3. Juan Ramirez, rhp, Everett
The Mariners ambitiously sent Ramirez to Everett with just a half-season in the Rookie-level Venezuelan Summer League to show for experience. He had his share of rough outings and struggled with his command, but his upside is undeniable.
He has a prototypical pitcher's body and compares favorably to former Mariners prospect Rafael Soriano for his looks and his delivery. Ramirez, a native of Nicaragua who turned 19 August 16, has a loose, easy arm and the ball jumps out of his hand from a three-quarters arm slot. His fastball sat near 93 mph, touching 95 with rising life and occasional arm-side run.
8. Greg Halman, of, Everett
Scouts love Halman's tools, managers wish he didn't play with such a chip on his shoulder and opposing pitchers learned to respect his ability. He spent 2006 at Everett and returned after batting .182/.243/.273 in low Class A to start the season. He led the league in slugging (.597) but must improve his plate discipline and stop selling out so much for power.
Halman finally began making adjustments this summer. His strong hands and loose wrists allow him to generate plus bat speed and above-average power, so the home runs will come naturally if he lets them.
10. Matt Mangini, 3b, Everett
Since he won the Cape Cod League batting title with a .310 average in the summer of 2006, things haven't gone so well for Mangini. He didn't perform as hoped as a junior, slid out of the first round of the draft and was hampered by back soreness during his first taste of pro ball. Scouts who have history with Mangini say he always has hit better with wood bats and believe he'll hit for average with his line-drive swing and solid-average bat speed.17. Edward Paredes, lhp, Everett
After using him in relief in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League the last two summers, the Mariners stretched Paredes out by putting him in Everett's rotation. His first official U.S. appearance stateside came in Triple-A when he was used as an emergency reliever in mid-June, and he tossed five hitless innings.
Paredes is one of the least refined prospects on this list. He led the NWL in innings (86) and walks (48), and his command issues are a byproduct of a delivery that's still taking shape. He's reed-thin with a quick, loose arm action, though he struggles to repeat his low-three-quarters arm slot.
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