QOTD - here is my quick list (assuming Gross, Quiroz, Rios, Bush, Chacin etc are now ineligable):

1. Aaron Hill
2. Brandon League
3. F. Rasoario
4. Dustin McGowan
5. David Purcey
6. J. Hattig
7. Jason Arnold
8. Vince Perkins
9. Zach Jackson
10 M. Negron

The part that makes this difficult is how you decide who is eligible?

I would say that Quiroz, Gross and Chacin would be eligible because I see them starting the year in AAA. With that in mind my top 10 would be:

1. Aaron Hill
2. Guillermo Quiroz
3. Gabe Gross
4. Brandon League
5. Gustavo Chacin
6. Gabe Gross
7. Francisco Rosario
8. John Hattig
9. Josh Banks
10. Big Vito!

I dont have mcgowan on here for the same reason most people didn't have rosario on their lists last year. Until I can see how he's recovered from surgery his status has a top level prospect has taken a hit unfortunately.

Jordan's 2004 top 30 prospect report may help.

I forgot about Banks, he would definitely make my list.

Also, if Gross, Chacin and Quiroz are elibable, my list would look as follows:

1. Aaron Hill
2. Brandon League
3. Gabe Gross
4. F. Rasoario
5. G. Quiroz
6. Josh Banks
7. Dustin McGowan
8. David Purcey
9. Gustavo Chacin
10 J. Hattig

Traditionally, players eligible for the 2005 Rookie of the Year are eligible for prospects lists.

That means that Chacin, League, Peterson are eligible. Not sure about Gross and Quiroz. Rios and Bush are not eligible.

My predicted Baseball America top ten, but before I list the players, remember that BA likes "toolsy" players, all round skilled players who have the "potential" to be all-stars.

Also BA uses the playing time cut-off to define a rookie, namely 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched. By that definition Gabe Gross is still a prospect with 129 at-bats this year. Russ Adams, Guillermo Quiroz, Brandon League are still eligible for the list.

My prediction:

1. Brandon League
2. Guillermo Quiroz
3. Aaron Hill
4. Francisco Rosario
5. Russ Adams
6. Josh Banks
7. Dustin McGowan
8. John Hattig
9. Shaun Marcum
10. David Purcey

Guys left off who could be on there are:

Vito, his bat looks to be very good but he does not run well and is not a great defender, so BA will mark him down
Gustavo Chacin, average speed, relies on the cutter this year, not outstanding stuff
Ismael Ramirez, again average stuff
Jamie Vermilyea - sinker, slider mix, gets results but no 94 mph fastball

As far as who is eligible:

Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time) are eligible.

Yikes, left Gross off the list, revised list below:

1. Brandon League
2. Guillermo Quiroz
3. Aaron Hill
4. Francisco Rosario
5. Gabe Gross
6. Russ Adams
7. Dustin McGowan
8. Josh Banks
9. John Hattig
10. David Purcey

Quiroz still would be eligible.

My top 10:

1. Brandon League
2. Aaron Hill
3. Francisco Rosario
4. Guillermo Quiroz
5. Russ Adams
6. Josh Banks
7. Dustin McGowan
8. Gabe Gross
9. Gustavo Chacin
10. John Hattig

Gross is iffy due to the service time requirements, but otherwise he's 1 at-bat short. I beleive the service time requirement is 60 days, and Gross seems to have spent just under that amount of time on the big-league roster (first game August 7), so I think he'd just be okay.

I'd prefer to answer the converse question. Jamie Vermilyea will probably not make the BA list, but should be on a Blue Jay top 10 list, somewhere in the 5-9 range. As Gerry said, BA prefers the guys with tools, and specifically in the case of pitchers, those with 95 plus fastballs.

My Top 10:

1) League
2) Hill
3) McGowan
4) Purcey
5) Quiroz
6) Adams
7) Rosario
8) Jackson
9) Gross
10) Banks

1. Hill
2. Adams
3. Quiroz
4. Purcey
5. McGowan
6. League
7. Chacin
8. Gross
9. Rosario
10. Jackson

According to the BA qualifications of less than 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the bigs, here's my off the wall predictions. Gross just qualifies with 129 at-bats.

