Baseball America moves on to their South Atlantic League Top 20. Chris Marrero checks in at #5 and Justin Maxwell at #18. A sample …
Marrero … Marrero may have been the purest hitter in the SAL this season. He showed tremendous power to all fields while displaying impressive patience at the plate and the uncanny ability to put the barrel of the bat on the ball virtually every time he made contact. As a result, the ball jumped off his bat prior to his promotion to high Class A in mid-June. “He’s a great hitter who hits for average and power,” Hagerstown manager Tommy Herr said. “He’s not an all-around player just yet, and speed is not part of his game. But when he steps in the box, he performs because so far he has made the adjustments.”
Maxwell … After hitting just five homers in his 91-game pro debut, Maxwell finally started the same power he shows in batting practice during games. His swing can get long, leading to strikeouts, but he’s still productive. He uses his speed well in the outfield, where he saw time in center and left, and on the basepaths, where he was caught just eight times in steal attempts. “He’s one of the few true five-tool players you’ll see,” Herr said. “He does everything very well and he made a lot of improvements this season. He’s going to hit for a high average with some good power numbers and excellent defense. Justin could be a guy with 25 homers and 25 steals annually if he stays healthy.”
Kyle | 01-Oct-07 at 2:55 pm | Permalink
I never made it down to Woodbridge this summer, so I was very happy to see Maxwell on MASN during the September call-up. I can see why the organization is excited about him. He is very impressive and was not overmatched.
Brian Oliver | 01-Oct-07 at 3:34 pm | Permalink
and one Q/A from the chat
Q: What are your thoughts on SunsP-Nats OF Mike Daniel? He doesn’t seem to be a premium prospect but could he develop into a #4 OF?
A: Daniel looks like a guy who will develop more power as his body matures. He can play all three outfield positions and runs down balls throughout the garden. He’s also a high average hitter. I think you’re right on the money in that he isn’t a top prospect, but he’s definitely an above-average player who could be a productive fourth outfielder if he continues to develop.
dco | 02-Oct-07 at 9:40 am | Permalink
So I’m reading this book by ESPN.com writer Jerry Crasnick called “License to Deal.” Since it was written in 2003, it’s got a few mildly shocking paragraphs on the Expos. Including this:
“Earlier today, in white flag mode, Omar Minaya traded outfielder Carl Everett to the Chicago White Sox for a 6′11” pitching prospect named Jon Rauch. Mike Hinkley and Clint Everts are the future of the organization, whether the team moves to Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, or parts unknown.”
Funny how quickly things change.
longtimesunsfan | 02-Oct-07 at 10:34 am | Permalink
Q: for brian oliver
I watched several suns games this year and obviously maxwell, marrero, and mike daniel were the known players. But when they left the pitching kept them in ball games. Starters such a nunez, baldwin and wilkie,lugo out of the pen. I was just wondering who you thought would have a solid chance. and the strengths and weaknesses of the unknown guys such as lugo, baldwin, and wilkie.
Brian Oliver | 02-Oct-07 at 11:09 am | Permalink
The guy who I believe is a “prospect” for the Nationals is Jhonny Nunez. Guys like Baldwin, Lugo, and Wilkie are interesting guys who I believe end up as relief pitching options going forward (though I still hold out hope for Baldwin). The one thing that Dana Brown has been adept at doing is identifying guys who can turn into viable arms out of the bullpen.
I’d imagine all four of those guys will startin Potomac with Nunez and Baldwin in the starting rotation with Lugo and Wilkie out of the pen (I see Wilkie as one of their closers).
Pilchard | 02-Oct-07 at 11:30 am | Permalink
This was BA’s top 10 for the Sally League 5 years ago:
Interesting that there were 9 prospects rated ahead of David Wright. Although Wright is the only star (so far) of the group, 8 of the 10 have made it to the bigs.
longtimesunsfan | 02-Oct-07 at 12:38 pm | Permalink
Brian,
Baldwin to me i also a very interesting guy. I’ve seen him dominate teams and i have also seen him get hit around some.. But usually when he does get hits its because of extra outs in an inning. We all know the D in hagerstown was about as bad s it can get. I agree with Nunez as a prospect but i question his forititude sometimes. Guys like wilkie luga and baldwin all seem to “want it” and nunez comes across as a guy who is just their beacuse of his unbeliable talent ad arm. I really hope that the baldwins lugos jacksons and wilkies get a look.
The (holding out hope comment ha me somewhat confused)
I really think that the nationals have several guys that could help them in the future and from what i have seen alot of the guys are under the radar guys such as baldwin and wilkie. a late round guy and a free agent guy. I appreciate the immediate respones and i look forward to watching another year or prospects in hagerstown.
A DC Wonk | 02-Oct-07 at 5:07 pm | Permalink
Off topic — from the Nats web site: