And that's it for the Rattlers on the list.Best Changeup: Kyle Heckathorn
The junior southpaw from the University of Alabama fell to the 15th round of the 2009 draft after struggling in his junior season due to succumbing to mono. He ended up signing just before the deadline for well over the slot recommendation. Howell was able to appear in five games after signing, splitting time between both rookie levels -- posting solid, if unspectacular numbers in those appearances. He has three solid offerings at this point and can reach the mid 90's with his fastball. That suggests mid-rotation upside if he can continue to develop and stay healthy. Howell could develop into one of the steals of the draft.21. RHP Maverick Lasker (statistics)
Lasker, a favorite of the old Between the Green Pillars blogging crew, was taken the the 5th round of the 2008 draft out of an Arizona High School. He did not pitch in 2008, but posted very solid numbers in the Arizona Rookie League and established himself as a legitimate prospect. The organization rewarded his fine play with a late season call up Wisconsin that resulted in one great start and one very forgettable one. Lasker throws in the low to mid 90's and compliments his fastball with a spike slurve and a good (and developing) changeup. He even has room to add some velocity as he matures. Lasker certainly has mid-to-top of the rotation ability, but is a long, long way from the majors.22. RHP Nic Bucci (statistics)
The 18th round pick from the 2008 draft burst onto the scene last year with a solid showing at Rookie Helena. He even managed to get a few innings in at AA. While his fastball sits in the high 80's to low 90's, he induces a lot of strikeouts with his overall mix of pitches, including a decent curve and a change with good sink. The important question is how his stuff will translate at the higher echelons of the system, but he will not turn 20 until this July so he has plenty of time to develop.26. OF D'Vontrey Richardson
Drafted by the Brewers in the 16th round of the 2009 draft, Gennett signed for roughly 4th or 5th round money. The diminutive SS/RHP was named to the USA Today All-USA High School Baseball Team in his senior year, but his future is with the bat. Though only 5'9" and 165 LBS, he possesses plus pull power and also has the ability to drive the other way. He draws raves for his speed, makeup and leadership abilites and has been called a true five-tool prospect. Milwaukee will give him every chance to stick at shortstop, but some scouts believe Gennett profiles better at second base. He figures to make his professional debut later this year in rookie ball.We'll know how many of the guys on this list will be in a Timber Rattlers uniform to open the season in less than seven weeks. Seven Weeks!
All lists are inherently subjective, but this one is completely so. Even still, I have some general guidelines for making my picks:The Brewers rank is...
- A nickname should be distinctive.
- The nickname should ideally tie in to the local community somehow.
- Above all else, a nickname should sound cool.
5. Milwaukee Brewers. It's a fitting nickname, given all the beer making going on in Wisconsin. It's certainly unlike any other team nickname.Click over for the whole list.
Magic Mike (New York, NY): Thanks for taking my question. It is a three part question. How come Bryan Sabatella can make the list as the #3 prospect in 2008, not get signed, and play in the Independent leagues again this year, and not make the list. Why do you think he couldn't get a shot during spring training in affiliated ball this past spring? Is there something someone at BA has heard about him that would make a team not want to at least give him a shot during spring training?Sabatella was a Rattler at the beginning of 2006.
J.J. Cooper: I haven't heard anything in particular, although Satabella's lack of power this year (two home runs in 400 at-bats) probably played a part in him staying in indy ball. Last year he was a plus runner who also showed some pop. Back when I ranked him in 2008 there were a couple of concerns that his bat was solid but not special because of his bat speed. This year he has a solid but unspectacular year that helped feed into those concerns, which is why he wasn't back on the list.
Joe (Newport News, VA): How would a team composed of the 20 or so best independent league prospects on your list fare in the NY-Penn lor Northwest leagues? The Midwest or Sally Leagues?This is about right. The age/experience difference would be huge if you took all of the former major league/AAAA players in the independent leagues. But, it's nothing that we need to worry about.
J.J. Cooper: I really like this question. I get asked all the time "what level is indy ball" which is a hard one to answer, but this is a much better way of looking at it. If you put together a team of the 25 best independent league players they should win a Sally League or Midwest League title because you'd have so many veterans who are just much more experienced than Class A players. You could have Jose Lima, Mac Suzuki, Armando Benitez and Bill Simas toying with 18-year-olds. If you took a team of "indy league prospects" I'd say they'd struggle because the indy league's 21-to-24 year olds are not nearly as deep as indy ball's depth of 26-to-30-year-old minor league veterans.
