winninguglyin83

boles is excellent. And I believe he is from Chicago originally so it makes much sense. bring him on. NOW

Yes. without a team. And, more importantly, without a paycheck. I'll tell you what KW likes the most about Grilli -- he'll pitch for the minimum.

In four-plus seasons, he has rarely shown the toughness and consistency to be more than a .500 pitcher. A Number four or five starter -- at best.

Garland was great in the International League. But he has not gotten a bit better in four-plus big league seasons.

This is quickly becoming a very sad story. Maggs is one of my all-time Sox favorites. I sincerely hope his career was not ruined by the collision with Willie Harris. all the best to Maggs.

Thanks. One other thing: The dude from Baseball America who wrote the story is doing a live chat on the list at 2 EDT. Sorry, one more thing. Says a lot about the Sox season that looking at these prospect lists is the most enjoyment we have had in three months. Sad, but freakin true.

Here is the story: Note prospect Number 13. I wonder if he is the son of Billy BoSox of 1986 World Series fame. Rookie-level Pioneer League is traditionally hitter-friendly, and that was the case even more than usual in 2004. Twenty-four hitters who qualified for the batting title posted averages of .300 or better, while 12 players reached double figures in home runs. As for the pitchers, just one qualifier finished the year with a sub-3.00 ERA. Great Falls led all teams with a 4.24 ERA, and Billings had the only other staff that came in below 5.00. "It's a more offensive-oriented league this year," said Casper manager P.J. Carey, a five-year veteran of the PL. "We saw more offense than the pitching that we've had in the past." Our Top 20 Prospects list reflects the nature of the league, as it starts with four straight position players. Casper featured the No. 1 prospect for the second straight year, with shortstop Chris Nelson following on the heels of third baseman Ian Stewart. 1. CHRIS NELSON, ss, Casper Rockies Age: 19 Ht: 5-11 Wt: 175 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Rockies '04 (1) AB: 147 R: 36 H: 51 2B: 6 3B: 3 HR: 4 RBI: 20 BB: 20 SO: 42 SB: 6 CS: 5 AVG: .347 OBP: .432 SLG: .510 Less than a year removed from Tommy John surgery, Nelson made a quick comeback during the spring and became the ninth overall pick in the draft. Though his two-way aspirations came to an end—he was armed with a mid-90s fastball before hurting his elbow—he has star potential at shortstop. Nelson's short, quick righthanded swing has been likened to Gary Sheffield's—the gold standard of comparisons from scouts. He has good balance at the plate and allows pitches to get deep before unleashing his hands and wrists, making consistent, hard contact. He also has above-average speed. Nelson spent much of the summer as Casper's DH in order to preserve his arm, which, naturally, was sore at times. When he played shortstop, he showed one of the best throwing arms in the league and good range. He'll need to get to grounders a little further out in front of his body. 2. BLAKE DeWITT, 3b, Ogden Raptors (Dodgers) Age: 19 Ht: 5-11 Wt: 175 B-T: L-R Drafted/Signed: Dodgers '04 (1) AB: 299 R: 61 H: 85 2B: 19 3B: 3 HR: 12 RBI: 47 BB: 28 SO: 78 SB: 1 CS: 1 AVG: .284 OBP: .350 SLG: .488 Rated the best pure hitter among high school players in the 2004 draft, DeWitt lived up to that billing in his pro debut. He put together a 19-game hitting streak in his first month in the minors, and scouts and managers considered him the league's most polished hitter. DeWitt showed exceptional bat speed and plus power. His swing allows the bat to stay in the strike zone for a long time. Once he learned to stay back on breaking balls, he began driving balls to all fields. He's a lefthanded hitter who can handle lefties with aplomb (.338 average), and he became more selective as the summer wore on. A shortstop in high school, DeWitt will play third base professionally. He's raw defensively but showed improvement with experience. His arm strength, athleticism and work ethic should allow him to make the switch. 3. SEAN RODRIGUEZ, ss, Provo Angels Age: 19 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Angels '03 (3) AB: 225 R: 64 H: 76 2B: 14 3B: 4 HR: 10 RBI: 55 BB: 51 SO: 62 SB: 9 CS: 3 AVG: .338 OBP: .486 SLG: .569 Rodriguez has solid all-around tools and an innate feel for the game, as might be expected from the son of a hitting coach in the Marlins system. He was named league MVP and was widely considered the most complete player in the PL. Rodriguez' patience was the best in the league and uncommonly advanced for a 19-year-old. He struggled at Class A Cedar Rapids, striking out 54 times in 196 at-bats, but prospered after joining Provo in late June. He should improve his production when he learns to use the entire field more frequently. His arm plays well at both positions on the left side of the infield and he gets to his share of balls at shortstop, though his range and speed aren't as good as fellow Angels shortstop prospects Erick Aybar, Alberto Callaspo and Brandon Wood. The Angels plan on working him out at catcher in instructional league, and they believe his athleticism and instincts will play well behind the plate. 4. BILLY BUTLER, 3b, Idaho Falls Chukars (Royals) Age: 18 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 225 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Royals '04 (1) AB: 260 R: 74 H: 97 2B: 22 3B: 3 HR: 10 RBI: 68 BB: 57 SO: 63 SB: 5 CS: 0 AVG: .373 OBP: .486 SLG: .596 Like DeWitt, Butler lived up to his reputation. Considered the top high school power hitter in the draft, he ranked second in the PL with 35 extra-base hits. DeWitt outhomered Butler 12-10, though Butler has more present raw power and future power. His hitting mechanics, while unorthodox, elicit consistent, hard contact and tremendous loft. He won the batting title with a .376 average. "The bat he has coming out of high school is obviously very attractive," Idaho Falls manager Brian Rupp said. "It's a little bit different. I don't think you necessarily teach a kid to hit the way he does. He has a toe tap and a leg kick that make his timing good. He gets the bat through the zone on time the majority of the time, and that is what is kind of scary." Butler's barrel-chested build drew concerns from some managers and he's poor defensively. He was ambitiously drafted as a third baseman but probably will have to move to first base in his near future, though the Royals maintain they'll continue his development at third base. Scouts criticized his immaturity as well. 5. RAY LIOTTA, lhp, Great Falls White Sox Age: 21 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 220 B-T: L-L Drafted/Signed: White Sox '04 (2) W: 5 L: 1 ERA: 2.54 G: 14 SV: 0 IP: 63.2 H: 59 HR: 1 BB: 28 SO: 65 AVG: .248 Liotta transferred from Tulane to Gulf Coast (Fla.) CC so he could enter the 2004 draft as a sophomore, a move that paid off with the White Sox drafting him in the second round. He easily won the league ERA title at 2.54, thanks to a live, low-90s fastball and an improving curveball. Unlike most first-year players in the PL, Liotta repeats his delivery and has sound mechanics. Scouts love his strong 6-foot-3, 220-pound build. He struggled getting pitches in on righthanders early in the year, and he's still working on his rudimentary changeup. 6. SCOTT ELBERT, lhp, Ogden Raptors (Dodgers) Age: 19 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 190 B-T: L-L Drafted/Signed: Dodgers '04 (1) W: 2 L: 3 ERA: 5.26 G: 12 SV: 0 IP: 49.2 H: 47 HR: 5 BB: 30 SO: 45 AVG: .253 As with DeWitt, the Dodgers drafted Elbert in the first round out of a Missouri high school. The first prep lefty selected this year, Elbert didn't make as smooth a transition as DeWitt. He didn't pitch as aggressively as he did as an amateur, leading to high pitch counts and too many walks. There's still plenty to like, however, and Elbert should improve his approach following a stint in instructional league. He has good life and movement on his mid-90s fastball, decent feel for a slider he began throwing regularly for the first time this year, and an average changeup. His arm works loose and easy, and the ball explodes out of his hand. 7. CORY DUNLAP, 1b, Ogden Raptors (Dodgers) Age: 20 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 230 B-T: L-L Drafted/Signed: Dodgers '04 (3) AB: 245 R: 57 H: 86 2B: 18 3B: 1 HR: 7 RBI: 53 BB: 68 SO: 40 SB: 0 CS: 0 AVG: .351 OBP: .492 SLG: .518 The Dodgers have placed at least three players on our PL Top 10 in each of the last three years. Dunlap helped keep that streak going after signing as a third-round pick in June, a year after going undrafted as a junior college freshman. He hit .523 at Contra Costa JC in the spring to win the California community college batting title, then led the league with a .492 on-base