1. Aaron Hill
2. Russ Adams
3. Brandon League
4. Guillermo Quiroz
5. Gustavo Chacin
6. Francisco Rosario
7. Gabe Gross
8. Raul Tablado
9. Robinzon Diaz
10. Dustin McGowan

Just my humble predictions.....Big Vito, Hattig, and Adam Peterson should draw consideration as well.

I'll be shocked if League is that highly rated by BA. They downgrade relievers pretty substancially on their lists. They are going to look at League as a reliever and he won't be in the Top 3, I'd be suprised if he's in their Top 5.

Let's say that Quiroz and Adams are eligible, but Gross is over the PA limit.

My top 10:

1. Guillermo Quiroz
2. Aaron Hill
3. Russ Adams
4. Josh Banks
5. Brandon League
6. Shaun Marcum
7. Gustavo Chacin
8. Dustin McGowan
9. Curtis Thigpen
10. Francisco Rosario

I see I left Banks off my list, I'd have him 4th between Quiroz and Purcey, Jackson was a stretch at 10 anyway... no wonder I was one guy short.

Okay, slot Gross in at #5 if he's eligible. and bump Rosario.

The above is my personal list, not a prediction for a B.A. list.

On the weekend I heard a very discouraging comment that I hope isn't true. Apparently one suggested reason for the low attendance for the Raptors is that Leaf fans are refusing to attend any sport until the lockout is over. If that is really the case, the hockey lockout may actually negatively effect attendance for the Blue Jays. If also true, add this to the long list of why I can't stand Maple Leaf fans.

Just a reminder that the BA list is included in their print edition which subscribers, like me, received in the mail last week. I'll resist the temptation to enter the contest, knowing what the BA list is, but I will say there were a few surprises--both in the names on the list and the ranking

I dont think it's that Leaf fans would refuse to attend any other sport, just the Raptors. After all MLSE does own both the Raptors and Leafs, and both sports are played in the same season.

I dont see it having any effect on the Jays except in a positive way. After all by the time spring training rolls around the sports fans in Toronto should be desperate. No hockey all winter, football (NFL) ends around Christmas (CFL before that), Raptors are own by the same corporation that's locking out hockey. The Jays could get a little media and attendance boost to start the year, especially if they do well and there's a bit of hype coming out of spring training.

Oh yeah and almost forgot. No Maple Leaf playoff run this year. That's rather a big plus for the Jays I'd think.

My personal top 10 list, assuming BA's eligibility criteria:

1. Quiroz
2. Hill
3. Banks
4. Adams
5. Gross
6. Marcum
7. League
8. Vermilyea
9. Chacin
10. Purcey

My Top Ten

1. Brandon League

2. Aaron Hill

3. Russ Adams

4. Guillermo Quiroz

5. Gustavo Chacin

6. Gabe Gross

7. Josh Banks

8. Francisco Rosario

9. Dustin McGowan

10. Jamie Vermilyea

Apparently one suggested reason for the low attendance for the Raptors is that Leaf fans are refusing to attend any sport until the lockout is over.

I don't understand the logic behind such a move. Personally I'm hoping that the low turnout is a result of last years lethargic play.
Hopefully the Raptors can keep this play up and the fans will return.

After all by the time spring training rolls around the sports fans in Toronto should be desperate.

This was what I was assuming might happen as well, however, I'm now thinking there is a possibility that fans may use this as an excuse to find hobbies other than sports. This may have have a negative effect on all sports in this city. Especially if the common belief is that the Jays aren't trying to win.

My list is about the same as Geoff ( post 25 ). Just insert Ismael Ramirez at number five ( # 1 candidate to have a 2005 breakthrough ).

My BA guess:

1. Brandon League, RHP
2. Guillermo Quiroz, C
3. Aaron Hill, SS
4. Dustin McGowan, RHP
5. Russ Adams, SS
6. David Purcey, LHP
7. Gustavo Chacin, LHP
8. Josh Banks, RHP
9. Gabe Gross, OF
10. Francisco Rosario, RHP

Pretty good list when you leave Shaun Marcum off of it.

