-Dexter Sports
1:50 PM
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Buried in a draft class that included the likes of Justin Upton, Cameron Maybin, Andrew McCutchen, Chris Volstad, Ryan Braun, Ryan Zimmerman, Troy Tulowitski, Alex Gordon, Jacoby Ellsbury, Colby Rasmus, and Jay Bruce is a former catcher, that might have finally found his niche at the first base position.

Insert Brandon Snyder. While most of these names, who either went just ahead of him, or just after him in the first round of the 2005 draft, have found their way to the majors, or close to it, he has been busy trying to figure out a horrific 2006 season that saw him hit .194 for Orioles A ball affiliate, the Delmarva Shorebirds.

Drafted as the best catcher in the nation out of Westfield High School in Virginia, Snyder excelled in his first pro season. Hitting .271 in rookie ball, with a good control at the plate. A promotion to low A, led to a .393 performance in 28 at bats. Things seemed to be clicking. Until injuries struck the young catcher.

Much of the struggle of '06 for Snyder was due to injury. Snyder suffered a dislocated right shoulder and eventually a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder. His hitting ability obviously was hampered. During the 06' off-season, it was unknown if Snyder would recover. But after a move to first base, the youngter responded. The Orioles would name him the minor league comeback player of the year in 2007. Snyder put up 58 RBIs, and put together a solid .352 OBP. It seemed as though the prospect was on the right track. The Orioles then sent him to play in Hawaii in the winter. Snyder proved he was back, hitting .378, winning a batting title for the league. And if that wasn't enough proof, Snyder's 2008 was a testiment to his real value.

Snyder was part of the potent Fredrick Keys team in 2008 that included top prospect Matt Wieters and pitching prospects Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta. Snyder didn't dissapoint at first base, hitting an astonishing .315 with 80 runs batted in. His slugging percentage (.490) was the best of the Frederick squad that played more than 6 games. Currently he is hitting .393 with 4 RBIs on 11 hits for the Suprise Rafters of the Arizona Fall League.

Expect Snyder to be a big slugger for the AA Bowie Baysox in 2009. Snyder should be part of a huge nucleus of players flooding the Orioles between 2009 and 2012. I also wouldnt be surprised if Snyder is rushed. First baseman Kevin Millar will not be returning in 2009 and Aubrey Huff's contract expires after the 2009 season.

-Dexter Sports
11:56 PM
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This week's prospect profile, We will look at yet another Athletic arm.

For Sean Doolittle, hitting and pitching are both natural. Entering the 2007 draft, Doolittle was heralded as one of the best two way prospects. Many thought that his arm was his ticket to success in the majors, but yet again, the unconventional Billy Beane is proving most scouts wrong. In his short professional career, Doolittle is raking at the plate, and becoming a solid force in the outfield and at first base.

Drafted in the supplementary round of the draft, The A's reached a bit to obtain Doolittle, but it seems to be paying off. With HiA Stockton this year, Doolittle hit .305 with 18 long balls and 61 RBIs. But like many young talented prospects, Doolittle has been known to strike out way too much. In 86 games with the Stockton club, Doolittle had 99 strikeouts.

Now with the AA Midland Rockhounds, Doolittles success has slipped a bit. In 18 games, he is hitting .230, with 2 homers and again a high total of strikeouts. 19 of them in 18 games. But with experience, this issue can be erased.

"I’ve got to stop striking out I guess," said Doolittle. "I guess that’s one thing, but I think that’s coming. It’s a little bit of a byproduct of the more aggressive approach I’ve been taking. I feel like when I was in school I was a little bit more selective of everything. Now I’m really going up there trying to drive the ball and do some damage. Maybe I’m fouling off a pitch here and there early in the count and I’m falling behind and stuff. It’s not something that I’m really worried about, but right now if I had to say there’s an adjustment offensively, that would be probably the biggest thing."

At AA Midland, the lefty has settled in nicely at first base. Doolittle could be the future at the hot corner if Daric Barton doesn't pan out. With him and power hitting Chris Carter inching closer to the big leagues, the future of the A's offense looks spectacular.

Throw in probably the best pitching depth in the major leagues, and you have to believe that this team will be really good in years to come.

(quote taken from the baseball america prospect blog)

-Dexter Sports
12:41 PM
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For one Atlanta Braves shortstop, the game is a battle of being consistent. It's hitting two homers in one game for the first time. And then following that up the next day with a five strikeout performance against the same team. In his first pro season, he fan a total of 96 times in only 262 at bats. But, Brandon Hicks still put up 14 long balls and 21 doubles.

Coming out of San Jacinto Junior College in Texas, the six foot shortstop was only known as a defensive wizard. But he has began to prove people wrong. It has helped add more depth in the infield of an organization that is top heavy in outfield and pitching depth. People have labeled him the hardest worker in the organization. Imagine David Eckstein type grit with a projectable frame and major league ready defense and you have Hicks. Once he makes the right adjustments, Brent Lillibridge could lose the title as best shortstop in the organization.

So far, coming into this season, after hitting .188 for Peoria in the Arizona Fall League, Hicks has stretched out his stance to help him pick up on pitches better. So far, it hasn't improved him much. Hicks has struck out 106 times in 292 ABs. But the power is still there. In a tough park to hit the ball in the air, Hicks has gone deep 15 times and drove in 48 runs. After going undrafted in high school and junior college, Hicks is really showing that he could someday be a major leaguer.

I believe he will be in the majors by 2011 at shortstop. Though he has a big stature for the position and hits for so much power, I believe his defensive ability is going to be be the factor that keeps him there. I believe he will finish the rest of the season at HiA Myrtle Beach. Next season, we will see him suited up at the AA level.

You have to root for this guy. He is an underdog. Plus, He shares the same birthday as me

-Dexter Sports
1:25 PM
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Proper Name: Jacob D. McGee
Born: Aug. 6, 1986 in Sparks, Nev.
High School: Reed HS, Sparks, Nev.
Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 190
Bats: L Throws: L

For the Rays, pitching depth in the organization goes beyond David Price. Hurlers, such as Jake McGee are proving that this organization has turned the corner. It has been a long road, but success has finally become a reality for the other team in the sunshine state. For Mcgee, the story is the same as every prospect. He is hoping to make the jump to the next level.

Drafted out of High School in the 5th round of the 2004 Draft, McGee has developed pretty quickly. In 2006, after not getting off to the start the organization hoped him too, McGee led all of the Midwest league in strike outs. He piled up 171 in just 134 innings. Last year, he followed up that performance with 175 strikeouts in 140 innings between Hi A Vero Beach and AA Montgomery. That ranked fourth in all of the minor leagues.

Considered a power pitcher, McGee brings a 93-98 MPH fastball that seems nearly impossible to hit. That same fastball was rated the best in the Florida State League by the managers in 2007. His slider is also considered a top pitch. It has developed into a definitive pitch against lefties. McGee also throws a changeup that has continued to develop since the start of his professional career.

For the Rays, it will be a tough decision in the future on whether McGee projects better as a number two starter type or a power reliever. As most situations, McGee is starting so far in his career, but with a dominant fastball and a completely developed changeup, McGee could be a great setup type pitcher. He has also dominated lefties in the past (2007) at an amazing .147 clip.

With the trade deadline approaching and the Rays in contention, McGee could be a good bargaining prospect. He is the second best pitcher in the Rays system that hasn't made it to the major leagues.

ETA and Predictions: With Troy Percival not being a long time option and Al Reyes' contract expiring at the end of the season, it is possible that we could see McGee make the team out of spring training in 09 as a reliever. Gary Glover, Grant Belfour, Trevor Miller and J.P Howell are all under one year deals. The same is true with starters Matt Garza and Edwin Jackson. Being a small market team means that most likely, McGee will be in a Rays uniform by 2009.

McGee is currently pitching for AA Montgomery.

-Dexter Sports
11:15 AM
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Proper Name: Mathew Floyd Gamel
Born: July 26, 1985 in Jacksonville
High School: Bishop Kenny HS, Jacksonville
College: Chipola (Fla.) JC
Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 205
Bats: L Throws: R

Mat Gamel is a true testament to the job that scouting director Jack Zduriencik has done the past few years in the Milwaukee Brewers system. His staff has been able to assemble a competing team in a short amount of time. Starting in 2001 with the pick of JJ Hardy the Brewers have made solid early round picks. Prince Fielder, Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks, Yovani Gallardo, Tony Gwynn Jr, Ryan Braun and last year's first round pick Matt LaPorta among others have molded a weak system into a competitive organizaion. In his brilliant work, Jack Zduriencik has become one of the most trusted scouting directors in baseball. As Brewer Manager Ned Yost put it, "If Jack drafted Pee Wee Herman, I'd be feeling pretty good about it."

That confidence is what led to the drafting of Mat Gamel in the fourth round of the 2005 Draft. While following through on 2004 draft pick Darren Ford of Chipola (Fla.) Junior College, Mat Gamel's power bat was discovered. With the 4th round pick of the 2005 draft, the Brewers took a chance on Gamel and he has proved that it was well worth it.