percentage. His best tool is his bat. He has a simple, pure stroke from the left side and has a knack for finding the gaps in the outfield. As Dunlap improved on covering the inside part of plate, he showed power potential, and he projects to hit 25-30 homers annually. "He's a pure hitter," Carey said. "His stroke reminds you of Tony Gwynn. You have to pitch him in but he's learning how to hit that pitch where early in the season he hit everything the other way. He wears you out with balls away." Dunlap is an adequate defender at first base. He showed improvement around the bag and displayed an average if inaccurate arm. 8. SAM DEDUNO, rhp, Casper Rockies Age: 21 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 150 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Rockies FA '03 (Dominican Republic) W: 6 L: 4 ERA: 3.18 G: 15 SV: 0 IP: 76.1 H: 62 HR: 3 BB: 32 SO: 118 AVG: .216 Deduno turned a corner in his second pro season. He developed his curveball and learned how to set hitters up, easily leading the PL in strikeouts (118 in 76 innings) and strikeout per nine innings (13.9). He also was named the league's pitcher of the year. "He gave us fits," Rupp said. "He's not a big guy but he knows how to pitch. Nothing he does is overpowering but he mixes his pitches well and he has good offspeed stuff. He continually keeps hitters off balance." Deduno gets ahead of hitters with his low-90s fastball and hard-biting curveball that he'll throw in any count. Not only did hitters struggle to make contact against him, they rarely hit him hard when they did put balls in play. 9. LUIS COTA, rhp, Idaho Falls Chukars (Royals) Age: 19 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 180 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Royals D/F '03 (10) W: 2 L: 1 ERA: 5.81 G: 13 SV: 0 IP: 48.0 H: 61 HR: 5 BB: 21 SO: 40 AVG: .311 The Royals drafted Cota in the 10th round in 2003, then signed him for $1.05 million (a record for his round) in May. His fastball soared up to 97 mph while he was winning Arizona juco player-of-the-year honors at South Mountain Community College. The native Panamanian wasn't at his best in the PL after logging 93 innings during the spring. His fastball sat at 92 mph and peaked at 94. He also struggled with his control. Cota's flaws were typical of a tired pitcher in his first pro season. He should take off after getting some rest and some more experience. His mechanics are clean, and his second-best pitch is a tight slider with good late movement. 10. SETH SMITH, of, Casper Rockies Age: 22 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 215 B-T: L-L Drafted/Signed: Rockies '04 (2) AB: 233 R: 46 H: 86 2B: 21 3B: 3 HR: 9 RBI: 61 BB: 25 SO: 47 SB: 9 CS: 1 AVG: .369 OBP: .427 SLG: .601 Smith entered 2004 as one of the top college hitting prospects for the draft before slumping. But after he served as Eli Manning's backup at quarterback for three years at Mississippi, most scouts believe Smith will reach his considerable upside now that football is out of the picture. Blessed with excellent hand-eye coordination, Smith makes consistent, hard contact and projects to hit for power. He has a knack for driving in runs and his other tools play well. He has average speed and arm strength, profiling as a right fielder. "He's learned a lot this summer," Carey said. "He's learned about his capabilities as a hitter and he could be an exciting offensive player." 11. JOSH WAHPEPAH, rhp, Helena Brewers Age: 20 Ht: 6-5 Wt: 195 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Brewers '04 (3) W: 4 L: 2 ERA: 4.40 G: 15 SV: 2 IP: 47.0 H: 58 HR: 3 BB: 17 SO: 35 AVG: .307 One of the top draft-and-follows this spring after the Tigers took him in the 18th round last June, Wahpepah turned down Detroit before getting redrafted in the third round by the Brewers and signing for $400,000. He was tired and had his workload monitored carefully this summer, but the life in his arm was evident. A full-blooded Native American, Wahpepah pitches off a heavy sinker that sat between 88-92 mph in the PL and touched 95 mph during the spring. His slider has the potential to become a plus pitch, while his changeup needs refinement. Wahpepah has a very deceptive delivery that makes it difficult for hitters to pick up his pitches. But scouts aren't crazy about his arm action, wondering if it will prevent him from improving his control and secondary offerings. 