Hawaii Winter Ball Top 15 Prospects: Guess who's #1

by PhilR8 on Feb 18, 2008 10:38 AM EST Comment 31 comments

http://www.hawaiiwinterbaseball.com/articles/detail/117

Number five is pretty nice, too.

And since I have to use at least 300 characters:

1) Matt Wieters, Honolulu Sharks

Catcher, Baltimore Orioles

As a 6-5, switch-hitting catcher, Wieters is a wall behind the plate with a great arm who can hit to all fields with power. It's no wonder the Orioles invested $6 million in the backstop who made his professional debut in HWB. As a catcher and designated hitter with the Sharks, Wieters hit .283 with nine doubles, a home run and 17 RBIs in 106 at bats. Most impressive, however, was the Goose Creek, S.C. native's plate discipline. Wieters drew 12 walks and amassed a .364 on-base percentage--not an easy feat considering the rookie faced some of the best young prospects from both the U.S. and Japan. Many experts predict Wieters will make his way up to the big league club by 2009, but I see him getting called up late next season by a team desperate to win, and looking to advance a core group of youngsters through its system (see the 2007 Milwaukee Brewers club for a blueprint).

5) Brandon Snyder, Honolulu Sharks

Third Base, Baltimore Orioles

Snyder, a former catcher, spent the HWB campaign working on his skills at third base. The right hander put together a consistent season at the dish, and ended up leading the league with a .378 batting average. It will be interesting to see what Baltimore decides to do with Snyder, as the club has high hopes for top-rated prospect Bill Rowell at the hot corner. If that is indeed the case, look for Snyder to earn time at first base with the Orioles in early 2009 to compete with an aging Aubrey Huff. Snyder has suffered injuries to both shoulders, so a permanent move to first base could prolong his shelf life as an effective hitter.

FanPosts are user-created content and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors of Camden Chat or SB Nation. They might, though.

0 recs | Comment 31 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

re:

Good blurbs, except I'm not a fan of the rushing them up because the team is desperate. We fans have been desperate for years now, so we may as well wait if it's for the betterment of the club. MacPhail has repeatedly said he didn't want to rush the pitchers. I hope they build these guys up as well. Not everyone is a Markakis with the mental (and physical) ability to struggle through bad times.

"This is Birdland"

by drj on Feb 18, 2008 11:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Um

Unless I'm sadly (very sadly) mistaken, Snyder wouldn't have to compete with Huff, because he only signed a two-year deal last offseason. Am I wrong?

by punkrawka on Feb 18, 2008 12:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

RE:

Huff signed a 3-year deal.

"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle

by BirdFanInPhilly on Feb 18, 2008 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just DFA his blonde ass.

I've had enuf of that retard.

There's no crying in baseball

by elktonfan on Feb 18, 2008 8:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If this was Fark.com

I'd type as my reply...

THIS +1

I remember 14 straight foul balls in one at-bat.

by duck on Feb 18, 2008 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Snyder

It's nice to see Snyder out-hit the much hyped Wieters. I'd like to see Snyder see if he can play second as we are sorely lacking an heir apparent to Roberts. Also, there is no way in hell that Snyder is on the team next year; I think he'll be in Frederick all year in 2008 and then Bowie all of 2009. Maybe at some point in 2010. And by then Huff will be able to never come back to an alleged horseshit town.

Librarians are hiding something

by dfa on Feb 18, 2008 1:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

range life

snyder doesn't have the range for second.

So, I said, uh, lama: how about a little something for the effort?

by jq higgins on Feb 18, 2008 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

maybe

But I'd like to see him get a full season at second. What's the risk?

Librarians are hiding something

by dfa on Feb 18, 2008 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

the risk...

is wasting his time and jeopardizing his development. he's already changed positions and is making progress. that would be my guess, anyways.

So, I said, uh, lama: how about a little something for the effort?

by jq higgins on Feb 18, 2008 2:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

fair enough...

...but I don't think he'll be able to pack the offense to be a major league first baseman. If Rowell can handle third, then I think Rowell is the third baseman. Of course, if Rowell gets moved to first, then Snyder would be our best third base prospect (of course, I like Scott Moore, so I'd love to see Rowell go to first and Snyder to second).

Librarians are hiding something

by dfa on Feb 18, 2008 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't think anyone REALLY knows...

b/c he's had all that work done on his shoulders while still growing into his adult frame, but i'd guess that this season will probably help restore a little sanity to how he projects.

who knows w/ rowell? last year wasn't bad for an 18 year old, but maybe tyler kolodny pushes him or passes him? hard to tell. even if it's rookie league numbers, i get giddy thinking about dudes in the o's system putting up .400+ obp and .500+ slg...i mean as long they're not 25 year olds in a ball.

So, I said, uh, lama: how about a little something for the effort?

by jq higgins on Feb 18, 2008 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

kolodny

I don't really track our minor leaguers below DelMarVa, but Kolodny does look like a monster. I wouldn't be too discouraged by Rowell's 2007. He was (and will be again) two years younger then his competition and put up better then league average numbers.

This for sure will be an interesting year for Snyder (among others). I'd definitely check him out if I lived anywhere near Frederick.

Librarians are hiding something

by dfa on Feb 18, 2008 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I love this:

however, was the Goose Creek, S.C. native's plate discipline. Wieters drew 12 walks and amassed a .364 on-base percentage--not an easy feat considering the rookie faced some of the best young prospects

"If you're not practicing, somebody else is, somewhere, and he'll be ready to take your job." -Brooks Robinson

by exitfare on Feb 18, 2008 2:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

amen

"All I have to say is our partner is going to shock the world because he is none other than THE SHOCKMASTER!"-Sting

by jobe on Feb 18, 2008 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good Lord...

...imagine a 2010 lineup with Jones, Markakis, Reimold in the OF, Wieters behind the plate, Snyder at 1st, and dare I say it, Rowell at 3B? Even 2010 might be soon for him, but an Os fan can dream.

by KenDixonFanClub on Feb 18, 2008 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think that's what's Andy's thinking

and he wants as many puzzle pieces as he can collect to filling the holes. With all those young arms, it seems MacPhail at least has a cogent plan. Hopefully, it will come to fruition, but he's certainly leaving himself some room for error in case a specific player doesn't work out.

I remember 14 straight foul balls in one at-bat.

by duck on Feb 18, 2008 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I know it's way too early...

...to go writing all these guys into the 2010 lineup. More than likely 1 or 2 will flame out (though I honestly expect Weiters to be really, really good, regardless of limited experience).

But these guys are not your Willis Otanezes, Calvin Pickerings, Ryan Minors, your Val Majewskis or Walter Youngs of yore. These are guys who actually have a legitimate shot at contributing to a winning major league team. It's a crime that it took this long for our system to start to restock (thank you, Syd Thrift) and draft competently, but it is finally happening.

PS I saw Majewski years ago at Aberdeen. Granted, it was low A, and he's probably never seeing serious ML time, but he had such a ridiculously good game- a triple, gunning guys down at the plate, covering half of the OF - I couldn't help but get excited about him.

by KenDixonFanClub on Feb 18, 2008 6:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Val was a real prospect

A B+ type of guy. Should have been a contributor on a ML team. Shoulder injury is what did him in.

Gone but not forgotten...

by SC on Feb 18, 2008 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I miss you Walter Young

You were HUGE!

by Dr Orpheus on Feb 18, 2008 7:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I see your Walter Young

and raise you Calvin Pickering

Photo doesn't do him justice. He would block out the sun at 1B at his biggest.

I remember 14 straight foul balls in one at-bat.

by duck on Feb 18, 2008 9:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my...

And that shortstop was probably six foot or something.

by Dr Orpheus on Feb 19, 2008 2:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Only way for me to imrpove upon that

Is to add Jay Gibbons into left field. DROOL.

Tom Murphy: MVP of the illustrious '99 team.

by Baltimo on Feb 18, 2008 7:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

log jam at 1B?

Does Snyder trying out at 3B mean the O's ultimately envision Rowell at 1B? The talk is Rowell is too large for 3B, and he'll probably wind up at 1B. If Snyder has to move there, the bodies start piling up. For those who dream, add Tex to the mix.

As for getting excited about any lineup with Rowell, Synder, Reimold, etc. These guys have a ways to go before they prove their worth for a big league team. All the talk of Wieters being the real deal is the exciting bit. Now let's hope Jones and Loewen make big strides this year while the other guys develop in the minors.

"This is Birdland"

by drj on Feb 18, 2008 2:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Reimold can't be that far away

from the big leagues. 930 ops last year in Bowie. God, I want Jay Payton gone. I Would love to see Reimold called up after the trade deadline. I would be willing to platoon Payton with Scott to build up Jay's trade value. That could of course work in the opposite direction, though.

"All I have to say is our partner is going to shock the world because he is none other than THE SHOCKMASTER!"-Sting

by jobe on Feb 18, 2008 3:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If it's any consolation...

I'm sure JAY wants to be gone from here, too. Too bad we can't oblige him just yet...

I remember 14 straight foul balls in one at-bat.

by duck on Feb 18, 2008 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

re:

Reimold is coming off an injury plagued season (always seems to have an injury bug). Below is a capsule BP projection - his upside is an average corner outfielder. As the article below states, he has to prove he can stay on the field.

While average is better than Jay Payton, I'm not seeing Reimold as someone to get overly excited about. At best he's a solid outfielder to compliment Markakis and (hopefully) Jones. I also think MacPhail has stated his love for Scott. With Payton lurking around, that's four outfielders, one of which is pretty much guaranteed to be a pain in the ass if he doesn't get playing time. Reimold will probably need to wait until the Payton situation is resolved and then he can slide in as a 4th outfielder.

http://www.baseball-analysis.com/article.php?articleid=6894

5. Nolan Reimold, OF
DOB: 10/12/83
Height/Weight: 6-4/207
Bats/Throws: R/R
Draft: 2nd round, 2005, Bowling Green
2007 Stats: .233/410/.433 at GCL (9 G); .306/.365/.565 at Double-A (50 G)

Year In Review: A pair of oblique injuries limited Reimold to less than half a season, but when he was healthy, he hit Double-A pitching hard, shaking off last year's disappointing showing in the Carolina League.

The Good: Reimold's above-average power and good on-base skills should make him a solid big league contributor. He crushes fastballs and destroys left-handed pitching (.818 SLG). Also has a good arm in the outfield.

The Bad: Some see Reimold as a mistake hitter who swings and misses too often at breaking pitches. He's lost more than a step since getting drafted, and profiles as a corner man at this point. His route running is poor. Two straight years with health issues is a matter of concern.

Fun Fact: Reimold is the highest-drafted position player in Bowling Green history, and will need just 14 big league home runs to top Andy Tracy for the alumni mark.

Perfect World Projection: Average corner outfielder.

Timetable: At this point, health is as important as production to Reimold. He'll begin 2008 in Triple-A, and will likely make the big leagues at some point if he can stay on the field.

"This is Birdland"

by drj on Feb 18, 2008 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wieters..

I don't think that the 2008 Baltimore Orioles at all resemble the 2007 Milwaukee Brewers.. neither in present talent or the expectation of potential talent.

That said, Wieters is a beast, and if he can stay behind the plate, he'll hopefully hit and hit in bunches. I wouldn't try to make any generalizations about him based on the limited HWL term. He's one I'd wait and see how he does at whatever level (A+/AA?) that he starts at this year.

Also, the comment about Wieters facing "top young pitching" is comical considering that the highest ranked pitcher on this list is Brett Sinkbeil, and that 9/15 of the players on the top 15 are position players.

Of the 6 pitchers

1-Brett Sinkbeil (3rd overall)
2-Kris Medlen (6th overall)
3-George Kontos (8th overall)
4- Blake Wood (9th)
5- Daniel Bard(11th)
6- Bud Norris (13th)

How many of those would you classify as "top young pitching" ? Does anyone beyond Sinkbeil and perhaps aggressively Bard make the top 50 pitching prospects in baseball?

These leagues are hitters leagues for the most part, it's tough to analyze their statistics based on SSS and league bias.

that said, count me as a jealous fan of Wieters. We're stuck with Vitters.

by cubsfan2883 on Feb 18, 2008 7:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

this

makes me happy inside.

BE HAPPY DONT BE SAD THE ORIOLES CANT REALLY BE ALL THAT BAD!

by westcoastOfan on Feb 18, 2008 8:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Garrett Olson

Does anyone think that Garrett Olson is a real candidate for the rotation out of Spring Training? Based on what I saw last season he's not ready. Big time not ready. He "nibbled" as many have said, Trembly I believe, at batters instead of going right after him.

Sure the guy pitches pretty well, sure he's probably a four or five guy in a good rotation, sure he struck out a million guys in Triple-A, but I don't know that he has the make up yet. I don't think he's ready. Perhaps 09, perhaps by the All-Star Break or September Call-ups, but at this point, I'm unimpressed. I wouldn't be surprised if Patton made it on the 25-man roster and Olson went back to Triple-A.

Thoughts?

by Dr Orpheus on Feb 19, 2008 2:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Accidently hit enter, sorry

It will Guthrie, Cabrera, Loewen, Trachsel and Patton. Like Jay Payton and George Sherrill, Trachsel will be there to try and build up trade value, and after the deadline the floodgates of starter prospects will open.

"All I have to say is our partner is going to shock the world because he is none other than THE SHOCKMASTER!"-Sting

by jobe on Feb 19, 2008 2:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs