forward in his development this past season. The outfielder repeated high-A ball but he hit a solid .306/.375/.500, thanks in part to a .391 BABIP. Although his strikeout rate remains high, he significantly improved his power output with his ISO going from .109 in ’08 to .194 in ’09. His walk rate just shy of 10%, which helped him get on base more often and he stole 43 bases in 61 tries (both career highs). Robinson received a 19-game taste of double-A and should return there in 2010. If his power spike is for real, he could develop into a 20-30 player at the MLB level.

9. Allen (Carl) Webster, RHP, Rookie
DOB: February 1989 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2008 18th round – North Carolina HS
MLB ETA: Mid-2013 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3
Repertoire: 89-94 mph fastball, curveball, change-up

In just his second year removed from high school, Webster showed that he was a man amongst boys in rookie ball. The right-hander posted a FIP below 2.30 and he struck out more than 10 batters per nine innings. His walk rate was also good for his age at less than 2.50 BB/9. He did a nice job of keeping the ball in the park by allowing just one homer in 68.2 innings of work, despite an average ground-ball rate. Webster clearly got tired at the end of the season by allowing a batting average of .353 and a strikeout rate of just 5.25 K/9 in his last few starts. He’ll have to learn to pace himself even more in full-season ball in 2010.

10. Ivan DeJesus Jr., SS, Disable List
DOB: May 1987 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2005 2nd round – Puerto Rico HS
MLB ETA: Late-2010 40-Man Roster: Yes Options: 3

There isn’t too much to say about DeJesus Jr’s ’09 season as it lasted just four games, thanks to a broken leg. Playing at double-A in ’08, he showed a good stick with a line of .324/.419/.423 in 463 at-bats. He has a good eye and walked 13.6% of the time. He also stole 16 bases in 18 tries but it remains to be seen how, if at all, the injury will affect his running. DeJesus owns a slick glove and should be the club’s shortstop of the future, unless Gordon has something to say about it.

Up Next: The Oakland Athletics

General Manager: Kenny Williams
Farm Director: Buddy Bell
Scouting Director: Doug Laumann

FanGraphs’ Top 10 Prospects:
(2009 Draft Picks/International Signees Not Included)

The organization has some interesting names in the Top 10 but there are few “sure bets” and the depth in the system is seriously lacking. The club is going to have to replenish significantly before it can start shedding prospects in trades, once again. The ’09 draft did an OK, but not great, job of bringing in some fresh blood.

1. Tyler Flowers, C, Triple-A
DOB: January 1986 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2005 33rd round – Chipola JC (Atlanta Braves)
MLB ETA: Mid-2010 40-Man Roster: Yes Options: 2

Flowers should be ready to take over the full-time catching chores right around the time that veteran incumbent A.J. Pierzynski’s contract runs out after 2010. The right-handed catching prospect has impressive power (.246 ISO in double-A) and he hasn’t hit below .279 in any season since 2006. Flowers began the year in double-A in ’09 and hit .302/.445/.548 in 248 at-bats, before moving up to triple-A where he hit .286/.364/.438 in 105 at-bats. He finished up his fine season with three hits in 16 big-league at-bats. The 23-year-old Flowers does have some warts, including a high strikeout rate, as well as below-average defense. He threw out 34% of base stealers in double-A, but that number slipped to 18% in triple-A. His overall offensive potential – especially the power – should off-set any negatives. Flowers creamed left-handed pitching in the minors in ’09 with a 1.119 OPS.

2. Daniel Hudson, RHP, Majors
DOB: March 1987 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2008 5th round – Old Dominion University
MLB ETA: Early-2010 40-Man Roster: Yes Options: 3
Repertoire: 88-92 mph fastball, slider, change-up

Hudson took one of the biggest steps forward of any prospect in the minors in ’09 and spent time at five different levels. He even spent some time in Chicago at the end of the year, but allowed 16 hits in 18.2 innings. Hudson also struggled with the long ball and gave up three homers (1.45 HR/9). He had issues with allowing too many fly balls in double-A, triple-A and the Majors (29.8 GB%), but he may have been tired, which could have led to elevated pitches. Overall, he allowed 108 hits in 151.7 minor-league innings and posted a strikeout rate of 9.91 K/9. He also showed solid control with a walk rate of 2.02. Hudson, a right-hander, fared well against southpaws, with an average-allowed of just .160 compared to righties at .237. He has a chance to spend all of 2010 in the White Sox rotation despite beginning ’09 in low-A ball.

3. Jordan Danks, OF, Double-A
DOB: August 1986 Bats: L Throws: R
Signed: 2008 7th round – University of Texas
MLB ETA: Late-2010 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3

The brother of White Sox starter John Danks, this athletic outfielder has never been able to live up to the promise he showed at Texas (He would have been a first rounder as a prep grad, but he asked teams not to draft him because he wanted to go to college). Even so, Danks still has potential thanks to good defense and raw power potential that he has yet to tap into. The outfielder started off ’09 quite well with a line of .322/.409/.525 in 118 at-bats. He was helped significantly, though, by a .422 BABIP. Moved up to double-A, Danks struggled and hit just .243/.337/.356 in 284 at-bats (.307 BABIP). For a guy who posted a .113 ISO in double-A, the left-handed hitter struck out too much: 25.7%. On the plus side, he’s fared OK against southpaws to this point in his pro career (.737 OPS in ’09).

4. Brent Morel, 3B, High-A
DOB: April 1987 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2008 3rd round – Cal Poly
MLB ETA: Mid-2011 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3

The organization has some depth at third base, what with Dayan Viciedo, C.J. Retherford, and Morel all able to play the position to varying degrees. Morel had a solid offensive season in high-A in ’09 and hit .281/.335/.453 with a .173 ISO in 481 at-bats. His power has increased each season he’s played professionally, but his OPS has diminished each season during that time frame. Although he’s not a speed burner, Morel added 25 steals in ’09 but was caught nine times. In his previous two seasons, Morel was 12 for 14, combined. The third base prospect does not strike out much (just 13.7% in ’09) but he also does not walk a ton (7.3%). If his power can continue to develop without sacrificing too much in his other categories, Morel could be the future at the hot corner.

5. Dayan Viciedo, 3B, Double-A
DOB: March 1989 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2008 non-drafted international free agent (Cuba)
MLB ETA: Late-2010 40-Man Roster: Yes Options: 2

It was an up-and-down first season in pro ball for the 20(?)-year-old Cuban defectee. Viciedo did not display anywhere near his reported power potential (.111 ISO) and he was badly out of shape. He also posted a walk rate of just 4.4%. To give him credit, he did keep his strikeout rate below 20% at 17.7%. Viciedo should probably really head back to double-A in 2010 to work on discovering his power and showing more patience (not mention better conditioning). His .296 OPS against right-handed pitching is not good, and the portly Viciedo should try and get a few more balls in the air (55.2 GB%). The Sox reportedly still consider him the third-baseman-of-the-future, but the ’09 season was certainly a step back in that regard. If he is just 20 years old, though, Viciedo has time on his side.

6. C.J. Retherford, 3B/2B, Double-A
DOB: August 1985 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2007 non-drafted free agent – Arizona State University
MLB ETA: Mid-2010 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3

With Dayan Viciedo and Brent Morel around him, Retherford was shifted to second base in ’09, after spending the previous two seasons at the hot corner. An un-drafted collegian, the 24-year-old prospect has battled his way up the organizational ladder by hitting more than .295 each season. If he can stick at second base, then his power potential increases from average-to-below-average at third to above-average at second base. Although he hit just 10 homers at double-A, Retherford did manage 46 doubles (.176 ISO). His overall line was .297/.340/.473, which was hurt to a degree by his 5.9% walk rate. He did keep the strikeout rate down, as well, at 14.6%. Worst-case scenario, Retherford should have a nice career as a bench/utility player.

