As the trade deadline approaches, we're likely to see more and more prospects on the trading block. In addition to our regular features, Down on the Farm will provide brief capsules of all prospects involved in these summer trades.
Enemencio Pacheco, RHP (Rockies to White Sox in Sandy Alomar trade)
A 6-0, 170-pound right-hander, Pacecho has a nice 3.16 ERA this year at Class A Salem, pitching middle relief. He has decent arm strength, but his track record is erratic, and he was not regarded as one of Colorado's best prospects. His K/BB this year is weak at 31/26 in 51 innings, which does not project well at all at higher levels. Pacheco is a marginal prospect at best, making this trade a clear salary dump. He was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 1997.
Duaner Sanchez, RHP (Diamondbacks to Pirates in Mike Fetters trade)
The closer for Double-A El Paso before the trade, Sanchez throws 90-93 mph, and has a promising slider. He had 13 saves, a 3.03 ERA, and a 37/13 K/BB ratio in 35 innings before the transaction. Sanchez was used as a starter until this year, putting up only mediocre numbers, but he has taken well to a relief role. He'll need some Triple-A time, but should be in Pittsburgh's bullpen mix sometime in 2003. A native of the Dominican Republic, he was signed in 1996.
Lance Caraccioli, LHP (Dodgers to Indians in Jolbert Cabrera trade)
A lefty who stands 6-4, 190, Caraccioli has a live arm, throwing a moving fastball in the low 90s. But his track record is very inconsistent, due to unstable control and erratic mechanics. He's actually done a bit better this year, posting a 3.06 ERA in 10 starts for Double-A Jacksonville, although his walk rate remains a bit high. Some scouts believe he has potential as a late bloomer, and live-armed lefties are always an attractive commodity. He's 24 and was a 10th-round pick in 1998 from Northeast Louisiana University.
Robert Stratton, OF (Mets to Rockies in Jay Payton/John Thomson trade)
Stratton has enormous raw power, but little idea about the subtleties of hitting. He is frequently fooled by breaking balls, and has very poor strike zone judgment. He'll hammer any fastball he gets a hold of, but the danger his power presents can be easily contained. He hit 29 homers last year in Double-A, but fanned an incredible 201 times. His strikeout rate is a bit lower this year in Triple-A, but it seems unlikely that he'll become more than a journeyman minor-league slugger. Stratton was a first-round pick in 1996, out of high school in Santa Barbara, California.
Josh Reynolds, RHP (Mets to Padres in Steve Reed trade)
Reynolds is a 6-2, 195-pound right-hander, owner of a 89-92 mph fastball. He also has a decent slider and changeup, and enough natural athletic ability that he played shortstop in high school. He throws strikes. Reynolds is 11-5 with a solid 3.13 ERA for Class A St. Lucie this year, but his strikeout rate (70 in 126 innings) is low, and a sign that he may struggle at higher levels. He was a third-round pick in 2000, from Central Missouri State University.
Jay Bay, OF (Mets to Padres in Reed trade)
A 23-year old right-handed hitting outfielder, Bay was hitting .272 with 12 steals and a .466 slugging percentage in 33 contests for Double-A Binghamton before the trade. He entered this season with a career batting average of .313 at the Class A level, showing a good combination of gap power and skill on the bases. He projects as a useful fourth outfielder. Bay was originally signed by the Expos, as a 22nd-round pick in 2000, from Gonzaga University.
Byeong An, LHP (Red Sox to White Sox in Bobby Howry trade)
A 22-year old Korean lefty, An pitched well in 2001 (3.62 ERA at Class A Sarasota), showing promise with an upper-80s fastball that occasionally peaked at 92 mph. His curveball also shows potential, but he's had serious command problems this year, with an ERA in excess of 5.00 at the same level he did well at last year. An still has a chance to turn things around, provided that injuries do not intervene. He was signed out of South Korea as a free agent in 2001, for a bonus of $750,000.
Frankie Francisco, RHP (Red Sox to White Sox in Howry trade)
While the Red Sox have neglected the amateur draft in recent years, they've still been active in other parts of the world -- Asia especially, but also in Latin America. Francisco is one of their finds there, possessor of a 91-95 mph fastball, and a very good curve. He does not have a changeup, and his control can be spotty, so he's probably at least a year away from being able to help in the major leagues. He's been used as both a starter and reliever, but his best role is likely in the bullpen. Francisco was signed as a free agent in 1996.