The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce caught considerable flak for the “It’s Better Here” promotion during the recession. In terms of American cities with minor-league professional sports, though, the chamber was on the mark.Then, I took a look at the list...which will be gotten to in a moment or two.
Peoria ranks sixth nationally in a survey of 239 minor-league markets conducted by Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal. Hershey-Harrisburg, Pa., ranked first.
“It’s a measure of stability,” said David Broughton of SportsBusiness Journal. “It’s built on the premise of how people in a market support their teams and how long they’ve supported those teams, through thick and thin.”
Each league studied for this project was asked to provide a list of its member teams’ territories or boundaries. Fifteen minor league teams had no designated boundary. In those cases, if the team shared a market with another minor league team, the same boundary was applied to each club. In the absence of a shared team, one of the 2,759 U.S. Census market designations was used.
Attendance was included for the five most recently completed seasons for leagues whose regular seasons finished by Aug. 9 of this year. For baseball teams, attendance was included for the 2005-08 seasons and for games played through Aug. 9 of this season. The Abilene, Texas; Alpine, Texas; Avon, Ohio; Bowling Green, Ky.; Houma, La.; Madison, Wis.; and Ypsilanti, Mich., markets, whose only teams are clubs playing in their inaugural season this year, were not included in the study.There is more there if you want to read about it...But, it would take a person involved in sports to explain it...um...er...Okay, so...Top 10 list, anyone?
Attendance figures used were based on team and league official reports, conversations with facility officials, and box scores. As is the case at all levels of organized sports, reported attendance can vary from being an actual turnstile count to number of tickets sold to number of tickets distributed. Ticket prices were not factored in.
The ranking also does not take into account other sports options in each market, such as racetracks, high-profile college programs or major junior hockey leagues. In addition, markets that are home to a major league franchise in addition to having a minor league team were not included in the ranking.
The first Rattler Alumni is down here at #27:14. Mat Gamel, OF, Brewers: A little more time in Class AAA, perhaps only a couple of months, likely separates Gamel from the chance to earn a spot in the major leagues. Gamel, 23, put up big numbers last year despite being hampered by an elbow injury. The Brewers don't have a clear everyday player at third among Bill Hall, Mike Lamb and Craig Counsell.
15. Matt LaPorta, OF, Indians: CC Sabathia is long gone from Cleveland, but the Indians have LaPorta to show for him after trading their former ace to the Brewers last summer. LaPorta, 24, was the seventh overall pick in 2007 and had been performing as such until the trade to the Indians. He hit .233 at Class AA Akron (Ohio) before going to play in the Beijing Games and followed that with a .164 average in the Dominican winter league. Those problems are nothing he can't shake off in spring training, and although it appears he will open the season at Class AAA, LaPorta will likely get a chance with the Indians at the first sign of trouble in Cleveland's outfield.
27. Bryan LaHair, 1B, Mariners: At 6-5, 220 pounds, LaHair has the frame to hit the long ball, and the Mariners coaches worked on helping him become more productive toward the end of last season. LaHair has a history of getting on base and hitting a lot of doubles, but at 26, it might be unrealistic to expect him to become a home run threat, considering he hit more than 16 only once in the minors (22 at Class A in 2005). Still, the Mariners have an opening at first base, and LaHair will be in the mix to fill it.I can't wait until the next guy is known more for his pitching than for the trade that brought him to his current organization:
47. Chris Tillman, RHP, Orioles: Tillman was acquired a year ago from the Mariners as a key part of the Erik Bedard trade. The right-hander has not disappointed, emerging as perhaps the Orioles' top pitching prospect. He averaged more than a strikeout an inning and less than a hit an inning last season. He has been durable since being drafted in the second round in 2006, making 28 starts each of the last two years. At age 20, Tillman is likely to open the year at Class AAA and should reach the majors during the season.Another Brewer farmhand can be found down here:
58. Alcides Escobar, SS, Brewers: If not for J.J. Hardy, Escobar would enter spring training with a legitimate shot at the Brewers' shortstop job. Even though he didn't turn 22 until December, Escobar hit .328 at Class AA and was voted the best defensive shortstop in the league. But unless the Brewers trade Hardy or make a position change with either player, Escobar will open the season at Class AAA. If he keeps hitting there though, the Brewers might be forced to find a spot for him.Back to the ex-Rattlers:
And, #100 on the list, but #1 for The Kid!72. Phillippe Aumont, P, Mariners: After being drafted in the first round in 2007, Aumont, 20, signed late and didn't make his pro debut until last year, pitching 552/3 innings at Class A. But Aumont, who stands 6-7, has overwhelming tools, including a 95-mph fastball. The Mariners have been conservative with him, so Aumont will have to force his way to the majors if he is to reach Seattle this year.