12. B.J. SZYMANSKI, of, Billings Mustangs (Reds) Age: 22 Ht: 6-5 Wt: 215 B-T: B-R Drafted/Signed: Reds '04 (2) AB: 81 R: 13 H: 21 2B: 4 3B: 2 HR: 3 RBI: 17 BB: 9 SO: 26 SB: 2 CS: 1 AVG: .259 OBP: .330 SLG: .469 Szymanski went two picks ahead of Smith and also has a college football background, having played wide receiver at Princeton. Considered the best athlete among college position players in the 2004 draft, Szymanski had his pro debut shortened by a nagging quadriceps strain. He missed almost three weeks and was shut down in early August, then returned to Princeton to work toward his undergraduate degree. When healthy, Szymanski is a dynamic player with speed and power. He drives balls into both alleys and projects to hit for above-average power. He's savvy, possesses good instincts and is a solid defensive center fielder. He needs to shorten his swing a bit and close his front side on throws from the outfield. 13. BILLY BUCKNER, rhp, Idaho Falls Chukars (Royals) Age: 21 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 215 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Royals '04 (2) W: 2 L: 2 ERA: 3.93 G: 8 SV: 0 IP: 34.1 H: 44 HR: 4 BB: 8 SO: 37 AVG: .317 One of seven players from South Carolina's College World Series team to be drafted in 2004, Buckner was pitching himself into the first round before mononucleosis sidelined him for a month. He wasn't at full strength down the stretch, so the Royals were able to grab him in the second round. He made a better impression in the PL than either of Kansas City's first-round pitchers, lefties Matt Campbell and J.P. Howell. Buckner's top pitch is his curveball, a true 12-to-6 breaker that induces strikeouts. He also has a plus fastball that sits in the low 90s, and his changeup also is above average at times. Buckner aggressively throws strikes, though he needs to improve his location after PL opponents hit .317 against him. 14. BRIAN McFALL, of, Idaho Falls Chukars (Royals) Age: 20 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 205 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Royals '03 (3) AB: 262 R: 64 H: 95 2B: 23 3B: 1 HR: 14 RBI: 68 BB: 30 SO: 64 SB: 23 CS: 2 AVG: .363 OBP: .438 SLG: .618 While statistics carry much less weight than tools in evaluating Rookie-level players, McFall's performance this summer was noteworthy. After hitting .172 in the low Class A Midwest League to start the year, he was demoted to Idaho Falls and worked diligently to improve his approach at the plate. He succeeded, as he led he PL in doubles (23), RBIs (68), extra-base hits (38), slugging (.618) and stolen bases (23). McFall has a strong upper body, and when he extends his arms he shows plus power to all fields. He hit for a high average despite striking out 64 times in 68 games, but he'll have to make better contact at higher levels. He has slightly above-average speed, though he's not a burner. After moving from first base to the outfield this year, he has work to do to improve his defensive skills. He profiles best as a left fielder. 15. MITCHELL ARNOLD, rhp, Provo Angels Age: 22 Ht: 6-9 Wt: 230 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Angels D/F '02 (23) W: 2 L: 0 ERA: 2.48 G: 25 SV: 13 IP: 32.2 H: 12 HR: 1 BB: 14 SO: 41 AVG: .112 In his third season of pro ball, Arnold finally took steps toward realizing his potential as a late-inning reliever. PL hitters couldn't handle him, batting just .112 with one homer against him. The 6-foot-8 Arnold throws downhill with a fastball that sits at 92-93 mph and touches 96. He complements his heater with a nasty split-finger fastball. "This guy’s not fun to hit off of," Provo manager Tom Kotchman said. Arnold likes to work quickly, though at times he works too quickly and his mechanics go awry. He did a better job of not rushing his delivery this summer and started throwing more strikes after control problems had plagued him in his first two years. 