Seung Song, RHP (Boston to Montreal in Cliff Floyd trade)
The most advanced pitching prospect in the Red Sox system, Song uses a 90-93 mph fastball, plus a strong curveball and decent changeup. His command is excellent, and despite his 4.39 ERA in 21 starts for Double-A Trenton, his K/BB mark of 116/37 shows that quick progress is possible. He could use some Triple-A time next year, but should appear in an Expos (or Washington Nationals) uniform sometime next year. He looks like a potential No. 2 starter. Song was signed out of South Korea in 1999.
Marshall McDougall, INF (Oakland to Cleveland in Ricardo Rincon trade)
McDougall first received national attention when he hit six homers in a game for Florida State back in 1999. Scouts have never been wild about him, but he is versatile with the glove, and has some pop in his bat. McDougall can play second base, third base, or shortstop without hurting the defense. He projects as a .260-.270 hitter in the majors, with doubles power and the occasional homer. He was a ninth-round pick out of Florida State in 2000.
Ben Diggins, RHP (Dodgers to Brewers in Tyler Houston trade)
Diggins is an interesting mixture of strengths and weaknesses. When things are going well, he gets great leverage from his 6-7 frame, throwing mid-90s gas past almost every hitter. When things aren't going well, his mechanics get messed up, dropping his fastball into the 88-92 range, which isn't enough, since his breaking ball and changeup lack finesse. He has a 3.63 ERA in the Florida State League this year, with a 101/41 K/BB ratio in 114 innings, but the Dodgers were disappointed in his progress. Still, exchanging him for Tyler Houston is a good gamble on Milwaukee's part. Diggins was drafted in the first round in 2000 from the University of Arizona.
Shane Nance, LHP (Dodgers to Brewers in Houston trade)
A classic finesse lefty, Nance's velocity is only average, but he throws strikes with his curve and changeup, and can get lefties out. He has a 4.17 ERA in the hot, thin air of Triple-A Las Vegas, and will be looking to get on the LOOGY (Lefty-One-Out GuY) bandwagon. He was an 11th-round pick in 2000, from the University of Houston, and has moved through the system very quickly.
Jon Adkins, RHP (Athletics to White Sox in Ray Durham trade)
Adkins is a 6-0, 200-pound 24-year old right-hander with a strong fastball in the low-to-mid 90s. But his track record in the minor leagues is decidedly mixed; his career ERA entering this season was 4.13, and he's allowed more than a hit-per-inning in his career, which is strange considering that he does throw hard. He doesn't change speeds well. The White Sox think his problems are correctable, but it's a long shot, and there's a very good chance they were simply ripped off. Was a ninth-round pick in 1998 out of Oklahoma State.
Felix Diaz, RHP (Giants to White Sox in Kenny Lofton trade)
A 6-1, 170-pound rigth-hander, Diaz works with a 94-96 mph fastball. He also has a very good changeup, but his breaking pitches (a slider and a curve) are still somewhat unrefined. Still, he has excellent arm strength, which is what the White Sox look for in pitching prospects. Currently 3-5 but with a strong 2.70 ERA for Double-A Shreveport, Diaz is at least a year away from being ready to help significantly in the major leagues, but he has a bright future. Was signed as a free agent from the Dominican Republic in 1998.
Ryan Meaux, LHP (Giants to White Sox in Lofton trade)
A short southpaw listed at 5-11, Meaux is having a solid season as the closer for Class A Hagerstown, posting 17 saves thus far, with a 2.63 ERA. He has good control, but average overall stuff. He projects best as a bullpen lefty, and will have to prove himself at higher levels. He was drafted in the 25th round in the 2001 draft, out of Lamar Community College in Colorado.
Ricardo Rodriguez, RHP (Dodgers to Indians in Paul Shuey trade)
One of the best prospects in the Dodgers system, Rodriguez missed much of the spring with a shoulder problem, but is apparently healthy now. He had a terrific 1.99 ERA through 11 starts at Double-A Jacksonville, though his strikeout rate (44 in 68 innings) is way down from what he did in A-ball last year. When fully healthy, Rodriguez is an efficient pitcher with a 90-94 mph fastball, plus an array of breaking balls that he isn't afraid to use. His control is sharp, and he should be ready for the majors sometime next year. My one concern for him is the decline in his K-rate, which could be a sign of more injury problems to come. The Dodgers signed him out of the Dominican Republic in 1996.
Francisco Cruceta, RHP (Dodgers to Indians in Shuey trade)
An up-and-coming prospect, Cruceta is one of the best pitchers in the South Atlantic League this season, currently posting a 2.80 ERA and fine 111/34 K/BB ratio in 113 innings, with just 98 hits allowed. He threw a no-hitter earlier this spring. Like Rodriguez, he throws hard, throws strikes, and has good pitching instincts. This is his first exposure in North American baseball, having spent the last three years in the Dominican Summer League. He was signed off the island by the Dodgers in 1998.
David Espinosa, 2B (Reds to Tigers in Brian Moehler trade)
Espinosa was one of the top talents in the 2000 draft. He could have gone in the Top 5 picks, but dropped to 23rd overall because of his bonus demands. He eventually signed an eight-year major-league contract that didn't contain a bonus, but did provide him with enormous job security. It also put a firm deadline: he has to make the majors by 2004, or he'll run out of options. Espinosa is a great athlete, but erratic defense has moved him from shortstop to second base, and he may end up in the outfield eventually. He has bat speed and raw gap power, but he hasn't developed as well as the Reds hoped he would. He's hitting .245 this year with a touch of power and mediocre strike zone judgment. Scouts still love his potential, but it seems unlikely that he'll be ready by '04. Was drafted in the first round from a Miami high school in 2000.
Matt Boone, OF-3B (Tigers to Reds in Moehler trade)
Boone is the brother of Aaron and Bret, and the son of Reds manager Bob. Were it not for the family connection, I doubt he would have been included in the trade, since he really isn't a prospect. Boone is a decent natural athlete, but hasn't developed as a hitter, and shows few signs of doing so. He doesn't hit for either average or power, and has yet to reach Double-A. He was a third-round pick in 1997 from high school in Villa Park, California.
Luis Garcia, OF (Cardinals to Indians in Chuck Finley trade)
Garcia was originally in the Red Sox system, but was traded to the Cardinals last December in the Dustin Hermanson trade. He began his career as a pitcher, but was moved to the outfield (and occasionally first base) in 1998. Hitting .266 with 12 homers at Double-A New Haven before the trade, Garcia has excellent raw power, but is inconsistent and somewhat streaky. His plate discipline has improved over the last two years, and the Indians seem to be very high on his potential. At age 24, he's not a spring chicken to still be in Double-A, so expect the Indians to move him aggressively next year.
Claudio Vargas, RHP (Marlins to Expos in Cliff Floyd trade)
He has a 92-96 mph fastball, but his curveball is inconsistent, he doesn't always throw strikes, and he has an ERA in excess of 6.00 this year in Triple-A. Vargas is an impressive raw talent, but right now "raw" is the operative word. It remains to be seen when/if he will develop. He is 23 years old, and was signed by the Marlins out of the Dominican Republic in 1995.
Justin Wayne, RHP (Expos to Marlins in Floyd trade)
Former ace for the Stanford Cardinal, Wayne hasn't lived up to the Mike Mussina comparisons he drew when he first came out of college. He doesn't throw as hard for one thing, working at 87-91. But he does have an excellent changeup, and can dominate a game when his slider is working. Wayne has a fine 2.37 ERA in 17 starts in Double-A this year, but has fanned just 47 men in 99 innings, a warning sign that his pretty ERA may not carry to higher levels. Scouts praise his polish and pitching instincts. He was a first-round pick in the 2000 draft.
Ryan Snare, LHP (Reds to Marlins in Ryan Dempster trade)
Snare is a classic left-handed pitcher. He doesn't have a hot fastball, at least in terms of velocity, but he throws strikes with it, and knows how to pitch. His best offering is his curveball, which is particularly useful against lefties. He also has a solid changeup, and he throws strikes. Snare was just promoted to Double-A, and was being used in the bullpen, despite having good success as a starter in Class A. He is a pretty decent, if overlooked, prospect, a C+ type. Cincinnati selected him in the second round of the 2000 draft, from the University of North Carolina.
Jason Arnold, RHP (Yankees to A's in three-way trade)
The most advanced pitching prospect in the Yankees farm system, Arnold could see Oakland early next year. He is a 6-3, 210 right-hander with a fastball that can hit 97 mph, though 90-93 is his usual range. His slider and changeup are very strong, he throws strikes, and he has a bulldog attitude to pitching. The only negative is his delivery, which looks awkward to the eye and may strain his arm, but so far it hasn't been a serious problem. Was a second-round pick in the 2001 draft from the University of Central Florida.
