BaseballAmerica.com: Prospects: The 31st Team, Part I

See also: The 31st Team, Part II

We celebrate the arrival of the 2007 Prospect Handbook, which you can order here and have it in your hands next week, with the unveiling of The 31st Team--our name for all the scouting reports that didn't quite make it into the book. Players can get written up and then miss the cut for a variety of reasons, ranging from trades to injuries to our endless tinkering with our top 30 lists.

This year we had so many extra scouting reports that we're going to present them over two days. After setting a record with 42 players on last year's 31st Team, we shattered it this time with 54.

It's important to remember that these aren't the best players who didn't make it into the Handbook. It's more of a hodgepodge, with a great variance in quality. Players are also listed alphabetically rather than being ranked.

Several 31st Team alumni have gone on to bigger and better things, including big leaguers like Jody Gerut, Nate Robertson, Fernando Rodney and Ryan Shealy. From the 2006 squad, Wes Littleton, Randy Messenger and Carlos Villanueva appeared in the majors, while Steve Pearce, Gaby Sanchez and Will Venable all graduated to Top 10 Prospects lists.

Two members of our 2007 club, Donnie Murphy and Casey Rogowski, appeared on the 31st Team when we debuted the feature in 2003. You can review that squad as well as all the others by following these links:

• 2006 31st Team
• 2005 31st Team
• 2004 31st Team
• 2003 31st Team

Nevin Ashley, c, Devil Rays

Born: Aug. 14, 1984 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 210 • Drafted: Indiana State, 2006 (6th round) • Signed by: James Bonnici

Ashley was a pleasant surprise for both Indiana State and the Devil Rays last year. He wasn't on many follow lists for big league clubs entering 2006, but he hit .382 in college and continued raking in his pro debut. He was old for Rookie ball, but he did lead the Appalachian League with a .440 on-base percentage. In college, Ashley had a reputation for making hard contact despite an unorthodox swing that bordered on ugly with metal bats. With wood, his bat stays through the hitting zone longer, enabling him to hit the ball more consistently while using the entire field. His throwing mechanics also are far from textbook, but he has a strong arm and threw out 52 percent of basestealers in the Appy League. Ashley also possesses soft hands and the athleticism to move with fluidity behind the plate. He'll face a stiffer challenge in 2007, when he should reach high Class A at some point.

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Steve Bray, rhp, Brewers

Born: Dec. 22, 1980 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 193 • Drafted: New Haven (Conn.), 2003 (14th round) • Signed by: Steve Connelly (Royals)

Before they took him in the Triple-A phase of the 2005 Rule 5 draft, the Brewers had history with Bray. They drafted him in the 45th round out of Norwalk (Conn.) CC in 2000, but he didn't turn pro until the Royals took him as a 14th-rounder out of NCAA Division II New Haven (Conn.) three years later. After joining the Brewers, Bray had a breakthrough season, posting a 2.33 ERA and 75-11 K-BB ratio in the upper levels of the system. He throws three pitches for strikes, including an 88-90 mph fastball, a sharp slider and an effective changeup. Without overwhelming stuff, he succeeds with terrific command. Milwaukee was so impressed with his work that it sent him to the Arizona Fall League to see how he matched up against other near-ready prospects, and he was solid there as well. Bray likely will open 2007 in Triple-A but could surface as a middle reliever for the Brewers later in the year.

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Santiago Casilla, rhp, Athletics

Born: July 25, 1980 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 210 • Signed: Dominican Republic, 2000 • Signed by: Bernardino Rosario/Raymond Abreu

The first of the vital statistics above--Born: July 25, 1980--is the most important. Two years after rocketing from low Class A to the big leagues, Casilla took a giant step backward in 2006. He was busted for having a visa under a false identity and went from Jairo Garcia, 23-year-old prospect, to Santiago Casilla, 26-year-old with good stuff but suddenly a lower ceiling. No one compares to Eric Gagne anymore, though Casilla still throws in the mid- to upper 90s and has a solid-average changeup. His fastball has lost some life and he doesn't locate it as well as he needs to. His slider comes and goes, but he can get strikeouts with it when hitters gear up for his fastball. Casilla still can be an effective setup man, but he may never pitch important innings unless he throws more strikes. He's headed back to Triple-A again to start 2007.

