Jim Callis' Ask BA column answers how the Rangers' system looks post-trading deadline. Given SP Kason Gabbard and C/1B Jarrod Saltalamacchia will not qualify because their rookie eligibility will be exhausted this season, it still looks like the Rangers have done well in restocking their system. The prospects acquired in the Teixeira, Gagne and Lofton trades are bolded.
Mr. Callis also provides his thoughts on the rash of pitching success in the Red Sox and Yankees AA teams. Click through to read the whole thing.
1. Eric Hurley, rhp
Never got the hype of the DVD trio but will eclipse them all.
2. Blake Beavan, rhp (2007 first-rounder)
6-foot-7 frame, mid-90s fastball, nasty slider make for intimidating combo.
3. Kasey Kiker, lhp
2006 first-rounder may not be big, but he's a lefty with three quality pitches.
4. Johnny Whittleman, 3b
Has rebounded from disastrous 2006 to become best bat in system.
5. Taylor Teagarden, c
Hitting better than expected; needs to get healthy go he can go behind plate again.
6. Elvis Andrus, ss
Slick fielder has much to prove with the bat, but he's still 18.
7. Michael Main, rhp (2007 first-rounder)
Has best pure velocity in system but needs to add polish, reduce effort.
8. Julio Borbon, of (2007 supplemental first-rounder)
Easily the best college center fielder in the 2007 draft.
9. Omar Poveda, rhp
Held his own in low Class A last year at age 18; tearing it up this year at 19.
10. Joaquin Arias, ss
Shoulder surgery wiped out his season, but he still has lots of tools and is just 22.
11. German Duran, 2b
Has come out of nowhere to hit .311 with 21 homers in Double-A.
12. Chris Davis, 3b
Best power hitter in system will have to answer questions about contact, defense.
13. Fabio Castillo, rhp
Crown jewel of club's strong international push in 2006 can touch 97 mph.
14. Neftali Feliz, rhp
Had best fastball in Braves system, reaching mid-90s with ease.
15. Matt Harrison, lhp
Polished lefty needs to prove his shoulder is healthy, then miss some more bats.
16. John Mayberry Jr., of
Owns legitimate power but can be exploited by more advanced pitchers.
17. Marcus Lemon, ss
$1 million fourth-rounder is showing solid tools (except for power) in first full season.
18. Max Ramirez, c
Futures Gamer would rank higher if he had the defense to be an everyday catcher.
19. Neil Ramirez, rhp (2007 supplemental first-rounder)
Stock slipped during inconsistent spring, but he'll flash a plus fastball and curve.
20. Engel Beltre, of
Very raw but has drawn comparisons to Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Darryl Strawberry.
Never got the hype of the DVD trio but will eclipse them all.
2. Blake Beavan, rhp (2007 first-rounder)
6-foot-7 frame, mid-90s fastball, nasty slider make for intimidating combo.
3. Kasey Kiker, lhp
2006 first-rounder may not be big, but he's a lefty with three quality pitches.
4. Johnny Whittleman, 3b
Has rebounded from disastrous 2006 to become best bat in system.
5. Taylor Teagarden, c
Hitting better than expected; needs to get healthy go he can go behind plate again.
6. Elvis Andrus, ss
Slick fielder has much to prove with the bat, but he's still 18.
7. Michael Main, rhp (2007 first-rounder)
Has best pure velocity in system but needs to add polish, reduce effort.
8. Julio Borbon, of (2007 supplemental first-rounder)
Easily the best college center fielder in the 2007 draft.
9. Omar Poveda, rhp
Held his own in low Class A last year at age 18; tearing it up this year at 19.
10. Joaquin Arias, ss
Shoulder surgery wiped out his season, but he still has lots of tools and is just 22.
11. German Duran, 2b
Has come out of nowhere to hit .311 with 21 homers in Double-A.
12. Chris Davis, 3b
Best power hitter in system will have to answer questions about contact, defense.
13. Fabio Castillo, rhp
Crown jewel of club's strong international push in 2006 can touch 97 mph.
14. Neftali Feliz, rhp
Had best fastball in Braves system, reaching mid-90s with ease.
15. Matt Harrison, lhp
Polished lefty needs to prove his shoulder is healthy, then miss some more bats.
16. John Mayberry Jr., of
Owns legitimate power but can be exploited by more advanced pitchers.
17. Marcus Lemon, ss
$1 million fourth-rounder is showing solid tools (except for power) in first full season.
18. Max Ramirez, c
Futures Gamer would rank higher if he had the defense to be an everyday catcher.
19. Neil Ramirez, rhp (2007 supplemental first-rounder)
Stock slipped during inconsistent spring, but he'll flash a plus fastball and curve.
20. Engel Beltre, of
Very raw but has drawn comparisons to Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Darryl Strawberry.