16. ANDREW TOUSSAINT, 3b/dh, Provo Angels Age: 22 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 175 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Angels '04 (13) AB: 194 R: 39 H: 56 2B: 12 3B: 2 HR: 12 RBI: 52 BB: 34 SO: 68 SB: 6 CS: 4 AVG: .289 OBP: .411 SLG: .557 Even without Rickie Weeks, who went second overall in the 2003 draft, Southern University continues to produce talent. Seven Jaguars were drafted in 2004, starting with Provo second baseman Josh LeBlanc in the sixth round. PL observers thought Toussaint, a 13th-round choice, had more impact potential. His best tool is his bat. He has quick hands at the plate, plus present power and average speed. "He's long and lean, and he has outstanding wrists," Kotchman said. "Right now his power is in the middle of the field. You hear about guys who hit and balls come off the bat different, the sound is just different. This is one of those guys." Toussaint spent his first two years in college as an outfielder before moving to third base, where he has enough arm strength and range. But he lacks soft hands and committed 13 errors in 27 games at the hot corner for Provo, so he'll probably return to the outfield in the future. 17. BLAKE JOHNSON, rhp, Ogden Raptors (Dodgers) Age: 19 Ht: 6-5 Wt: 195 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Dodgers '04 (2) W: 3 L: 3 ERA: 6.47 G: 13 SV: 0 IP: 57.0 H: 73 HR: 5 BB: 17 SO: 57 AVG: .317 Johnson was targeted as a potential first-round pick entering 2004, but minor yet nagging injuries and inconsistency as a high school senior allowed the Dodgers to grab him in the second round. His stuff was back to 100 percent this summer, as he began to learn how to use his 88-92 mph fastball to set up his plus curveball. Johnson has good control of both pitches, as well as his changeup. He was hit hard at times in a league made up mostly of hitters who were significantly older than him, but he still averaged a strikeout per inning and never lost his poise and confidence. "Johnson is a guy who doesn't carry himself like a high school kid," Ogden manager Travis Barbary said. "He's one of those guys that would just as soon as knock you down and tear your head off than give in out there." 18. J.P. HOWELL, lhp, Idaho Falls Chukars (Royals) Age: 21 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 180 B-T: L-L Drafted/Signed: Royals '04 (1S) W: 3 L: 1 ERA: 2.77 G: 6 SV: 0 IP: 26.0 H: 16 HR: 1 BB: 12 SO: 38 AVG: .176 Howell isn't big and doesn't light up radar guns, but don't underestimate him. Generously listed at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds and possessing a fastball that sits at 85-86 mph, Howell nevertheless dominated college hitters for Texas this spring and breezed through PL lineups as well. The savvy Howell was more advanced than most of the league's pitchers. He set up hitters masterfully and buried them with his plus curveball once he got ahead in the count, racking up strikeouts. He keep righthanders at bay with his fosh changeup and an occasional curve, and he also throws a splitter. 19. FRANKLIN MORALES, lhp, Casper Rockies Age: 18 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 170 B-T: L-L Drafted/Signed: Rockies FA '02 (Dominican Republic) W: 6 L: 4 ERA: 7.62 G: 15 SV: 0 IP: 65.0 H: 92 HR: 8 BB: 39 SO: 82 AVG: .336 Despite an underwhelming ERA (7.62) and build (6 feet, 170 pounds), Morales turned heads in the PL. He's lean and projectable, and he already pitches at 92 mph and touches 94 with his fastball. His 12-to-6 curveball has the makings of an out pitch and he shows some aptitude for a changeup. He ranked second behind his teammate Deduno by averaging 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings. As an 18-year-old in just his second pro season, Morales was still feeling for his mechanics and command. He has a tendency to try and do too much with his stuff as opposed to relying on his natural arm action. 20. CRAIG TATUM, c, Billings Mustangs (Reds) Age: 18 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 215 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Reds '04 (3) AB: 149 R: 19 H: 33 2B: 8 3B: 3 HR: 2 RBI: 21 BB: 21 SO: 36 SB: 2 CS: 0 AVG: .221 OBP: .322 SLG: .356 The PL was thin in catching this year, with Tatum getting the nod over Great Falls' Donny Lucy as the lone backstop to crack the Top 20. Tatum stood out more defensively than offensively in his pro debut, leading the league by erasing 36 percent of basestealers. Tatum has a plus arm that consistently delivers the ball to second base in less than two seconds. The Reds want him to improve his receiving skills somewhat, looking for him to be quieter behind the plate and set his target a little earlier. He tore the labrum in his left shoulder late in the season, requiring surgery. He'll need to shorten his swing because he struggles to make consistent contact. When he does connect, he shows plenty of raw power. Copyright 2004 Baseball America. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Site Map | FAQ/Troubleshooting