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Troy Cate, lhp, Cardinals

Born: Oct. 21, 1980 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 200 • Drafted: Ricks (Idaho) JC, 2002 (6th round) • Signed by: Phil Geisler (Mariners)

Cate broke into pro ball by finishing second in the short-season Northwest League ERA in 2002. He spent his first full pro season in high Class A but had trouble making the jump to Double-A in 2004. Things got worse in 2005, when he drew a 15-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs, and he admitted that he tested positive for anabolic steroids. Released by the Mariners after that season, he signed with the Cardinals and rebounded in 2006. Cate posted a 1.27 ERA while limiting opponents to a .127 average, conquered Double-A after an August promotion and earned a spot on St. Louis' 40-man roster. He's far from overpowering, as his fastball tops out at 90 mph, but he has good movement on his sinker and throws strikes with four pitches. Besides using two- and four-seam fastballs, he also has a curveball and changeup. While he projects as no more than a reliever, Cate handled lefthanders and righthanders last year and may be more than a situational guy. At 26 he's older than most prospects, but he could contribute to the Cardinals in the near future.

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Anthony Claggett, rhp, Yankees

Born: July 15, 1984 • B-T: B-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 185 • Drafted: UC Riverside, 2005 (11th round) • Signed by: Tim McWilliam (Tigers)

Claggett spent most of his first two years at UC Riverside as a backup infielder before becoming a pitcher as a junior. He showed enough to get drafted by the Tigers in 11th round in 2005, and he dominated in his first full pro season. Claggett posted a 0.91 ERA to help West Michigan win the low Class A Midwest League championship, opening the year as a setup man before inheriting the closer's job when Orlando Perdomo got hurt. Claggett converted 16 of 20 save opportunity, including both of his chances in the postseason. Afterward, he went to the Yankees along with Humberto Sanchez and Kevin Whelan in a trade for Gary Sheffield. Claggett relies on two pitches, a 92-94 mph fastball and an effective slider. He's working on a changeup, too. His stuff isn't spectacular, but it's helped by his deceptive delivery. If he continues his success in high Class A this year, he could start to move quickly.

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Rayner Contreras, 2b/ss, Padres

Born: Sept. 21, 1985 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 150 • Signed: Dominican Republic, 2004 • Signed by: Felix Francisco

After two nondescript years in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, Contreras took one of the biggest steps forward among the Padres' international prospects in 2006. He led the Arizona League with 52 RBIs and finished seventh in the batting race at .316. Contreras has a wiry, projectable body--he already has added 17 pounds since signing--with a chance to add significant strength as he matures. His potential with the bat most excites San Diego. He has shown the ability to make hard contact with line-drive power to all fields, though he still has a long ways to go with his pitch recognition. His swing is loose and fluid, if a little long at times. He's an average runner. Contreras has average defensive tools and arm strength, with the ability to play anywhere in the infield. His agility isn't quite up to second-base standards, but he may be able to stick at shortstop or third base as he moves up. In the AZL, he earned the nickname "Wow" for all the different ways he could stand out on the diamond. With a good spring, Contreras could ease into full-season ball with a utility role in low Class A. He also could open 2007 in extended spring training before joining short-season Eugene in June.

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Reegie Corona, inf, Yankees

Born: Nov. 7, 1986 • B-T: B-R • Ht: 5-11 • Wt: 160 • Signed: Venezuela, 2003 • Signed by: Ricardo Finol

Corona blossomed as a legitimate prospect in 2006, showing the Yankees athleticism, a solid line-drive bat and versatility.

His emergence made it easier to part with 2005 first-round pick C.J. Henry--who was a disappointment anyway--in the Bobby Abreu trade. Corona has shown a good two-strike approach and barrel awareness at the plate. When he hits the ball, he hits it with the fat part of the bat. To drive the ball, he'll have to hit the weight room. Defensively, he took to shortstop, where his savvy and above-average hands helped his fringy range and average arm play up. Corona likely is better suited for second base, and he also played at first base, third base and the outfield. Because he's not averse to drawing walks, handles the bat and has above-average speed, Corona could be a No. 2 hitter. Otherwise, he'll have a nice utility-infielder package as a switch-hitter who can play all over, works hard and does it all with a smile. He'll begin the year in high Class A.