Gamel has seen professional career soar since 2007. With the High A Brevard County Manatees, Gamel was able to put together a 33 game hitting streak, which was the longest in the Florida State League in the last 56 years. Gamel is already a professional hitter, that works counts and sprays the ball to all fields. He has enough power to develop into a perennial home run hitter and a strong enough arm to play third base. His defense though needs a lot of work to say the least. Last year he committed 53 errors in 128 games. After working on his defense this off-season, the Brewers sent Gamel to AA Huntsville to start 2008 as the everyday first baseman.

The lefty third baseman has responded to the call up. In 69 games, Gamel has hit .377 with 14 HRs and 62 RBIs. He has also excelled against left handed pitching, hitting .408 against southpaws.

My Predictions and ETA: Gamel should get a get a late call up when rosters expand and if he does well, could lock a major league spot by 2009. With JJ Hardy and Rickie Weeks on contract years, The Brewers could use Gamel as an everyday third basemen and move Bill Hall to either shortstop or second base depending. Gamel has also been rumored to be trade bait in many rumored deals the Brewers could make this season.

-Dexter Sports
10:56 PM
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Proper Name: Daniel Ross Moskos
Born: April 28, 1986 in Greenville, S.C.
High School: Unknown
College: Clemson
Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 210
Bats: R Throws: L

A controversial draft choice at the time, in 2007 the Pirates chose left handed reliever Daniel Moskos with the 4th pick of the draft instead of catcher Matt Wieters of Georgia Tech. Moskos was said to have starter type stuff, but then GM Dave Littlefield made it clear that Moskos would remain on the fast track as a reliever in the organization.

Though new management feels that Moskos is the future closer of this team, They have placed Moskos in the starting role alongside other young pitchers to make sure they maximize his talent. Moskos couldn't be happier.

"The other management probably wasn't going to let me do that," Moskos said of starting. "They strictly saw me as a reliever, so I'm excited that new management is going to give me a chance to start."

Moskos has a major league ready fastball that floats in the 91-95 MPH range. His arm is live and sees a lot of movement. Another major league ready pitch is his slider, which has a lot of bite at 87 MPH. Moskos also throws a changeup and curve that are not quite major league ready.

One issue that has been noticed is Mosko's lack of endurance. In his pro debut last year, Moskos barely hit 90 MPH on the gun and struggled mightily. The Pirates gave him the rest of the season off and now he is starting for HiA Lynchburg. In 12 starts, Moskos has a 5-3 record with a 4.55 ERA. But what is important is his walk to strike out ratio. Daniel Moskos has sat down 41 hitters compared to walking 19. He has also given up 31 runs in 61 innings. Though it isn't completely pleasant, it is promising. Moskos should continue to develop into a decent starter. If not, we could see him in the bullpen as soon as 2009.

-Dexter Sports
11:47 AM
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Proper Name: Wade Matthew LeBlanc
Born: Aug. 7, 1984 in Lake Charles, La.
School: Alabama Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 190
Bats: L Throws: L

Wade LeBlanc has always been on the fast track to the Major Leagues. Like Tim Lincecum, Mark Prior and Andrew Miller before him, this lefty's fastball is way above average, his off speed is near major league ready, and the San Diego Padres considered him as the 5th starter in spring training just one year after being drafted. Later in this season, Leblanc could be the next power pitcher to make a name for himself as a major leaguer.

Baseball America's Freshman of the Year in 2004, LeBlanc led Alabama with a 8-4 record in his freshman campaign, with a 2.08 ERA. He missed most of his sophomore season due to injury, but he came back strong his junior season leading the Crimson Tide to the super regionals. Leblanc's success continued as a professional. Last year, he led the Padres organization in strike outs (145) and ended up with 13 wins and a 2.95 ERA in time at HiA and AA.

LeBlanc's signature pitch is his change up, which is an 80 on the scouting scale, has fooled batters whether it has been thrown in the dirt or for a strike. Since Leblanc's fastball only reaches 90 MPH, it is imperative for Leblanc to work his change and curve ball to perfection. Like many young starters, Leblanc has a hard time maintaining his mechanics in points of the game but is quickly improving in that aspect.

Making his debut at AAA Portland at the beginning of the season, LeBlanc put up 11 strikeouts, tying the Portland record. He settled in and only gave up four hits and struck out 6 of his first 8 hitters. Leblanc is very close to being an everyday major leaguer.

My Projections and ETA:

I believe that LeBlanc will be up by mid July, especially with the Padres struggles so far this season. If Greg Maddux is dealt or Chris Young and Jake Peavy stay out for longer than expected, LeBlanc is the best option for the Padres. Ultimately I believe that LeBlanc becomes a solid middle rotation type of pitcher that can dominate against lefty lineups. He will hold the third spot of that rotation for a long time into the future. That is saying something, considering the two men who will be in front of him. The Padres could have the best rotation for the next decade.

-Dexter Sports
9:29 AM
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Proper Name: Vernon Christopher Carter
Born: Dec. 18, 1986 in Redwood City, Calif.
High School: Sierra Vista HS, Las Vegas
Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 210
Bats: R Throws: R

This Chris Carter will not go deep and beat a corner to win you a game. He will not hit for a high average and he might not be the best defensive first baseman prospect in baseball, but in his short time as a professional baseball player he has shown his ability to drive the ball out of the ball park. That is why Billy Beane of the Oakland A's needed him in order to complete the deal with Arizona for Dan Haren.

This Winter was tough for Chris Carter. Within 11 days he was a member of two different teams, after being part of a package for Carlos Quentin and then quickly being dealt with prospect Carlos Gonzalez among others to the Athletics.

In 273 career games before this season, Carter has hit 51 homers. Throw in the fact that he had a .522 slugging percentage in 2007 with 23 homers and 93 RBIs is why he is so valuable to a small market team like the A's. Carter projects long term as a designated hitter because of his lack of ability as a fielder. In 73 games in the field, Carter made 11 errors.


Billy Beane has found another prospect that isn't the complete package, but will have a huge impact some day in the Majors. Carter could be the best pure power prospect this organization has seen since Miguel Tejada and Eric Chavez. Carter already has 11 homers and 29 RBIs for HiA Stockton this season. Look for a call up to AA soon.

My Predictions and ETA:

I believe we will begin to see Carter as an everyday player in 2009 as the regular designated hitter or left fielder depending on his development as a fielder. I think it is safe to say that Carter could end the trend of bringing in veteran players for a cheap price to be a designated hitter (Mike Piazza, Frank Thomas, Mike Sweeney). Some scouts have compared Carter to Jermaine Dye. If Carter can become a better average hitter, which he is working on, and continues to muscle the ball out almost regularly then the sky is the limit for Carter. I believe he will project as at least an equal if not better hitter than Jermaine Dye has been in his career. Remember the name Chris Carter. He will be hitting moonshots in a ballpark near you anytime soon.

-Dexter Sports
2:18 PM
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Elvis Andrus, SS Born: Aug. 26, 1988
B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-0Wt: 185

Elvis Andrus has been a prize in scouts eyes since the young age of 17. IN 2005, the Atlanta Braves gave Elvis Andrus a chance to lead its organization in the future and signed the young shortstop in 2005. Since then, with the emergence of Yunel Escobar and the need of an offensive presence in 2007, The Braves gave him up to the Rangers along with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia for Mark Teixeira and reliever Ron Mahay. He has become the best prospect in the Rangers organization and for many reasons.

Andrus is known as a solid defensive shortstop with a plus arm and great range, but what makes him so interesting is the improvement of his bat. Andrus brings a short swing to the plate, that has improved so much over the years that he projects to hit 10-20 homers a year in the majors. Include the fact that his base running ability has vastly imporved and that he is a great leader on the field, there are many reasons why the Rangers should love this kid.

Andrus hit .353 in the Arizona Fall League as the youngest player and showed at the plate that he can improve his swing per at bat. This improvement projects him into a solid number 2 hitter someday for the Rangers and I think that day will come sooner rather than later.

With Micheal Young signed long term in Texas, I believe it will still be two seasons before we see Andrus full time. In 2010, I believe we will see Young move over to third or the Outfield to make room for this youngster. Andrus will be a big force in the Rangers future. Hopefully one that sees better results. Andrus is hitting .271 with 15 RBIs with AA Frisco.

-Dexter Sports
1:27 PM
Jeff Clement, c
Born: Aug. 21, 1983
• B-T: L-R • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 210

Clement has been an offensive skills have far exceeded his defense thus far. Clement, a 2002 Draft Pick of the Twins, who then opted to play for USC instead, was taken third in the 2005 draft by the Seattle Mariners. Clement has seen some time in the Mariners Clubhouse as a DH, and that looks like where his path to the majors is leaning, now that the Mariners have signed Kenji Johjima to a three year extension.

Clement has consistent power to all fields and can work pitchers into deep counts, which is a great attribute for a young catcher. Oddly, Clement hits from the left side and that could be a plus for the Mariners, especially if he remains at catcher in the future. His hitting is Major League ready, but his catching is a different story. The mariners have been working with him to improve this issue and it seems to be going well. Either way, he will either have to learn a new position or become the teams designated hitter in 2009 or late 08. Clement hit 20 homers and 80 Rbis in AAA Tacoma last year.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Jeff Clement take over at first base for the departing Richie Sexon in 2009. This could be a vast improvement over Sexson's struggling average and consistent failing seasons in Seattle. Expect Clement to learn a bit of first base late in the year or early this off season.

-Dexter Sports
3:14 PM

Radhames Liz has seen his ups and downs in his short minor league career. He has been a part of two no hitters, one on his lonesome for the class A Fredrick Keys. Times only got better as Lyz was named the Orioles minor league pitcher of the year in 2007 and hitters continued to struggle against him. The Orioles, just looking for a start in a horrific season, called up Liz to give him a look after a great season in AA Bowie. In the august call up, Liz went 0-3 with a 6.93 ERA , striking out 23 in the meantime walking 25. Liz's struggles made it evident that the youngster was rushing and still adapting to major league hitters.

Liz has a plus fastball that ranges anywhere from 94-97 MPH with a devastating curve ball and great change when he controls them. His control has been a big issue, and in order to address it the orioles have shortened up liz's windup to give him better control. The results have looked good, as Liz continues to throw more strikes. Liz ranked second in the eastern league in strikeouts last year with 161. Liz has been often compared to converted reliever Carlos Marmol, and when it comes down to it, the Orioles will soon have to make a decision whether he is more valuable as a reliever or starter in this league. Liz is currently starting for the AAA Norfolk Tides.

My Projection: I see Liz getting one more run at the starting rotation, either as a replacement for Jim Johnson, who is filling in for the injured Adam Loewen or when the Orioles actually replace Daniel Cabrera. If the orioles are out of contention by July, then we can expect to see Liz no matter what the cost. I ultimately think Liz's best value is as a closer or set up man. If he could harness his pitch control, then the sky is the limit and it would be really tough to face this right hander. This could also become an option if the Orioles trade away George Sherrill or anyone in the pen.

- Dexter Sports
12:44 PM

This week's prospect profile yet again looks at a third baseman, with a talent ceiling far exceeding any in his organization, yet he is blocked from the majors by a big power bat. Lets take a look at Cubs Third Baseman Josh Vitters.

Vitters comes into 08 after being drafted with the third pick of the 2007 Major League Draft. Ranked as the top high school player going into the 07 draft, Vitters proved last year to many scouts that he was worth the pick, even though the Cubs are armed with slugging third baseman Aramis Ramirez until 2011.

Though Vitters is a bit rusty due to a complete summer hold out until late august, the 18 year old has a beautiful swing and rates as a 70 on the 20-80 scale. I predict that Vitters will make the parent club by 2010 at the latest. I see him making a run in spring training of '09 either as a First Baseman or Outfielder. Vitters will open up with the Peoria Chiefs

-Dexter Sports
11:33 AM

The Specs:

Proper Name: Ian Kenneth Stewart
Born: April 5, 1985 in Long Beach
High School: La Quinta HS, Westminster, Calif.
Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 205
Bats: L Throws: R

Ian Stewart isn't your prototypical third base prospect. Yes, he has a lot of pop in his bat, a good glove and a great knack to get on base, but unlike many other third base prospects, Such as the graduated Ryan Braun or David Wright, or Ray's godsend Evan Longoria, Stewart has someone standing in his way that has been a a major part of the offensive success in Colorado. Garrett Atkins is what holds back Stewart. But Stewart isn't letting it get to him. He has began to learn second base and center field, just in cast those positions open up.

Stewart was the 10th overall pick of 2003, after him and then La Quinta High School teammate Ian Kennedy came together to win the California Southern title. While Kennedy committed to local University of Southern California, Stewart opted to go professional right out of high school. Stewart was a monster hitter in high school and set records in orange county his senior year, accumulating 61 RBIs to go along with 16 homers. His success though, has been accompanied with his struggles in the minor leagues.

Though in 2004 Stewart hit 30 home runs in low a ball, he has struggled to remain consistent throughout his minor league career. Though the lefty is known as a great hitter against southpaws, he has seen little time in the majors.

With that being said, I project that we see Ian Stewart regularly in 2009 as the starting third baseman of the Rockies. That would mean that slugger Garrett Atkins would move to first and slugging Todd Helton- who some consider the face of Rockies Baseball, will be used as a pinch hitter and occasional starter. Also, if Jayson Nix struggles he could start at second base by mid-July.