I bet League will be the #1 pick along with the Headline "In a League of his Own". BA likes young toolsy players. 21yrs old and 100mph are numbers sure to get their attention. I also think Tablado will be on the list as he is one of the "toolsiest"TM players the Jays have. Hey and he's young. Purcey will be high on the list because of his stuff and his #1 pick status. Anyway, here's my guess:

1. League
2. Hill
3. GQ
4. Rosario
5. Purcey
6. Adams
7. Gross
8. Chacin
9. McGowan
10. Tablado

I agree with some of the other comments above that this is not who should be on the Jays top ten, just who BA will pick.

Based on BA's way of thinking...

Aaron Hill
Brandon League
Guillermo Quiroz
Josh Banks
Yuber Rodriguez
Francisco Rosario
David Purcey
Raul Tablado
Dustin McGowan
Russ Adams

Just missing cut:
Shaun Marcum
Curtis Thigpen

I'll eat my hat if Hattig is on the BA top 10 list. Also, I highly doubt (99 per cent sure) Chiaravalloti, Chacin, Vermilyea (although this guy is great!) will be top ten.

What is Tablado status? Is he going to play in 2005? I guess in AA...

Sad to see that Jason Arnold and JFG have disappeared off our radars. I was hoping they would amount to something...

Tablado will likely be in AA in 2005. He was suspended (and reinstated, but many young players are over the course of any given season (just look back through BA transaction archives) and it does not affect their future. It could have been any number of things (missing curfew, taking allergy medication with a banned substance in it, etc...) but it is all speculation.

Arnold is doing pretty well for himself in the AFL right now. There's just not a good reason for him to crack the top 10. It doesn't mean he won't make it.

Arnold needs to figure out how to miss some bats before he has any sort of MLB career. A stronger work ethic wouldn't hurt either.

Near as I can gather with Griffin, he just hasn't ever learned to hit with wood bats (for consistent average or power). And that was his only tool (no defence, no arm). He seems destined for a John Mabry type career, if that.

Mr Simon has noted there were some surprises on the list. When you look at most lists above, the Jays have most of their prospects at AA and AAA; good for the organization, but BA likes to feature some players at lower levels with more "tools". That might mean guys like Zack Jackson, Raul Tablado and Curtis Thigpen might make it, with maybe guys like Banks and Hattig coming off.

http://www.torontobaseballguys.com
A wee bit off-topic, but there's no roundup, and Sean from our site has written a piece about where Carlos Delgado may wind up. It can be found here.

WOW--"MR. Simon"--I don't get a lot of "MR.". I'm Charles. Anyway--I perhaps should have said "surprises to me". We'll see what you folks think. If anyone can't wait--I'm at csimon@blgcanada.com. I'll e-mail you the list

I'd be pretty suprised if Banks was not on the list - BA spoke pretty highly of him last year if I'm not mistaken.

I wouldn't be suprised if they had soured a bit on Quiroz and especially Gross.

1. Brandon League, rhp
2. Aaron Hill, SS
3. Guillermo Quiroz, ca
4. Franciso Rosario, rhp
5. David Purcey, lhp
6. Russ Adams, ss
7. Dustin McGowan, rhp
8. Zach Jackson, lhp
9. Josh Banks, rhp
10. Gustavo Chacin, lhp

WOW--"MR. Simon"--I don't get a lot of "MR.". I'm Charles. Anyway--I perhaps should have said "surprises to me". We'll see what you folks think. If anyone can't wait--I'm at csimon@blgcanada.com. I'll e-mail you the list.

Anyone else notice that this place is overrun with lawyers? It's incredible.

1. Guillermo Quiroz, ca
2. Aaron Hill, SS
3. Brandon League, rhp
4. Franciso Rosario, rhp
5. David Purcey, lhp
6. Russ Adams, ss
7. Dustin McGowan, rhp
8. Zach Jackson, lhp
9. Gabe Gross, of
10. Josh Banks, rhp

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/chat/chat.php?chatId=91
Sickels chat on BP today. Highlights include Chacin being overrated, liking JP so far (although Adams and Hill need to step up) and Marcum having nasty stuff. COMN.

Who overrates Chacin? ( that is beside me ? ) he just had a wonderful season. Thats all.