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Jeff Corsaletti, of, Red Sox

Born: Feb. 2, 1983 • B-T: L-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 190 • Drafted: Florida, 2005 (6th round) • Signed by: Jon Lukens

Corsaletti's average dropped 93 points from his pro debut (.357) to his first full season (.264), but he still reached base at a 40 percent clip--something he'll have to do to keep advancing up the ladder. He lacks the profile of an everyday player but has some skills that could make him a useful complementary player. He's a lefthanded hitter with a patient approach, drawing walks and working counts. He centers the ball well on the bat, giving him decent power, and he has slightly above-average speed and good baserunning instincts. If he could play center field, he might project as a regular, but he gets shaky jumps and is a below-average defender there. While his arm strength has gotten slightly better since he turned pro, it's still a liability and his accuracy is also an issue. He has just two outfield assists in 175 pro games. Because he's relegated to left field, Corsaletti will have to rely on his bat to take him to the majors. He'll need to improve against lefthanders, who held him to a .232 average last year, well down from a .346 mark in 2005. Corsaletti goes all out all the time, an approach that endears him to managers and scouts. How he performs in Double-A this year will give a clearer sense of his future.

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Ryan Crew, inf/of, Brewers

Born: Aug. 31, 1983 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 175 • Drafted: Texas-San Antonio, 2005 (40th round) • Signed by: Ray Montgomery

A two-way standout at Texas-San Antonio, Crew has used his versatility to move quickly in pro ball. He reached high Class A in 2006, his first full pro season, while seeing time at second base, left field, shortstop and third base. Crew uses an unorthodox approach at the plate, bailing out on his front side on nearly every pitch, but he has the bat speed and hand-eye coordination to nonetheless hit for average. However, he doesn't stay behind the ball so he doesn't drive it, resulting in little power. He has fringe-average speed and a solid arm--he threw in the 90s when he pitched in college--so he can hold his own at most positions. His best chance to be a regular would be at second base, but the Brewers already have Rickie Weeks there and Crew is better suited as a utilityman. Double-A will be a good test for him in 2007.

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Nick DeBarr, rhp, Red Sox

Born: Aug. 24, 1983 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 225 • Drafted: Lassen (Calif.) JC, 2002 (14th round) • Signed by: Hank King (Devil Rays)

With the Red Sox looking to patch a bullpen that sprung full of holes in 2006, they acquired several relief candidates this offseason. Boston traded for Brandon Donnelly, imported Hideki Okajima from Japan and signed Runelvys Hernandez, Joel Pineiro and J.C. Romero as free agents. The Sox also took DeBarr from the Devil Rays in the major league Rule 5 draft. He made a strong comeback last year after missing all of 2005 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Primarily a starter prior to his elbow injury, he took well to the bullpen in 2006 and reminded some scouts of former Boston closer Bob Stanley with his heavy sinker and strong lower body. DeBarr's 89-93 mph fastball has natural sink, and he backs it up with a decent slider and a developing splitter. He throws strikes with all three pitches, though he can be a little wild in the strike zone on occasion. His command and strength should improve in 2007 as he puts his elbow reconstruction further behind him. Boston will have to keep DeBarr on its active major league roster throughout the season, or else put him through waivers and offer him back to Tampa Bay for half his $50,000 draft price.

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Brent Dlugach, ss, Tigers

Born: March 3, 1983 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 195 • Drafted: Memphis, 2004 (6th round) • Signed by: Harold Zonder

Dlugach's glovework is smooth, but his lack of offensive production casts doubts on his future. He has size and gap power to all fields, but his long frame leads to a long swing. His approach needs some work, as he led the high Class A Florida State League with 144 strikeouts and posted a .299 on-base percentage--one point below his previous career mark. He doesn't possess an abundance of speed or quickness, but Dlugach may be the slickest fielder in the Tigers system, if not as steady at Tony Giarratano. Dlugach has a strong arm and can make throws from any angle necessary. With Giarratano recovering from knee surgery, Dlugach likely will open 2007 at shortstop in Double-A. If he can make some progress with the bat, he could return to Triple-A on a permanent basis after getting a promotion for the International League playoffs last year.