74. Luis Valbuena, 2B, Indians: Acquired from the Mariners in the 12-player, three-team deal in December that sent J.J. Putz to the New York Mets, Valbuena probably has the best offensive tools of any second baseman the Indians will have in camp this spring. He provides a nice mix of speed and the ability to hit for average and get on base. He has made 33 errors in 336 career minor league games in the field. Last year, he hit above .300 and had on-base percentage above .380, both career firsts as a professional. Valbuena, 23, likely won't make the team out of spring training but has a chance to play himself into a reserve role at some point.
78. Rob Johnson, C, Mariners: With Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement and Jamie Burke in the fold, Johnson, 25, likely will head back to Class AAA Tacoma (Wash.). He posted by far his finest offensive season there last year and already was accomplished defensively. But the status of Johjima and Clement will limit Johnson to a backup role at best.
100. Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B, Mariners: Incumbent Adrian Beltre expects to be healthy for 2008 after having surgery on his shoulder and thumb. However, if the Mariners, in full rebuilding mode after a 101-loss season, struggle again and trade Beltre, the third-base job could default to Tuiasosopo.
3. Pat Gillick, senior adviser, Philadelphia Phillies.Then, there's a familiar faces at #7:
As GM, he guided the Phillies to the 2008 World Series — his third. He became a Canadian citizen in November of 2005 after living in Toronto since 1976 and has always supported Canadian baseball. He led the Jays, Orioles, Mariners and the Phillies to post-season play 11 times in his final 20 seasons. He added Jamie Moyer, Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero, Joe Blanton, Matt Stairs, Jayson Werth, Greg Dobbs, Scott Eyre, J.C. Romero and Chad Durbin, who were all small pieces to complete the puzzle.
7. Doug Melvin, GM, Milwaukee Brewers.#9 is someone we hope to see in Appleton at some point in the next few months.
For a guy who used to throw indoors alongside future Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins, and never pitched in the majors he has done okay. The Chatham, Ont. native has seen his Brewers go from 56 wins in 2002 to 68, 67, 81, 75, 83 and 90 and a NL wild-card berth. Melvin had his contract extended by three years in October.
9. Brett Lawrie, catcher, Milwaukee Brewers.Another person who may be visiting Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium this season is at #27.
Ten months before the 2008 draft the Langley, B.C. product struggled with a move from third to behind the plate. How did he adjust? He was selected in the first round — 16th overall — by then Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik, the highest ever for a Canadian high school position player. Youngsters trying to decide between baseball and other sports should take note of Brett and his $1.7 million US signing bonus.
27. Gord Ash, assistant GM, Brewers.A Rattler from '08 is down at #65.
He is Melvin’s right-hand man with the Brewers, handling contract talks. The Toronto native has helped make the Brewers Canada’s team when it comes to the June draft: no less than nine Canadians are active in their system. Also part owner of the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team.
65. Phillippe Aumont, Mariners.You're going to have to click the link to find out where Midwest League alums like Justin Mourneau, Jason Bay, and Joey Votto rate on that list.
When MLB rated its top 50 Prospects for 2009, the Gatineau, Que. right-hander was 33rd. Aumont was at the Futures Games at Yankee Stadium but did not pitch due to an elbow ailment. The 6-foot-7 stud is a giant to Quebec players.
Slow year in Florence, SC?9. Jeffords in minor-league brawl
Lamar native Jeff Jeffords is involved in one of the biggest brawls in minor-league baseball history when the Dayton Dragons and Peoria Chiefs go at it during a Class A game in Dayton, Ohio, on July 24.
The 10-minute brawl starts in the first inning and results in both managers and 15 players being ejected from the game.
Peoria’s starting pitcher Julio Castillo, a 21-year-old native of the Dominican Republic, is arrested and charged with felonious assault after throwing a ball that hit a fan in the stands.
On Oct. 29, a grand jury indicts Castillo on two felony counts of felonious assault. The charges are second-degree felonies, each punishable by up to eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine. On Nov. 13, Castillo enters a not guilty plea.
Jeffords, a relief pitcher, finishes the season with a 3-6 record and a 3.39 earned run average in 40 appearances for Dayton. In 77 innings, he gives up 67 hits, walks 39 and strikes out 86. Jeffords also makes one appearance for Double-A Chattanooga.
It's that time of year again. Christmas is just a couple of days away, and over the next week, the two things you'll see are a bunch of bad Bowl games and a look back at the year that was 2008 in sports. We figured we'd get a head start on everyone else.
So, here we go, with the Top Ten Local Stories of 2008. It was a year that had a little bit of everything. Celebration, controversy, and sadness. It was certainly not a dull year in Wisconsin sports. So, here we go going from Number Ten to Number One. Let the debate begin!
Honorable Mention: UW-Whitewater.That's the only Honorable Mention? Maybe the debate should be about how this is a Top 11 list? Yeah, but it goes to 11! Can anyone think of a story that might possibly belong on this list? You'll have to click on that link up top to get Cliff's reasoning.
#10 - Ryan Braun Commits to Milwaukee#9 - Wisconsin Football Falls on Hard Times#8 - Senator Kohl Cleans House#7 - Tom Crean Leaves Marquette#6 - Yost Was Toast#5 - The Rise and Fall of the Packers#4 - CC Comes to Town#3 - Brett Retires#2 - Brett Comes Back, Wearing a Different Color Green#1 Brewers Make The Playoffs
3. PHILLIPPE AUMONT, RHP: Aumont's first pro season was a success, but the sore elbow that held him out for two months is a long-term concern considering the right-hander's natural three-quarters arm slot.Plenty more ex-Rattlers at the list.
Aumont's development of an effective breaking ball and his health are the only obstacles in his way. His mid-90s fastball with tremendous sink should carry the 2007 first-round draft pick a long way.
6. JUAN RAMIREZ, RHP: Ramirez's 91-94 mph fastball and developing breaking ball keep him near the top of the Mariners' depth charts. He might be the most polished of their high-ceiling pitching prospects.
"He had a heckuva year, and he was only 19 most of the season," said an AL farm director. "He threw strikes, and with quality stuff. He's got a chance to be a frontline starter."
7. MICHAEL PINEDA, RHP: Pineda, 19, could be the front-runner for the organization's minor league pitcher of the year after going 8-6 with a 1.95 ERA in 26 appearances, 21 starts. He fanned 128 and issued just 35 walks in 138 1/3 innings, and ended the season with a one-hit shutout with 14 strikeouts. Said a scout: "He's a higher-probability arm than you typically get in Low-A ball. He's very projectable with his long frame and the leverage he creates on his pitches. If the velocity takes a jump and he maintains his command, he's another frontline starting pitcher. "
15. NATHAN ADCOCK, RHP: Adcock was the Mariners' fifth-round selection in the 2006 draft and began to live up to much more than that in 2008. The 6-foot-5, 190-pound right-hander flashed above-average stuff and fanned more than a batter per inning pitched for Class A Wisconsin this season.
18. SHAWN KELLEY, RHP: Kelley's success in Double-A West Tennessee this season with a 2.11 ERA and 44 Ks in 42 2/3 innings has the right-hander set up for a potential big league role in 2009. Armed with a low-90s fastball, above-average breaking ball and solid control, Kelley is set to start the year in Triple-A Tacoma as a late-inning option.
24. DENNY ALMONTE, RF: Almonte's strikeouts are an enormous red flag, but the good news is that he does everything else well. He will work the count, sometimes too much, and has power to all fields. As a switch hitter, Almonte has more power as a lefty, but makes more contact as a righty.
