On Friday, John Sickels' guest on "Down On The Farm Friday" was Philadelphia Phillies Director of Minor Leagues Steve Noworyta. Here is a rundown of some of the top Phillies prospects discussed and the letter grade Mr. Sickels gave them in his The Baseball Prospect Book 2008 along with a blurb if the name is unfamiliar [to me].
- LHP Joe Savory B: His control issues were a result of "tight hips". If he pitches weel, he can be in AA in June
- LHP Josh Outman B: Headed towards middle relief in the majors
- RHP Carlos Carrasco B: Added maturity this year and sharpened his curveball. Could be called up to Philly if a starter is needed
- RHP Kyle Drabek C+: Appreciates what he lost after blowing his arm. Should be back on mound in August and come fast
- RHP Julian Sampson C+: Pitching at 92-95 and touching 97
could have gone in in second round [of 2007 draft]..a nice coup for the Phillies, and he could be/should be one of their best pitching prospects within two years.
- CF Greg Golson C+: has figured out how to take outside pitch to opposite field and taking more walks. Ready defensively
- RF Dominic Brown C: Speed there and expecting power to come. Reminds some of Darryl Strawberry
...selected in 20th round in 2006 out of high school...could have gone much higher in draft, but he had a football scholarship available at Miami...speed best attribute...doesn't translate his strength to power on the the field...strike zone judgment isn't terrible, and shows signs of getting better...
- OF Matt Spencer C+: In Florida State League and could jump to AA at All-Star break. Major Power
...a third round pick [in 2007 draft]...His power potential is impressive: he is strong enough to be a 30-homer guy, very valuable especially from the left side...
- 2B Adrian Cardenas B: A hitter who Noworyta stops to watch just like Chase Utley. The bat is there just waiting on defense.
- SS Jason Donald C+: Future utility player. Would have gotten the call if not injured when Jimmy Rollins was DL-ed
...doesn't have tremendous power, but he can pop something to the gaps frequently and will knock the occasional homer. His strike zone judgment is good, but he strikes out a bit more often than you'd like to see...qualifes as a sleeper.