Down on the Farm: 2010 Top Position Player Prospects
April 11th, 2010 Posted in UncategorizedThe Down on the Farm series began last week as I examined the Tigers top pitching prospects entering the 2010 season. Today we briefly examine some position players to keep an eye on this season.
COMING SOON:
1B/DH RYAN STRIEBY
2009: AA Erie
Stats: .303 average, .427 OB%
18 doubles, 1 triple, 19 home runs, 58 RBI
The 6′5″ right-handed first baseman has been quietly moving through the Tiger farm system the last few years. His performance though has been anything but quiet. Strieby has been destroying opposing pitching at stop thus far.
Perhaps the only problem with Strieby, is where to put him. He had been given limited reps in the outfield with less than impressive results. With Miguel Cabrera at first he seems destined for DH duties.
Strieby has begun the season in AAA Toledo.
OF BRENNAN BOESCH
2009: AA Erie
Stats: .275 average, .318 OB%,
26 doubles, 7 triples, 28 home runs, 93 RBI
Brennan Boesch is quickly climbing up the depth charts after a break out 2009 campaign.
Last seasons 28 home runs led the Eastern League and earned Boesch the 2009 Double-A MILB Round Tripper Award.
He has started the season in AAA Toledo.
OF CASPER WELLS
2009: AA Erie
Stats: .260 average .369 OB%
18 doubles, 4 triples, 15 home runs, 41 RBI
The Michigan native (born in Grand Rapids) put up solid numbers in AA Erie last season. Perhaps even more impressive, Wells hit .351 in the AFL.
It should be noted though that Injuries such as a broken hand and elbow problems have hindered him in his minor-league career. Hopefully Wells stays injury free and continues to build on yet another impressive season.
He began the season in AAA Toledo, but was recently placed on the DL after a head first slide into third base dislocated his finger.
THE FUTURE:
The sixth round pick of the 2009 draft, DANIEL FIELDS was recently moved from short stop to center field. The University of Detroit Jesuit High School prospect has started the season in extended spring training to become aclimated to his new position.
3B WADE GAYNOR
2009: Western Kentucky University
Stats: .371 average .466 OB%
20 doubles, 4 triples, 25 home runs, 78 RBI 21SB
Selected in the third round of the 2009 draft, Gaynor has begun the season in Low-A West Michigan.
1B RAWLEY BISHOP
2009: Middle Tennesee State Univ.
Stats: .398 average, .502 OB%
17 doubles, 1 triple, 14 home runs, 51 RBI
After an outstanding finish to his college career Bishop has began this season in Advanced-A Lakeland.
OF STEVEN MOYA
2009: Dominican Summer League
Stats: .252 average, .361 OB%
8 doubles, 6 home runs, 33 RBI
The 18-year-old, left handed Steven Moya has quickly made a name for himself. The 6-foot-6 native of the Dominican Republic is indeed raw as described by experts. Considering his age he sure looks impressive on paper. He looked like a giant in right field this spring in Lakeland.
EARNING THEIR STRIPES:
SS GUSTAVO NUNEZ
2009: Low A West Michigan
Stats: .315 average, .360 OB%
16 doubles, 10 triples, 5 home runs, 40 RBI, 45 SB
Dave Dombrowski seems to be raving about the 21-year-old switch hitting shortstop Gustavo Nunez these days and why not?
The speedy Nunezs’ 10 triples tied him for second most and his 45 steals were the third highest in the Midwest League last season.
While his defense is perhaps below fellow prospect Cale Iorgs, it is worth noting that Baseball America tabbed Nunez the No. 7 prospect in Detroit’s farm system and the top infielder.
He has started the season in Advanced-A Lakeland.
MAKE OR BREAK:
1B/DH JEFF LARISH
Recently removed from the 40 man roster, I think it is safe to say that Jeff Larish is at a crossroads this season. As if that is not enogh, he should probably shift to third as Miguel Cabrera has first base locked up.
With that being said, Larish must put together an outstanding season or I fear he will get lost in that same AAA black hole that former Tiger prospect Brent Clevlen did.
Either way (at least IMO) Jeff Larish is a great baseball player, period.
OF WILKIN RAMIREZ
The highly touted Ramirez takes a step back this season as he returns to AA Erie.
Ramirez is quickly losing his prospect tag and finds himself in a make or break situation. With outfield prospects Casper Wells and Brennan Boesch rising on the depth charts and Clete Thomas just ahead of them in AAA Toledo, it’s tough to be Wilkin these days.
3 Responses to “Down on the Farm: 2010 Top Position Player Prospects”
By stephen grosberg on Apr 12, 2010
Unfortunately Larish is still only listening to his father on hitting. How about a team having Dlugach, Strieby, Weinhardt, Boesch, and Schlereth waiting for a DL in Toledo. Josh Rainwater is developing. Brent Wyatt could be the biggest sleeper of all. That’s depth.
By Dave on Apr 12, 2010
I think Avisail Garcia should be getting more hype. I think he could be a top prospect after this season but there has been very little talk about him.
By Don_Imus on May 24, 2010
Jay, once again you seem to have a handle on this. I guess being able to watch the players in Lakeland really helps. you were never a Cal Iorg fan, as many were and you already stated that he never seemed to really be in the game when he played. I just read this in the Fress Press and thought you may get a kick out of it. Its the whos hot and who not report:
And who’s not …
• Cale Iorg, SS: It just isn’t happening for a prospect who, by now, figured to be an answer to the Tigers’ long-term plans at shortstop. Iorg is batting .199 with 50 strikeouts in 42 games.
Sadly your insights are true. Dont know if he will ever be the player alot of us thought he would be. Certainly, at this point he couldnt even replace Adam Everette.
Keep up the good work.