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Greg Dupas, rhp, Devil Rays

Born: Jan. 31, 1984 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-6 • Wt: 230 • Signed: JC of the Desert (Calif.), NDFA 2003 • Signed by: Craig Weissmann

Prior to 2006, Dupas sandwiched a missed season between a pair of campaigns in the Rookie-level Appalachian League. A nondrafted free agent who had shoulder surgery in 2004, he stood out most for his intimidating presence--in part because he had little idea where his pitches were headed. A lot changed for Dupas last year, when he was one of the biggest surprises in the Devil Rays system, which he led with 25 saves. He showed impressive command of his 91-93 mph four-seam fastball, throwing it on an excellent downhill plane and tormenting righthanders by locating it on the outside corner. Dupas developed a plus changeup in 2006, and he also has a curveball that he's willing to throw in any count. Projected as a possible setup man, he'll move up to high Class A in 2007 and could be in line for a promotion to Double-A by midseason.

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Luis Durango, of, Padres

Born: April 23, 1986 • B-T: B-R • Ht: 5-10 • Wt: 145 • Signed: Panama, 2003 • Signed by: Robert Rowley

After two years in the Rookie-level Venezuelan Summer League, Durango made his U.S. debut in 2006 and led the Rookie-level Arizona League in batting (.378) and on-base percentage (.470). He also stood out with his pure speed, which rates as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He routinely gets from the left side of the plate to first base in 3.8 seconds and as quick as 3.4 seconds on drag bunts. His basestealing technique still needs refinement, however, after he succeeded on just 17 of 23 attempts. Durango knows his best chance at the plate is to slap and dash, as he can turn routine groundballs into bang-bang plays at first base. His power is negligible, so opposing outfielders can play him shallow, limiting his extra-base opportunities. There's some concern that he's not big or strong enough to avoid getting overpowered at higher levels. A former second baseman, he has improved his outfield play, but his instincts and throwing arm are below average in center field, and he played in left a lot in deference to Cedric Hunter. Durango will be 21 this year, so the Padres may jump him to low Class A.

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Chris Emanuele, of, Blue Jays

Born: Feb. 17, 1984 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 180 • Drafted: Northeastern, 2006 (26th round) • Signed by: Tom Tanous

The Canadian-born Emanuele hit .312 and earned all-star honors in the Cape Cod League in 2005. He had a strong senior season at Northeastern last spring, but concerns about the length of his swing dropped him to the 26th round of the draft, where he signed for $1,000. He had no problem adapting to life in the Appalachian League, where he was Pulaski's best hitter after Jays first-rounder Travis Snider--though at 22 Emanuele was old for Rookie ball. His ability with the bat and his power rate as no better than average or slightly above, but he gets the most out of his tools because of his strong instincts and approach. He has plus speed and range, plays a quality center field and has an average arm. Though he profiles more as an extra outfielder at this point, he's a sleeper who could continue to exceed expectations. He'll probably open 2007 in low Class A.

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Irving Falu, ss, Royals

Born: June 6, 1983 • B-T: B-R • Ht: 6-0 • Wt: 173 • Drafted: Indian Hills (Iowa) CC, 2003 (21st round) • Signed by: Phil Huttman

The Royals have known about Falu since he was a 16-year-old, because area scout Johnny Ramos coached his American Legion team in Puerto Rico. Ramos steered him towards Indian Hills (Iowa) CC, where he signed him as a 21st-rounder in 2003. After winning the organization's low Class A Burlington MVP award in 2005, Falu was the team MVP at High Desert last year. Though none of his tools are exceptional, he's a favorite of managers and scouts because of his passion, energy and instincts. He has a good swing path and is equally adept from both sides of the plate. He has little power and understands he has to play a small man's game. He works deep counts yet rarely strikes out, and he does a good job of avoiding hitting flyballs. Falu is a tick above-average runner with a knack for stealing bases. He has good range at shortstop, particularly to his left, but his fringe-average arm means he has a hard time with throws from deep in the hole. He's probably better suited for second base, his primary position before 2006. He's surehanded and reliable on routine plays. While the Royals haven't given up on him as a potential regular, they see him more as a solid reserve. Double-A will be Falu's next stop.

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Brian Finch, rhp, Orioles

Born: Sept. 27, 1981 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 215 • Drafted: Texas A&M, 2003 (2nd round) • Signed by: Joe Almaraz

Finch performed better in his second chance at Double-A than he did in his first. In 2004, the Orioles' former player-development staff decided he could handle a jump from low Class A to Double-A after just 53 pro innings, based almost solely on psychological tests. He posted an 8.69 ERA and continued to get shelled after a demotion to high Class A. Finch got back on track in 2005, when he was the championship series MVP as Frederick won the high Class A Carolina League championship. His stuff wasn't as sharp in 2006, though he held his own against Double-A hitters. Finch is a sinker-slider pitcher whose fastball sits at 90-93 mph, and his changeup has become a solid third pitch. His command also took a step back last year, and Baltimore suspects that he may have tired after worked a combined 300 innings over the last two seasons. Finch got caught in a numbers crunch after the season as the Orioles added a number of complementary players to their 40-man roster. Baltimore outrighted him off the roster, but Finch remains in the team's plans and should pitch in its Triple-A rotation this year.

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Cole Garner, of, Rockies

Born: Dec. 15, 1984 • B-T: B-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 200 • Drafted: HS--Westminster, Calif., 2003 (26th round) • Signed by: Todd Blyleven

Garner was a La Quinta High (Westminster, Calif.) teammate of Ian Stewart, whom the Rockies took in the first round of the same 2003 draft in which they chose Garner in the 26th round. Garner didn't make his pro debut until 2005, however, signing late and battling a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2004. Now that he's healthy, he has opened eyes with his power to all fields, drilling 93 extra-base hits in 186 pro games. He also has decent speed and stole 35 bases last year. Garner still has some adjustments to make at the plate, as he needs to tighten up his swing. That would allow balls to get deeper on him and give him a better look, enabling him to cut down on his strikeouts. He takes his job so seriously that he hit off the curveball machine in low Class A Asheville almost every day the Tourists were home in 2006 so he could get a better feel for the pitch. His bat is going to carry him. He can play an adequate left field but doesn't have the arm strength to move anywhere else. Garner will spend 2007 in high Class A.

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Eric Haberer, lhp, Cardinals

Born: Sept. 14, 1982 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 205 • Drafted: Southern Illinois, 2004 (3rd round) • Signed by: Scott Melvin

The idea that Haberer could zoom through the minors if he became a lefty specialist continues to circulate through the Cardinals organization, but he has had enough success as a starter that there are no immediate plans to move him. He entered his draft year in 2004 as Southern Illinois' closer, but the Salukis' 0-9 start pressed him into action as a starter. Haberer blossomed into the best prospect in the state of Illinois that spring and a third-round pick of the Cardinals. His best pitch remains his 92-93 mph sinker that coaxes a lot of groundballs, but he may rely on it too much. He ran into trouble after a promotion to Double-A last July, and he's going to have to improve curveball and changeup in order to succeed as a starter in the upper levels. He'll return to Double-A and remain a starter for now, but he could wind up in the bullpen in the near future.

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Travis Hanson, 3b, Cardinals

Born: Jan. 1, 1981 • B-T: L-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 195 • Drafted: Portland, 2002 (9th round) • Signed by: Dane Walker

During his first trip to big league camp last spring, Hanson received the Cardinals' minor league player of the year award for his breakthrough 2005 and contracted a parasite that would affect his entire 2006. Hanson lost 15 pounds in five days and struggled to regain his strength while playing all summer. He gritted it out and played in 132 games, though he hit just .223/.278/.295 with three homers--down from a career-best 20 the year before. Hanson will have to hit for power in order to play in the majors, because while he has a smooth swing, he doesn't hit for a high average or draw many walks. He stood out more for his defense before he broke an ankle in 2004, and he reduced his errors to 23 last year after making a career-high 36 in 2005. He has improved his footwork and benefited from working with Gold Glover Scott Rolen. Hanson has a strong arm and soft hands for the hot corner. He's a slightly below-average runner. After he spent the winter regaining his strength, the Cardinals hope he can regain his 2005 form this year in Triple-A. Rolen is signed for $12 million a year through 2010, so Hanson has little hope of starting for St. Louis.

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Brendan Harris, inf, Devil Rays

Born: Aug. 26, 1980 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 200 • Drafted: William & Mary, 2001 (5th round) • Signed by: Billy Swoope (Cubs)

Harris originally signed with the Cubs and quickly became one of their top hitting prospects, but his star has faded over the last two seasons and he has been traded twice since the 2006 all-star break. He went to the Expos in the four-team Nomar Garciaparra/Orlando Cabrera deal in July 2004, to the Reds last July as a part of an eight-player swap that sent Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez to Washington, and to the Devil Rays for a player to be named in January. Harris never developed the power to become a big league third baseman, and he's not good enough defensively to be an everyday second baseman. Harris has a line-drive swing that has produced solid averages and gap power throughout most of his minor league career. He draws walks, though he strikes out a bit much. He's adequate defensively at second or third base, and he can play shortstop, though he lacks the range to handle that position as more than a fill-in. He's a below-average runner. Now viewed as an offensive utilityman, he'll audition for that role with Tampa Bay in spring training.

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J.C. Holt, 2b, Braves

Born: Dec. 8, 1982 • B-T: L-R • Ht: 5-10 • Wt: 175 • Drafted: Louisiana State, 2004 (3rd round) • Signed by: Don Thomas

In each of his two full pro seasons, Holt has struggled offensively during the first half before recovering in the second half. Last year, he set a high Class A Myrtle Beach record with a 20-game hitting streak and hit safely in 50 of his final 59 games. The Braves have worked on closing his wide-open stance, and the results have been mixed. A Louisiana high school state sprint champion, he simply has to do a better job of getting on base to use his speed. He's a plus-plus runner who swiped 35 bases in 40 tries last year, but he has just a .327 on-base percent in full-season leagues. He doesn't offer much power at the plate, but he can show more patience and draw more walks. A center fielder at Louisiana State, he has made strides since moving to second base as a pro. Managers rated him the best defensive second baseman in the Carolina League last year. He did a better job of reading balls off the bat and became much steadier in turning the double play. Holt is now 24 and has yet to play above high Class A, so his window of opportunity is starting to close. He needs to have a steady and productive season in Double-A this year.

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Neil Jamison, rhp, Padres

Born: Aug. 4, 1983 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 185 • Drafted: Long Beach State, 2005 (6th round) • Signed by: Brendan Hause

Jamison returned to Long Beach State for his senior season after turning down the Mets as an eighth-round pick in 2004. The Padres made Jamison, one of college baseball's premier closers, a sixth-rounder in 2005 and signed him for $60,000. He didn't allow an earned run during his entire senior season, which covered 29 2/3 innings. Jamison led the high Class A California League with 61 appearances last season and finished second with 31 saves--trailing only his former setup man at Long Beach State, Brian Anderson. Jamison has a reliever's presence and attacks the zone with two pitches delivered from a low three-quarters arm slot. His slider has been his out pitch in the minors, with righthanders having a tough time squaring it up, though it might not have the velocity to project as more than average at the major league level. His fastball velocity varied from 84-88 to 90-92 mph last year, but he locates it very effectively on the outer half and it features enough movement to generate awkward swings. Jamison struggles with lefthanders because he lacks an effective changeup. He'll have to prove himself at every level, and his next stop is Double-A.

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Toddric Johnson, of, Athletics

Born: Dec. 17, 1984 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 165 • Drafted: Southern Mississippi, 2006 (14th round) • Signed by: Kelcey Mucker

Johnson was drafted twice previously (Marlins, 27th round in 2003 and Padres, 32nd round in 2004) before signing with the Athletics for $22,000 as a 14th-rounder last June. Despite an impressive track record of performance as well as athleticism, scouts weren't beating a path to his door, and Oakland was pleasantly surprised to find him available so late in the draft. He has good size but rather raw instincts, and his unorthodox setup at the plate may have scared some clubs off. He doesn't have much of a power load and uses his quick hands to slap at the ball in a manner that evokes Willie McGee. It works for Johnson, who slashes line drives and has surprising power. He also has plus speed and the range for center field, where his arm is playable. A hand injury cut his pro debut short, but Johnson is expected to move quickly and could earn the center-field job at high Class A Stockton with a strong spring.

