South Atlantic League Top 20 Prospects List
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Managers
and scouts were somewhat underwhelmed with the potential star power
found in the low Class A South Atlantic League this year. That said,
many of the skippers believed the circuit featured solid depth that
will surface in the majors in the years to come.
"There were a few bats, but not many," said Joe Mikulik, who managed Asheville for the eighth straight season. “There were some decent arms, too, but there didn’t seem to be as many as we’ve had recently.”
Had he qualified for the list, Asheville closer Casey Weathers would have merited strong consideration for the top spot. The eighth overall pick in the 2007 draft, he spent the last month of the season in the SAL. Working mostly one-inning stints, he had 19 strikeouts in 14 innings, limited hitters to a .130 average and consistently hit the upper 90s with his fastball.
"He has closer written all over him," Savannah manager Tim Teufel said. "You only have to see him once for him to jump off the page."
Several high draft picks struggled or battled injuries in the league, most notably former first-round righthanders Daniel Bard (Greenville), Kyle Drabek (Lakewood) and Wade Townsend.
Augusta pitchers Kevin Pucetas and Ben Snyder had two of the best seasons on the mound, but league observers weren't impressed with their long-term potential.
"They know how to pitch," a National League scout said, "but I still don’t see how either one gets it done with his stuff."
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(Click
here to subscribe)| TOP 20 PROSPECTS |
| 1. Desmond Jennings, of, Columbus (Devil Rays) |
| 2. Hector Gomez, ss, Asheville (Rockies) |
| 3. Fautino de los Santos, rhp, Kannapolis (White Sox) |
| 4. Lars Anderson, 1b, Greenville (Red Sox) |
| 5. Chris Marrero, of, Hagerstown (Nationals) |
| 6. Jordan Schafer, of, Rome (Braves) |
| 7. Henry Sosa, rhp, Augusta (Giants) |
| 8. Jeremy Hellickson, rhp, Columbus (Devil Rays) |
| 9. Ryan Royster, of, Columbus (Devil Rays) |
| 10. Chris Carter, 1b, Kannapolis (White Sox) |
| 11. Chris Coghlan, 2b, Greensboro (Marlins) |
| 12. John Raynor, of, Greensboro (Marlins) |
| 13. Adrian Cardenas, ss, Lakewood (Phillies) |
| 14. Tommy Hanson, rhp, Rome (Braves) |
| 15. Brandon Snyder, 1b, Delmarva (Orioles) |
| 16. Jared Goedert, 3b, Lake County (Indians) |
| 17. Daniel Mayora, ss, Asheville (Rockies) |
| 18. Justin Maxwell, of, Hagerstown (Nationals) |
| 19. Josh Reddick, of, Greenville (Red Sox) |
| 20. Billy Rowell, 3b, Delmarva (Orioles) |
"There were a few bats, but not many," said Joe Mikulik, who managed Asheville for the eighth straight season. “There were some decent arms, too, but there didn’t seem to be as many as we’ve had recently.”
Had he qualified for the list, Asheville closer Casey Weathers would have merited strong consideration for the top spot. The eighth overall pick in the 2007 draft, he spent the last month of the season in the SAL. Working mostly one-inning stints, he had 19 strikeouts in 14 innings, limited hitters to a .130 average and consistently hit the upper 90s with his fastball.
"He has closer written all over him," Savannah manager Tim Teufel said. "You only have to see him once for him to jump off the page."
Several high draft picks struggled or battled injuries in the league, most notably former first-round righthanders Daniel Bard (Greenville), Kyle Drabek (Lakewood) and Wade Townsend.
Augusta pitchers Kevin Pucetas and Ben Snyder had two of the best seasons on the mound, but league observers weren't impressed with their long-term potential.
"They know how to pitch," a National League scout said, "but I still don’t see how either one gets it done with his stuff."
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