Arizona Diamondbacks 2008 Top Ten Prospects
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by Kelsdad
At the beginning of the 2006 season, the Diamondbacks had the seventh ranked Minor League player development system. At the beginning of 2007, they were 18th. Now? Well, suffice it to say, the scale doesn't go that low. But why, you ask? Because all the Dbacks had are now in the major leagues... Stephen Drew, Conor Jackson, Carlos Quentin, Chris Young, Alberto Callaspo, Miguel Montero, to name a few. Their top tier of players are where they are supposed to be, the major leagues. But there was no "middle class", players who just needed playing time or professional experience to get themselves to the next level. So once the cream had reached the top, there was nothing left in the cup. Things are so bad now in Arizona's system their number one prospect will likely be traded, and another has been moved to the bullpen just to expedite his reaching the majors. Last year was an aberration, the Diamondbacks weren't as good as their record indicated, and it will be a long time before they will reach the postseason again.
- 1) Carlos Gonzalez, 22, lefthanded hitting and throwing outfielder, free agent, 2002
Gonzalez showed marked improvement defensively in 2007, especially with his throwing. He has a plus arm but was tentative with his throws which caused unecessary errors at times. He has the speed and range to play center which has improved his routes to the ball. Offensively he has a picture perfect swing and uses the whole field, although his power has yet to develop fully. His tendency is to chase pitches out of the zone and sometimes shows indifference on the bases, which some in the organization see as lack of hustle. He is slated to spend 2008 in Triple A, and there is not an opening at the major league level in Arizona. As of this writing the Dbacks are considered the leading contender to land Oakland pitcher Dan Haren with Gonzalez the focal point of the package, so if he sees Major League time in 2008 it likely won't be in an Arizona uniform.
- 2) Jarrod Parker, 19, RHP, first round, 2007
Parker didn't play at all in 2007 due to a late signing, but he is already considered the top pitching prospect the Dbacks have had since John Patterson. An easy delivery with a mid-90's fastball, the best curve in the organization and an improving slider. Parker needs to work on seperation between his breaking pitches and improving his changeup. Will start in Low Class A.
- 3) Brett Anderson, 19, LHP, second round, 2007
Anderson is the son of Oklahoma State coach Frank Anderson, a noted pitching expert and his work shows with his son. Far advanced for someone his age, Anderson posted a 2.21 ERA during his time in the Midwest League which would have led the league if not for a promotion mid-season. Anderson was injured along with several teammates in a vehicle accident and only pitched four innings after July. His fastball is barely average but has three plus offspeed pitches and, as mentioned, top of the charts mentality to go along with perfect mechanics. Anderson will go to Double A in 2008.
- 4) Max Scherzer, 23, first round, 2006
Scherzer held out and didn't sign until just prior to the 2007 draft yet made three pro stops during the season, topping out in Double A. As a starter, he actually regressed during the season, his fastball dropping from 93-94 to the high 80's. Also coming into question was his command and delivery. The Dbacks sent him to the Arizona Fall League in an attempt to find out his problems and may have accidently found a gem. While in Arizona he was given a chance to close and almost immediately regained his fastball, even clocking in at 99 mph. The Dbacks were so taken by the turnaround they shopped their own closer, saves leader Jose Valverde, at the Winter Meetings. If he returns to the rotation he will begin the season back in Double A, if the move to the bullpen is permanent, making Arizona's staff in the spring is not out of the question.
- 5) Gerardo Parra, 20, lefthanded hitting and throwing outfielder, free agent 2004
In just his second season as a pro, Parra won the Midwest League batting title with a .320 average. He compares favorably to fellow Venezuelan Carlos Gonzalez except in the power category. He is the best pure hitter in the system with good defensive skills and a good arm. He will be limited to leftfield unless his power eventually develops and will report to High Class A in 2008.
- 6) Emilio Bonifacio, 22, switch-hitting second baseman, free agent 2001
Not considered a prospect until a .321 season in Class A in 2006 with 66 stolen bases, in 2007 stole 41 bases at Double A and had a brief appearance in the majors. He grades at 80 for speed on the 20-80 scale but was caught 13 times stealing so his baserunning must improve. He has good hands and range in the field but has a tendency to swing for the fences and his strike zone management needs work. He projects now as a utility man at the major league level and his name is included in the possible trade with Oakland.
- 7) Aaron Cunningham, 21, righthanded hitting and throwing outfielder, sixth round, 2005
Obtained from the Chicago White Sox in June, 2007 in a trade for infielder Danny Richar. A solid all-round outfielder who can easily play all three spots. He is the special kind of hitter who always seems to get the barrel on the ball and has power to all fields. He has trouble on good stuff inside and his lack of a dominant tool leaves on to believe he may be a fourth outfielder in the majors. A trip to the Arizona Fall League went well and will start 2008 in Double A.
- 8) Reynaldo Navarro, 18, switch-hitting shortstop, third round, 2007
The Dbacks first choice from the highly regarded Puerto Rican Baseball Academy, Navarro impressed the Dbacks during a pre-draft workout at Chase Field with the major league team. He has plus range with solid footwork, good glove and arm. He was a bit overmatched playing everyday and led low Class A with 28 errors. He may repeat Low Class A for the experience but the Dbacks haven't ruled out the possiblility of him starting in High Class A.
- 9) Barry Enright, 21, RHP, second round, 2007
A starter in college, the Dbacks drafted Enright as a power reliever. His fastball is average at around 90 but has a plus slider and change. He's adept at changing speeds and locations and rarely throws two consecutive pitches in the same spot at the same speed. He needs to concentrate on every pitch due to the lack of a dominant out pitch and will start the season in High Class A.
- 10) Wes Roemer, 21, RHP, first round supplemental, 2007
An aggressive pitcher to a fault, he hit 63 batters during his three seasons in college. Has a plus slider and a fastball which has hit 93, the Dbacks will work with him this season on effectiveness, throwing the right pitch at the right time in the right location. He's advanced as far as mound presence goes but needs to tone down a bit to be consistent. High Class A in 2008.
- Kelsdad provides the Minor League Prospect Reports exclusively for ArmchairGM.
Rankings by Baseball America, selected text by Will Lingo.
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