John-Ford Griffin, OF (Yankees to A's in three-way trade)
Griffin was a highly successful hitter at Florida State, and has adjusted quickly to professional baseball. He is a pure hitter, with outstanding bat speed and power to all fields. He hits mostly line-drives now, but will hit for additional home run power as he matures. Griffin has excellent plate discipline, and fine hitting mechanics. His weak arm limits him to left field, but his range and speed are decent, and he works hard. The Yankees drafted him in the first round last year.
Carlos Pena, 1B (A's to Tigers in three-way trade)
Pena was supposed to be in the Rookie of the Year hunt, after being handed the first base job in spring training. He hit well in April, but bombed in May and was sent back to Triple-A, where he hasn't hit particularly well. He is now the First Baseman of the Present in Detroit, so he's getting a fresh start. Pena has plus power and is a solid defender at first base, but his ability to hit for average and make contact is becoming a question mark. I still like his long-term potential, but he may not show it until next year. Was a first-round pick by Texas from Northeastern University in 1998.
Franklyn German, RHP (A's to Tigers in three-way trade)
German is a Dominican right-hander with a savage fastball, timed as high as 99 mph on occasion. He also has a pretty good changeup, plus a forkball/splitter that he uses as a complementary pitch. His command is shaky at times, but he's got one of the best arms in the minor leagues, not that he always uses it well. He was signed as a free agent in 1996 and is now 22 years old.
Jeremy Bonderman, RHP (A's to Tigers in three-way trade)
This isn't official yet, but the word is that Bonderman will be the player to be named by Oakland. Baseball rules say you can't trade a player until a year after he's signed his first contract, and since Bonderman wasn't signed until late August last year, he has to remain with the Oakland system for now. Assuming that this pans out and Bonderman does go to Detroit, he's a fine pitching prospect, owner of a 94-mph fastball and a tremendous curve. Holding his own this year in the California League, Bonderman is just 19 years old. He was the first high school junior ever drafted, being eligible because he had a GED. Oakland picked him from a Washington state high school in '01.
Brandon Phillips, SS (Expos to Indians in Bartolo Colon trade)
Possibly the best position-player prospect in the game today, Phillips is an athletic shortstop with good speed, developing power, and top-notch defensive assets. Could play second base if the Indians can't move Omar Vizquel. Phillips should be ready to challenge for a major-league job next spring. He needs to tighten up the strike zone a bit more, but is aware of this need. Scouts praise his instincts and attitude. Was a second-round pick from a Georgia high school in the 1999 draft.
Grady Sizemore, OF (Expos to Indians in Colon trade)
A toolsy outfielder, Sizemore has yet to tap his full potential, but there's a lot to like here. He runs very well, has enough physical strength to hit for power as he matures, and is willing to take a walk. Better known as a football player in high school, he isn't nearly as advanced as Phillips, but has a very high ceiling. Don't expect to see him in the Show for at least two years. Was a third-round pick in the 2000 draft, from high school in Washington state.
Cliff Lee, LHP (Expos to Indians in Colon trade)
Has zoomed up the prospect lists this year, and may be the best southpaw prospect in the upper minors right now. Lee works with a 92 mph fastball, and a three-pitch secondary arsenal consisting of a curve, slider, and changeup. He's improved his command dramatically over the last year, and owned an impressive 105/23 K/BB ratio in Double-A before the trade. Was a fourth-round pick in 2000, from the University of Arkansas.
Tim Drew, RHP (Indians to Expos in Colon trade)
Younger brother of J.D. Drew, Tim has struggled since being promoted to the major leagues much too quickly in 2000. He doesn't have blazing stuff, but can get people out when he's changing speeds and throwing strikes with confidence. Projects as a solid No. 4 starter if healthy and confident. Was a first-round pick from a Georgia high school in 1997.
Scott Wiggins, LHP (Yankees to Blue Jays in Raul Mondesi trade)
A 26-year-old minor league vet, started this year in Double-A after five seasons in Class A. Worked as a starter in the low minors, but being used as an effective anti-lefty bullpen pitcher this year, holding lefties to a .143 mark so far. Should get a shot in a similar role for the Blue Jays sometime soon, but this was a clear salary dump trade; Wiggins is not a premier prospect, though that doesn't mean he can't help. Was a seventh-round pick from Northern Kentucky University in 1997.
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 johnsickels.com.
