Philadelphia Phillies 2008 Top Ten (8) Prospects
| 14
|
by Kelsdad
The Phillies top ten has been cut to eight with the trading of #7 Michael Bourn and #8 Mike Costanzo to Houston in the Brad Lidge deal. the Phils have had some success recently through their farm system, most notably with Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, but it appears now the well is beginning to run dry.
- 1) Carlos Carrasco, 20, RHP, Free agent signee out of Venezuela, 2005.
Carrasco has yet to grow into his frame, weighing just 190 pounds to go with being 6'3". He's been rushed during his two seasons in the system and '07 was no exception, his ERA rose almost two runs a game after moving from single A to Double A. A hard thrower (93-95) and owner of the best change in the system, he needs to strenghten his lower body in order to take strain off his arm. As much as the Phils are hurting in the majors starter wise, Carrasco will likely return to Reading to start the season and excepting an emergency, won't see Philadelphia until 2009.
- 2) Adrian Cardenas, 20, second base, 2006 supplemental first rounder.
A lefty hitter, Cardenas was Baseball America's High School player of the year in 2006 as a shortstop. The Phils moved him to second because of range concerns, he took to the position as if he played it his whole life. With Utley at second for the long term and the Phils having holes at third and leftfield, another change is likely for Cardenas. He will start the season at High Class A Clearwater in 2008.
- 3) Joe Savery, 22, LHP, 2007 first round pick
A 6'3" lefty who has drawn comparisons to Mark Mulder, Savery missed time in college after rotator cuff surgery. He struggled with his command and with his control, although his fastball was close to his pre-surgery 92 mph. He'll start 2008 in Low Class A.
- 4) Josh Outman, 23, LHP, 10th round 2005.
Outman was an overall 12-7 in Clearwater and Reading in 2007. Deceptively quick out of a quirky delivery, his fastball sits low 90's with a plus change and an improving slider. Outman pitched well for Davey Johnson's World Cup winning USA squad and figures to begin 2008 in Reading. His Team USA experience was equivalent to a month in Triple A, so once he proves in Reading he's got his control issues ironed out, its possible he could jump directly to Philadelphia. He should make the majors to stay at some point this year.
- 5) Kyle Drabek, 19, RHP, 2006 first round pick
The son of former Cy Young Winner Doug Drabek, Kyle fell to the end of the first round due to attitude problems, then had Tommy John surgery in June and won't be allowed to touch a ball until August. A pre surgery 97 mph heater combined with a sharp, late breaking curve had Drabek overpowering Low Class A hitters before his surgery. The Phils had also made significant changes to his motion, eliminating some wasted movement and lowering his leg kick. The Phillies won't rush him back, letting him progress through rehab at his own pace.
- 6) Dominic Brown, 20, outfielder, 20th round 2006.
Brown is a 6'5" lefty thrower and swinger who turned down a full ride at Miami...as a football player. Has the arm for rightfield and the speed for center, Brown uses the whole field with power. A light 205, Brown may lose speed as he gets older and likely will end up in a corner, but once he gets his routes and throwing down and improves his baserunning he'll be in Philly quickly. Targeted for High Class A Clearwater.
- 7) Michael Bourn (traded)
- 8) Mike Costanzo (traded)
- 9) Greg Golson, 22, OF, 2004 1st round.
A five-tooler, Colson finally showed his potential in 2007, attaining career highs in hits, doubles, homers, RBI's and runs. Has plus speed, plus arm, plus power and rates close to the top in overall defense in center. Colson's biggest problem is pitch recognition, especially breaking balls and a tendency to overthink. Colson led the minor leagues with 173 strikeouts and walked just 23 times. This is a key season for Colson, if he improves offensively he could see Philly in September, if not, he could fall off the list altogether.
- 10) Lou Marson, 21, catcher, 2004 fourth round pick
Showed signs of defensive improvement in 2007, specifically with foot movement. He is not naturally quick, so he'll have to learn to compensate if he is to remain behind the plate. A line drive hitter with a good eye, Marson will start in Reading and depending on the status of Jason Jaramillo, could see significant time in Triple A as well.