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Po-Hsuan Keng, rhp, Blue Jays

Born: Oct. 15, 1984 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 235 • Signed: Taiwan, 2003 • Signed by: J.P. Ricciardi

Signed for $225,000 the same year as Chi-Hung Cheng, Keng has pitched with his fellow countryman in low Class A the last two years. Like Cheng, Keng has shown maturity by learning English quickly and adapting to U.S. culture. After throwing three scoreless innings for Taiwan in the World Baseball Classic, Keng worked exclusively in relief this season and got out of the gate strong. He struggled in high Class A, however, when he got away from throwing his 90-92 mph two-seamer and found himself in a lot of deep counts. He likes to work with his diving splitter and slider, but both are below-average pitches at this point. He also has a changeup and curveball that are less refined. Keng will return to high Class A this year, and the Blue Jays want to see him pitch more aggressively.

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Jon Knott, 1b/of, Orioles

Born: Aug. 4, 1978 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-3 • Wt: 220 • Signed: Mississippi State, NDFA 2001 • Signed by: Mal Fichman (Padres)

Knott rarely has been made to feel wanted, but he keeps persevering and he keeps hitting. He had to make it as a walk-on at Mississippi State, where he clubbed 51 homers in four seasons. He went undrafted in both 2000 and 2001, and entered pro ball as a nondrafted free agent with the Padres. He won the high Class A California League batting title with a .341 average in his 2002 pro debut, and he has hit 111 homers in the four seasons since. He led the Triple-A Pacific Coast League with 32 homers and 113 RBIs in 2006, setting career highs in both categories. However, his minor league success has garnered him just 17 big league at-bats and wasn't enough to prevent San Diego from nontendering him in December. Knott signed a minor league contract with the Orioles as a free agent. His plus power is obviously his calling card, but his other tools are below average. He can be too aggressive early in counts instead of waiting for a pitch to drive, but he crushes mistakes and first-pitch fastballs. With a long swing, he won't hit for much of an average and is susceptible to quality fastballs up in the zone. Knott has worked to become a playable defender at first base and in left field, but that's as good as he's going to get. He'll try to carve out a role in Baltimore as a power bat off the bench.

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Mario Lisson, 3b, Royals

Born: May 31, 1984 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-2 • Wt: 193 • Signed: Venezuela, 2002 • Signed by: Juan Indriago

Signed on a tip from a junior college teammate of former Royals farm director Shaun McGuinn, Lisson offers one of the more intriguing packages of tools in the Kansas City system. He missed the second half of 2005 with a labrum injury in his non-throwing shoulder and had to repeat low Class A. He hit .302 with seven homers in the final two months of 2006, learning to wait for his pitch as opposed to getting himself out, his tendency in the past. The Royals are working on taking some of the tension out of his upper body when he swings and getting him to trust his hands more. He has above-average speed and basestealing instincts, allowing him to swipe 41 bases in 52 tries. Lisson is a solid third baseman with soft hands and a plus arm. Though Kansas City has Mark Teahen and Alex Gordon ahead of him, it won't worry about finding him a different position until he gets much closer to the big leagues. Last year was an encouraging step forward for Lisson, though it was his second stint in the Midwest League. A tough hitter's park in high Class A Wilmington will be a good challenge for him in 2007.

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John Madden, rhp, Padres

Born: Dec. 2, 1982 • B-T: R-R • Ht: 6-4 • Wt: 225 • Drafted: Auburn, 2005 (8th round) • Signed by: Bob Filotei

Madden reminds scouts of another former Auburn righthander, Scott Sullivan, who pitched 10 seasons in the majors. Though Madden was ancient by low Class A standards at 23, he dominated the Midwest League last year and may start to move quickly in 2007. He pitches from an extremely tough low-three-quarters arm slot that gives him plenty of sinking and boring action on a 91-92 mph fastball that tops out at 94. He complements his fastball with a hard slider, and his repertoire and delivery also have drawn comparisons to Jeff Nelson's. Madden has been almost automatic against righthanders, but his lack of a changeup makes him an easier target for lefties. He's working on developing a more consistent changeup and maintaining the velocity on his heater. The emergence of pitchers with similar arm angles such as the Padres' own Cla Meredith and the Twins' Pat Neshek bodes well for Madden's future. He may start 2007 in high Class A, but he should reach Double-A before the end of the year.

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