1) Aaron Hill
2) Gabe Gross
3) The Flyin' Hawaiian
4) Thrillhouse (Russ Adams)
5) GQ
6) Rosario
7) McGowan
8) Chacin
9) Big Vito
10) Purcey

There is a young man from my small town of Coniston, near Sudbury, Ontario. I believe he is in the minor leagues affilated with the Jays. Any word on him. For someone who enjoys baseball but doesnt know the big picture on how it works does Pidutti have a future as a big leaguer. He is 20 something and appears to be in shape but like I said I'm no expert on ball. I was just wondering what the Jays think of what hes done so far?

James Pidutti is in the Blue Jays system and has played with the Pulaski team the last two years. Pulaski is the bottom rung on the organizational ladder and James will have to work his way up starting this year. You ask if Pidutti has a future as a major leaguer, well only 8% of players who sign professional contracts make it so the odds are against him, but we will have to wait and see how he does in 2005 and 2006.

Pidutti's most pressing need is to work on his command. Pidutti gives up too many walks and too many hits. If he is going to make the majors he needs to cut down on the amount of runners allowed on base. He turns 23 near the end of the month and has only pitched in rookie ball (he has five more minor league levels to climb until he makes the majors) so age is not in his favour, as most successful major leaguers have reached the show by age 25. He is left handed though and there is always a need for left handed relievers.

No Maple Leaf playoff run this year. That's rather a big plus for the Jays I'd think.

If they start out going 0-for-April again, they'll be wishing for a Leaf playoff run to take the attention away...

My own completely unscientific list of thew guys most likely to be productive major leaguers. Somewhere. For someone.

1. Guillermo Quiroz
2. Aaron Hill
3. Gabe Gross
4. Russ Adams
5. Brandon League
6. Dustin McGowan
7. David Purcey
8. Josh Banks
9. Curtis Thigpen
10. Jamie Vermilyea

01. Guillermo Quiroz
02. Aaron Hill
03. Brandon League
04. Russ Adams
05. Francisco Rosario
06. Gabe Gross
07. Josh Banks
08. David Purcey
09. Curtis Thigpen
10. Raul Tablado

I'm leaving McGowan off because of his injury.

I expect BA will have Yuber Rodriguez on their list, maybe Adam Lind as well.

My guess for BA's list (assuming Gross, Rios, and Bush are ineligible)

1) Francisco Rosario
2) Guillermo Quiroz
3) Dustin McGowan
4) Brandon League
5) Aaron Hill
6) Russ Adams
7) David Purcey
8) Raul Tablado
9) Josh Banks
10) Vince Perkins

What about Eric Crozier?...He is not in any list. I think he has good chance to be in the top 10.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/features/04top10s/bluejays.html
Baseball America's Blue Jays list is already up (COMN). Good stuff Michael!

You have to be excited about the depth of this system when guys like Gross (within one at bat of losing rookie status), Marcum, Tablado, Vermilyea, Perkins, Negron, Crozier, Arnold, Griffin, Peterson, and Chiaravolloti don't make the top 10. The Jays' 11th to 20th prospects might be as good as the top ten of some organizations.

The Jays appear to be light on quality outfielders and corner-men though Hill should at the very least be good all-around at third.

Final 10 as posted by BBA:

1. BRANDON LEAGUE, rhp
2. AARON HILL, ss
3. GUILLERMO QUIROZ, c
4. FRANCISCO ROSARIO, rhp
5. DAVID PURCEY, lhp
6. RUSS ADAMS, ss
7. DUSTIN McGOWAN, rhp
8. ZACH JACKSON, lhp
9. JOSH BANKS, rhp
10. GUSTAVO CHACIN, lhp

I'm shocked that League is #1 personally.

If you had Hill in your system, would you even consider trading him for League? I wouldn't for one second.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/
#261030 Posted 11/15/2004 12:09 PM by Ducey:

I bet League will be the #1 pick along with the Headline "In a League of his Own".

There should be a prize for this. COMN.

There's a BA chat on the Blue Jay prospects this afternoon.

If anyone can't make the chat and wants a question asked, post the question in here and I'll send it in.

Jim, I wouldn't either, but if you're a strong believer in Hill's defensive limitations, and also that League can be a full-time starter and keep his stuff, then you might.