7. Clevelan Santeliz, RHP, Double-A
DOB: September 1986 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2004 non-drafted international free agent (Venezuela)
MLB ETA: Late-2010 40-Man Roster: Yes Options: 2
Repertoire: 89-95 mph fastball, slider, change-up

His control may not have been much better in ’09 (5.59 BB/9) but something clicked for Santeliz, who saw his FIP drop from around 5.50 in ’08 to 3.73. With his control issues, the right-hander is going to struggle in the Majors, but the club will look for another step forward in 2010. He did keep his hits down to just 43 in 56.1 innings and his strikeout rate was 8.31 K/9. Despite modest ground-ball rates (41%), Santeliz allowed just two homers all season. Right-handed batters hit .207 against him, and his walk rate was just 3.93. Obviously, the problem is with left-handers who posted a 7.20 BB/9 rate against him, and also had a .256 average. He has closer stuff at times, but control and consistency continues to elude him.

8. John Ely, RHP, Double-A
DOB: May 1986 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2007 3rd round – University of Miami (Ohio)
MLB ETA: Late-2010 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3
Repertoire: 88-92 mph fastball, curveball, plus change-up

The opposite of Santeliz, Ely is a pitcher who utilizes solid command/control to help compensate for a below-average heater. The right-hander has the potential to be a solid back-of-the-rotation starter, although he’d be better off starting in the National League. In the AL, his future may be in the bullpen. Ely’s win-loss record was impressive in ’09 at 14-2, but we know that says little-to-nothing about his value as a prospect. He did keep the hits down with 140 allowed in 156.1 innings, but his BABIP of .293 certainly helped. Ely’s walk rate hit a career high in ’09 at double-A but it was just 2.88 BB/9. Unfortunately, his strikeout rate has diminished with each promotion in the minors and hit a career-low 7.20 K/9 this past season. After having some homer problems in ’08 (1.11 HR/9), he solved those in ’09 (0.52 HR/9) thanks to a +50% ground-ball rate. Ely struggled against left-handed hitters by posting a walk rate of 4.52 BB/9 and a .277 average (.341 BABIP). His average-allowed against right-handed batters was .215 (.257 BABIP) and his walk rate was just 1.55 BB/9.

9. Gregory Infante, RHP, High-A
DOB: July 1987 Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: 2006 non-drafted international free agent (Venezuela)
MLB ETA: Mid-2011 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3
Repertoire: 89-95 mph fastball, curveball, change-up

The White Sox organization loves hard-throwers and Infante is another one, although he’s still quite a ways from the Majors, having appeared in just six games above low-A. The right-hander began the year in low-A and allowed 76 hits in 88.1 innings, while posting a strikeout rate of 7.64 K/9. He did a respectable job of keeping the ball in the park at 0.41 HR/9 thanks to an OK ground-ball rate of 45.6%. The prospect did also receive a taste of high-A ball in ’09 and he should head back there in 2010. Like some of the pitchers above him on the list, Infante also struggled against left-handed batters. On the plus side, he has better control (although it’s inconsistent) than some of the other big arms in the system. A starter for now, his future probably lies in the back-end of the bullpen.

10. Santos Rodriguez, LHP, Low-A
DOB: January 1988 Bats: L Throws: L
Signed: 2006 non-drafted international free agent (Dominican Republic)
MLB ETA: Late-2011 40-Man Roster: No Options: 3
Repertoire: 90-95 mph fastball, slider, change-up

Obtained from Atlanta in the Javier Vazquez trade despite pitching in rookie ball, Rodriguez has impressed the organization with his strong arm from the left side. Unfortunately, his walk rate of 5.67 BB/9 in rookie ball was not something to write home about in ’09. Hitters did struggle to make contact against him with a strikeout rate of 14.00 K/9 and just 18 hits in 27.0 innings of work. Rodriguez also did not allow a home run, despite allowing his fair share of fly balls (something he’ll need to trim down as he climbs the ladder). His line-drive rate of 7.5% was quite impressive. The southpaw handled right-handed batters well in ’09, with a .174 batting-average-allowed. If he can trim his walk rates, Rodriguez has a future as a late-game reliever.