Isn't Thomas Brice OUR australian? Does he have a shot? He jumped form Kanny to Winston Salem this year and seemed to hold his own.

From what I read his velocity is above average, but not overpowering. He'll have to do what all good pitchers do -- change speeds, pound the corners of the strike zone, throw three pitches for strikes, outthink guys. I hope the Sox don't rush the kid. Hate to see him in the big leagues before June or July of 2006 at the earliest.

i don't believe you need to be a subscriber to ask questions. You do need to be one to access the entire list of top 20 prospects. They'll be in the next edition of BA. Good to see three young guys in the top 17, considering Bristol did not play lights out.

first thing we need at second base is a solid, consistent defender who can be counted on to turn tough double plays. That's not Willie. Look at who is coaching third base for the White Sox -- Cora, who played with toughness. That's the kind of guy Ozzie wants at 2B.

and Bobby Kielty And rey ordonez

My advice: Oprah will park a new Pontiac in your driveway before JR and KW sign Beltran.

dream on. dream on. As long as the current Sox power structure is in place, we won't win dick tracy.

precisely. The Twins could walk nekkid around the park after a 27-0 win and it wouldn't mean a thing. We need better players -- and a lot of them. And after backing Ozzie last year and for most of this year, I wonder if the players are sick of his habit of criticizing them in the papers and taking the side of the other team. Just wonder.

anybody want to revive that IN or OUT thread from July? Last chance. Perfect way for this team to go down -- total embarrassment.

no, but the point is same we can't afford to spend 25 -- 30 percent of our total salary on one guy. Don't care if it is Bonds.

get it over with so the Twins can play their AA players tomorrow

exactly. If we can't afford Maggs (pre injury Maggs) how are we going to afford Beltran? And if it didn't make sense to invest 20-25 percent of our payroll in Maggs, why does it make sense to invest that much in Beltran. With our payroll we have to have more balance -- and a bunch of cheaper guys deliver. As much as we talk about spending more money, we forget that we keep getting beat by a team that doesn't have many expensive players -- namely Minnesota. Heck, the Twins jettison many of their expensive guys -- Guardado, Hawkins, Milton, A.J., Mienky -- and still kick our butt.

nobody has been paying attention for the last four years. This team is incapable of stopping the Twins from doing anything they want to do. Haven't been for four years. The Twins will clinch when they want, where they want. And the Sox will not only take it, they'll like it. And it won't have any effect at all on next season.

Radke has seen how lame the Sox have been in their quest to overtake Minnesota for four years. Why would he want to come play here?

when you're lusting after marginal hitters from a third-place team, that's when you know how really bad you are.

They're bad. They quit. The pitching is in shambles. There aren't any prospects ready to contribute next year. The general manager does not inspire any faith. The owner is cheap. My advice: Cheer for the team the Cubs are playing. We got no run for the next few years.

I just remember how valuable Carlton Fisk was to have around. I can't see Varitek coming to Chicago. But it would be nice if we have a Top 10 catcher.

I'll be rooting for a players strike and 1994-style cancellation of the World Series.