BA's list reflects their perspective on the importance of tools vs. performance in assessment of prospects. Rating Zach Jackson ahead of Josh Banks at this stage really requires a huge weighting in favour of tools. Jackson's stuff may be somewhat better than Banks, but not much. Banks probably has better command. If one was weighting a pitcher's tools, you might generously give Jackson a slight edge.

On the other hand, Banks has dominated short-season A and A+ ball, struggled a bit and then recovered somewhat in double A. Jackson struggled in short-season A. Banks had a very modest workload in college, whereas Jackson was overworked. Jackson probably has the greater arm risk. I'd give Banks a large performance edge.

If you accept the BA tools/performance weighting, you might like League over Hill and Jackson over Banks. If you think a more balanced approach is appropriate, you'll make other choices.

(Copied from a different thread, but here is more appropriate)
He didnt make the top 10 list but the former top pick in 2000 won a few of the BA "tools" categories.

Fastest Baserunner : Miguel Negron
Best Athlete : Miguel Negron
Best Defensive Outfielder : Miguel Negron
Best Outfield Arm : Miguel Negron

And maybe Im just showing my lack of knowledge but I found this surprising:
Best Power Hitter : Guillermo Quiroz

COMN for the complete listing.

And maybe Im just showing my lack of knowledge but I found this surprising: Best Power Hitter : Guillermo Quiroz

Quiroz had a pretty good power year in AA in 2003, and was limited this year by his broken hand. He's also been younger than most of his peers which works in his favor.

I probably would have chosen him as well.

'Jim, I wouldn't either, but if you're a strong believer in Hill's defensive limitations, and also that League can be a full-time starter and keep his stuff, then you might.'

I guess it comes down to what you consider a top prospect.

I consider it a blend of ceiling and chance to get to that ceiling. This list looks like it's weighted by pure ceiling. I'm just suprised because BA has been somewhat down on guys who project as relievers, but if you are more certain that League will be a starter I guess that's not an issue.

I do think the Jays are ready for a heavily weighted position player draft - I'm ready for them to go after a big time HS player myself. If you can get a guy like Upton (not that they can or will), they can make it to the show almost as quickly as a college hitter like Adams or Hill.

One interesting piece in the BA list was: "Best changeup-Shaun Marcum". So, Marcum's got a 90 mph fastball, a slider that everyone has described as nasty, and the best changeup in the organization, plus superb control. His performance has been great.

If he truly is not a top 10 prospect, then you've got one helluva farm system.

Much along the lines of Mike Green , one thing that made me optimistic was seeing who had the best secondary pitches.

Best Slider: Vince Perkins. We know that Perkins has a very strong(albeit poorly controlled) mid 90's fastball. If he can harness his velocity a little better he's a guy with possibly 2 good major league plus pitches.

Best curveball: Dave Purcey. Again here's a big guy with a mid 90's fastball. Give him time to develop a third pitch( hard slider? )we may really have something here.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/images2004/bleauge425275pataky.jpg
Finally, a conclusive picture of the Flyin' Hawaiian's goggles! COMN for full size.


Is that a Kevin Pataky original?

Looking the glass half empty ( contrary to RBillie ) if you have among your best ten, two guys that have, basically, only played for the long horns and the sooners, you may be worried about the ceiling of your boys.
As for the offer in the chat questioning: What about Ismael Ramirez ( i know he is the no tool paradigm, but geez is a very good pitcher , maturing fast )
I had the opportunity to watch M Negron on the winter caribean series. When he was on he just looked like Beltran ( their physical similitude is amazing ) but when he was off, just to wonder ,how come the batboy is in the batting cage...

Again here's a big guy with a mid 90's fastball. Give him time to develop a third pitch( hard slider? )we may really have something here.

Well, first he's gotta throw strikes. I'm hopeful, though.

I think the thing about League is if he's not in your organization then all you see is the risk versus a more "sure thing" like Hill. If he is in your organization though and you've seen him pitch with his nuclear arsenal against good competition and dominate at times then it would take a crowbar and machette to get you to loosen your grip on him.

I've said a few times that tools tend to be more important than performance when judging pitchers, especially very young pitchers like League and McGowan before him (and even Halladay when very young). They can struggle with control or not appear overpowering by the numbers when you're young but all it takes is a few things falling in place and you've got lightning in a bottle.

If I was an organization who had League, I wouldn't want to trade him. Not even for Aaron Hill who I think will be a very fine player. Because League's ceiling is similar to that of Halladay or a power closer like Brad Lidge. You can always draft another Aaron Hill but finding a power arm that makes it this far through the development process and still has much room for improvement is rare. League is more valuable for the same reason that a star shortstop prospect is more valuable than a star first base prospect. The former is harder to find.

Interesting comment about Negron, Jabonoso. There have been a number of hints that his maturing has been moving slowly, but definitely moving. I think that he's going to make the 40 man roster this year, and he'll get his chance in double A next year. It will probably be sink or swim.

Negron is an all tools guy. Maybe he needs a Yoga instructor to get him concentrated in the play at hand, everytime...

I do think the Jays are ready for a heavily weighted position player draft - I'm ready for them to go after a big time HS player myself. If you can get a guy like Upton (not that they can or will), they can make it to the show almost as quickly as a college hitter like Adams or Hill.

I would be, too. I just don't think that a big time HS position player will be available when #6 rolls around. Youneverknow, though.

Rob - Yes it is. And that's not even one of my best of League. The Durbin picture on the home page is mine also.

;-)

Brandon League at #1 is justifiable; I had him at #3 on my list, and his fastball is unquestionably exciting. I'd really prefer that he master (or at least command) a second pitch consistently -- I'm not confident his slider is there yet -- but I can see why BA would rank him first. Their report makes me even more hopeful that the Blue Jays will either (a) slot League as a starter in New Hampshire or Syracuse or (b) use him in long relief and in spot starts in Toronto. I do not want to see him in short relief in the majors until a future as a starter has been ruled out.

Who would I choose between Hill and League? Hill has a 90% chance to be a solid B-B+ big-league infielder; League has a 45% chance to be an ace big-league starter. So it depends on what your organization wants (or needs) at any given time. Personally, I'm just happy they're both Toronto's; you need both kinds of players to win a championship.

Quiroz and Adams weren't on my list, but BA's positioning of both is generally sound. I'm a little surprised that Guillermo was as high as #3; his raw defence didn't draw many raves this year and his bat still clearly needs work; but he's young, he was hurt in '04, and he's no less a prospect this November than he was last November.

Purcey at #5 is intriguing. Mechanics is an issue for all young pitchers, but it's especially going to be an issue for Purcey at 6"5", 240 lbs. I do think he and especially Jackson are ranked a little high, since they have virtually no pro ball experience, but BA's optimism is encouraging.

I'm not sure I agree with Banks as low as #9; putting him #2, as I did, admittedly contains a degree of projection, but I have to think he's Top 5 material; he's really only had one bad stretch as a professional, immediately after his call-up to a league full of older players; he bounced back thereafter. If he's following in Bush's footsteps, that'd be just fine with me. BA's caution on his ceiling is duly noted, but I'd be very happy if he was a #3 starter.

I'll try to participate in tomorrow's Q-and-A session to ask about Banks, Big Vito, Shaun Marcum and Jamie Vermilyea. Overall, though, I think BA did a very fine job here this year.

I know a lot about Banks and Vermilyea - I saw them pitch alot last (this past) year so I have some I can offer. Can someoe email me when this comes up?

And to add to Jordan's list I'm curious as to what they think about:

Gabe Gross
Raul Tablado
Adam Peterson
John Hattig

Pistol, if you go on to the BA website & go to "League Top 20 Prospects" and then to the chat about the Florida State League they go over Tablado & Vito in pretty good detail. It is available to non-subscibers. Just in case they don't address it in todays chat.

If I was handicapping the Hill/League prospect evaluation, I'd say that Hill has an 70-75% of being a B to B plus shortstop or third baseman and a 10-15% chance of being an A minus to A. League has in my view maybe a 15-20% chance of developping a third pitch, mastering his control and remaining healthy to become an ace starter, and a 30-40% chance of becoming a fine, fine reliever. It's not a knock on League; he's a great prospect, but pitchers are less predictable than position players.

Hill's ceiling is higher than many give him credit for. What's a Gold-Glove caliber third baseman who hits .290/.400/.500 worth? I'd rather take my chances with him out there in 2007 than Dallas McPherson, but that's just me.

Thanks Dean - it goes to show how short my memory is, I actually read that when it was originally posted.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/chat/chat.php?id=2004111801
Man, some guy named Jordan is hogging all the BA chat questions....

COMN.

BA is very high on Yuber Rodriguez, and described his plate discipline as improving. I like Yuber as a prospect and I wish the best for him, but at age 20 in Rookie ball, he walked 28 times and struck out 70 in 245 at-bats, without the kind of power you'd like to see with that kind of K rate.

From the BA chat:

But one guy to look out for is left-hander Wil Aguirre. He throws low 90's with a good breaking pitch.

Who is this?

BA said a scout compared Aaron Hill to Hank Blalock at the plate (although isn't Hill RH and Blalock LH?).

Q: Jeff from Los Altos, CA asks:
Will David Bush be in the Toronto rotation to start the season?

A: Michael Levesque: Yes

I'd also like to know if that Halladay kid is going to stick...

Three of my questions answered, two more still in the hopper....best luck I've ever had in a BA chat.

I'll admit I've never heard of Wil Aguirre. I have to assume he's a young pitcher with one of the Jays' Latin American teams. Jabonso, are you familiar with him?

BA said a scout compared Aaron Hill to Hank Blalock at the plate

My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I read that. Even taken as a ceiling projection, that's one hell of a compliment, especially if Hill doesn't suffer from Blalock's split difficulties.

Hank Blalock
2001 Tulsa 20 AA
.327/.415/.544, 272 AB, 18 2B, 4 3B, 11 HR, 39 BB, 38 K
2002 Oklahoma 21 AAA
.307/.363/.457, 387 AB, 32 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 34 BB, 61 K

Aaron Hill
2004 New Hampshire 22 AA
.279/.368/.410, 480 AB, 26 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 63 BB, 61 K

I can see the similarity in the power and BB/K rates in their respective Double-A seasons. But even taking into account the hitter-friendly nature of the Texas and Pacific Coast Leagues, I don't think Hill can quite match the minor-league numbers Blalock posted at two years younger. And as Pistol points out, Blalock bats LH. I'm not sure where the scout saw the similarity, but it's still quite a compliment, if a little overstated.

I wrote this 4 hours ago:

Hill's ceiling is higher than many give him credit for. What's a Gold-Glove caliber third baseman who hits .290/.400/.500 worth?

I guess one scout agrees with me.

Jordan happy to answer your questions. As for Wil Aguirre, he was in the DSL this year. A 6-foot-2, 180-pound lefty who just turned 18. It was a pro scout for a National League team that thought Hill's hitting mechanics and swing path/length of swing etc reminded him of Blalock.

Michael - Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the chat today.

Not a problem. Anything for my fellow Canadians.

Thanks very much, Michael -- and great job on the Top Ten!

Michael:

If you are still around can you email me please?

Thanks

Michael,

Thanks for answering our questions so thoroughly.

Sorry that I missed the encore!

"I'll admit I've never heard of Wil Aguirre. I have to assume he's a young pitcher with one of the Jays' Latin American teams. Jabonso, are you familiar with him?"

Out of the radar altogether.
The prospects that make some noise from DSL, were the pitchers Orlando Frias and Francisco Mateo ( they got most innings , wins , SO best era, in their team, etc. ) And position players were: Jesus Gonzalez ( Yuber's clone ) and J Jase both Venezuelans.

the jay's Latin American teams... well there is only one The DSL Blue Jays that lost the american division finals with the Indians.

Michael - we all may be Blue Jay fans, but not all of us are from Canada!

Monsieur Levesque, want to thank you for your extended commentaries and detailed description of the way our prospects, especifically pitchers, are evolving. I enjoyed your chat very much, much more than the previous dozen or so i've followed.
Regards
Kevin, Michael is stating a special deference to his fellow Canadians, no offence , but we are out :)

I wonder if it's the same Michael Levesque who lived in Dalhousie, NB in the early 80s and helped make my life pure hell for a couple of years.