A special thanks to www.Southsidesox.com for their input.

Up Next: The Cincinnati Reds

This week we’re taking a look at some of the leader boards in double-A and high-A ball. Today, we’ll take a look at the leaders in Strikeouts Per 9 Innings (K/9) and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) among the three double-A leagues: the Eastern League, the Southern League and the Texas League. Unlike the hitters that we took a look at yesterday, the pitching leader boards are littered with legitimate prospects.

10.33- Marc Rzepczynski | LHP | Toronto

If you scan down this leader board, you’ll see that Rzepczynski’s K/9 rate is far and above tops in all of double-A, so it’s easy to understand why the southpaw is currently pitching (well) in Toronto. Along with his ability to miss bats, Rzepczynski is a ground-ball machine with his career ground-ball rate of 64.4%. If he improve his command a bit, watch out.

8.80- Ryan Mullins | LHP | Minnesota

Mullins was left unprotected in last year’s Rule 5 draft and I advocated for a team to take a flyer on the hurler as a potential LOOGY. He passed through the draft untouched, though, and is having another typical Mullins’ season (lots of hits, few walks, good K rate)… save for one key thing. Left-handed batters are creaming the southpaw this season to the tune of a .359 batting average.

8.12- Junichi Tazawa | RHP | Boston

For some reason, we just don’t hear a lot about Tazawa when people are rhyming off Boston’s pitching prospects. The right-hander is very quietly having an impressive first year in North America at the double-A level. The 23-year-old Japanese hurler doesn’t have one dominating pitch, but he has command of four average-to-above-average pitches.

2.64- Marc Rzepczynski | LHP | Toronto

See above.

3.07- Zach McAllister | RHP | New York AL

Like Tazawa above, McAllister is a pitching prospect that does not get a ton of press because nothing about him really jumps off the page. If you look at his statistics and scouting report as a whole, though, you can see that he has the makings of a No. 3 starter, who can provide innings while not hurting himself with too many walks or hits allowed.

3.10- Jeanmar Gomez | RHP | Cleveland

Gomez is one of the fastest rising pitching prospects in baseball, which is good news for Cleveland, an organization that has a reputation for producing pitching prospects with good pitchability but below-average stuff (Jeremy Sowers, David Huff, etc.). Gomez knows how to pitch and he has the repertoire to vault himself into elite prospect status; He should be a solid No. 2 or 3 big-league starter.

3.24- Reidier Gonzalez | RHP | Toronto

Since we’ve already touched on Rzepczynski and his fine minor league numbers, we’ll take a look at his teammate Gonzalez, who is another ground-ball machine but from the right side. Even though he can dial the fastball up to 94 mph on occasion, the Cuba native does not strike out a ton of batters (6.43 K/9). He does, though, have good control and has allowed just four homers this season and 16 in the past four years. The 24-year-old is just 5’9” so his future is probably in the bullpen, although his frame has been durable so far.

8.44- Jay Jackson | RHP | Chicago NL

A two-way player at Furman University, Jackson has really blossomed as a pitcher now that he’s devoted his full-time energies to the role. He’s allowed just 68 hits in 80 innings, while also showing respectable control (3.94 BB/9) and good strikeout numbers, given his experience level.

7.95- Travis Chick | RHP | Los Angeles NL

Chick has bounced around a few organizations, but he’s still just 25 years old, so there is some potential in the right-hander – most likely as a reliever. The former Marlins’ draft pick has been stuck in double-A for four straight seasons but he’s had a few trips up to triple-A, and a brief taste of Major League life (three games with Seattle in 2006).

7.79- Travis Wood | LHP | Cincinnai

The Little Rock, Arkansas native has had a very up-and-down career since being taken out of high school in the second round of the 2005 amateur draft. The southpaw posted a 7.09 ERA in 17 double-A starts last season, but Wood appears to have mastered the league this year with solid strikeout rate, good control and a 1.21 ERA (2.75 FIP).

2.75- Travis Wood | LHP | Cincinnai

See above.

3.28- Justin Souza | RHP | Seattle

Souza was recently traded from Seattle to Oakland for part-time big leaguer Jack Hannahan. The 23-year-old had solid numbers for the Seattle organization but he’s been hit hard in two starts for Oakland’s double-A affiliate. He has the upside of a strike-throwing middle reliever.

3.38- Scott Diamond | LHP | Atlanta

Diamond, a Canadian, has produced two straight good seasons, which is impressive considering the fact that Atlanta signed him as a non-drafted amateur in 2007. His fastball is nothing special, but he knows how to pitch and he has good control. Diamond needs to sharpen his command a bit so he doesn’t leave quite so many pitches over the heart of the plate. He also needs to get right-handers out a little more consistently (.324 average).

3.52- John Ely | RHP | Chicago AL

Ely has had a very consistent, albeit not-so-flashy, season. The right-hander has average stuff so he allows a fair number of hits, but he limits the walks and does a good job of keeping the ball in the park. Ely is also durable, which could make him a solid No. 3 or 4 starter in the Majors.

8.16- Kasey Kiker | LHP | Texas

As you probably know by now, the Texas organization is blessed with pitching prospects and Kiker has advanced through the system extremely quickly. The 21-year-old southpaw has been effective against both left-handed (.192) and right-handed (.229) hitters. One knock on him, though, (aside from his 5’10” frame) is that he’s an extreme fly-ball pitcher, which could hurt him at The Ballpark in Arlington.

7.92- Esmil Rogers | RHP | Colorado

Rogers has really emerged this season. The right-hander has improved his walk rate each of the past three seasons to a stellar 1.81 BB/9 in double-A this year. He’s also seen his strikeout rate rise each of the past four seasons to 7.92 K/9 in 2009. Rogers was recently promoted to triple-A.

7.81- Samuel Deduno | RHP | Colorado

Colorado has become a pitching development machine with the likes of Ubaldo Jimenez, Franklin Morales, Rogers, Jhoulys Chacin, and Christian Friedrich, just to name a few. If Deduno can finally cash in on his potential, then the organization’s depth begins to shift from rich to ridiculous. After sitting out all of 2008 with an injury, Deduno, 25, has returned with a new focus, as well as improved control and a better understanding of pitching. He’s missed a lot of bats this season with just 56 hits allowed in 78.1 innings of work, which is impressive considering the league and his lengthy layoff.

2.51- Esmil Rogers | RHP | Colorado
See above.

3.42- Polin Trinidad | LHP | Houston

Houston’s minor league system is far from bursting with prospects, so the emergence of Trinidad over the past two seasons is welcomed. The southpaw does not have electric stuff, but he throws strikes and has some deception in his delivery. He has a good pitcher’s frame, especially now that he’s added some muscle, and projects as a No. 4 starter or middle reliever.

3.50- Tommy Mendoza | RHP | Los Angeles AL

Medonza peaked as a prospect very early on in his career before getting derailed by injury and inconsistencies. The 21-year-old right-hander is having a respectable season, although he’s allowed 100 hits in 97.1 innings of work. His strikeout rate is also just 5.73 K/9, but he’s showing solid control with a rate of 2.31 BB/9.

3.55- Graham Godfrey | RHP | Oakland

Toronto pretty much stole Marco Scutaro away from the Oakland Athletics (one of GM J.P. Ricciardi’s few good trades). The A’s received Godfrey and right-hander Kristian Bell in return for the spark-plug shortstop and former utility player. Godfrey’s first year in the organization in 2008 was underwhelming, but he’s having a nice year this year in double-A and could find his way into a big-league bullpen.