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| Friday, January 25 Diamondbacks minor-league report By John Sickels Special to ESPN.com |
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System overview With their major-league success built on a foundation of aging veterans, the Diamondbacks need a strong farm system to ensure future success. The organization isn't completely dry, but it clearly ranks in the lower half among systems, and lacks a strongly defined top tier of talent. The recent trade of Jack Cust and J.B. Closser to Colorado weakens the system further. All is not dismal however. There are several live arms available. Hitters like Lyle Overbay, Alex Cintron, and Brad Cresse will contribute soon. The organization continues to make inroads in Latin America, and the last two draft classes look strong. The best depth is at the lower levels, and the early "tool-oriented" drafts have given way to a more balanced approach. Overall, while the system needs work, progress has been made over the last couple of years. 2001 Minor League W-L Percentage: .477, (ranked 21st) 2001 amateur draft This class looks strong to me. First-round pick Jason Bulger, a right-hander from Valdosta State, can hit 97 mph but is rather raw. He signed late and did not pitch, but has one of the best fastballs in the draft class, which is saying something since last spring had a lot of hard-throwers available. Second-rounder Mike Gosling, a lefty from Stanford, also signed late, but he should make quick progress in 2002. He throws in the low 90s, throws strikes with his breaking stuff, and is very bright. He would have gone in the first round if his bonus demands hadn't scared most teams away. Third-round pick Scott Hairston, a second baseman from Central Arizona JC, hit .347 in rookie ball, showing both power and patience. His glove is inconsistent, but he can really hit. Fourth-rounder Justin Wechsler, a right-hander from Ball State, throws hard and gives David Letterman someone to root for. Also intriguing is eighth-rounder Brandon Medders, another fireballer from Mississippi State. This draft was a mixture of hitters and pitchers, with a college flavor. The first four picks all look very strong, and there are several sleepers. Top prospects Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see major-league action in 2002. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '03 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. WILL HELP SOON Alex Cintron, SS: Hit .292 at Triple-A Tucson, not impressive considering park/league context. Makes contact and is flashy with the glove, but seems unlikely to provide great hitting. Brad Cresse, C: Hit .289 with 14 homers at Double-A El Paso. Sometimes compared to Mike Piazza, but he won't be that good. More of a solid contributor in the Damian Miller/Kelly Stinnett mode. Tim Olson, SS: Excellent athlete, hit .317 for El Paso. Has doubles power and can play any position, projects as super-utility guy. Lyle Overbay, 1B: Hit .352 with 13 homers, 49 doubles, 100 RBI at El Paso. Should hit .280+ in the majors with lots of doubles, some homers, and a solid OBP. Jeremy Ward, RHP: Should slot into bullpen role after saving 13 at Tucson and showing that he was over 2000 arm injury. WILL HELP SOMEDAY Jesus Cota, 1B: Hit .368 with 16 homers, 56 walks in short-season Pioneer League. Thin air at Missoula helps, but his power is real and he could be an exceptional hitter. Beltran Perez, RHP: 12-4, 2.81, 157/35 K/BB ratio at Class A South Bend mark him as someone to watch carefully. Live arm, throws strikes, and is projectable. Luis Terrero, OF: Rated as Arizona's best prospect by Baseball America, but I am not impressed with his strike zone judgment. Did hit .299 in 147 at-bats for El Paso, but with dismal 4/45 BB/K ratio. Jose Valverde, RHP: Posted 13 saves at El Paso, with outstanding 72 strikeouts in 41 innings. Can hit 96 mph, but needs better control (27 walks). KEY SLEEPER Jay Belflower, RHP: Just a 17th-round pick last year ... but finished the season in Triple-A after starting it with the University of Florida! Throws hard, and saved 11 with 0.62 ERA in 27 innings for Class A Lancaster. Other names to know Craig Ansman, C; Chris Capuano, LHP; Lino Garcia, OF; Jerry Gil, SS; Andrew Good, RHP; Victor Hall, OF; Mike Koplove, RHP; Corby Medlin, RHP; Corey Myers, 3B; John Patterson, RHP; Oscar Villarreal, RHP; Brandon Webb, RHP; Bill White, LHP. John Sickels is the author of the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. He is currently writing a biography of Bob Feller. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at hometown.aol.com/jasickels/page1.html. |
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