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

See also: The 31st Team, Part I

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 had 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. The first part of the team is available here.

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

Nyjer Morgan, of, Pirates

Born: July 2, 1980. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 6-0. • Wt.: 170. • Drafted: Walla Walla (Wash.) CC, D/F 2002 (33rd round). • Signed by: Kevin Clouser.

Morgan made a big splash in his pro debut after signing as a draft-and-follow in 2003, batting .343 and leading the short-season New York-Penn League with 92 hits. However, he didn't come close to matching those numbers in Class A the next two seasons and also missed the first half of 2005 because of shoulder surgery. He regained some of his lost luster in 2006 after a heart-to-heart talk in spring training with new Pirates minor league hitting coordinator Gregg Ritchie, who emphasized the need for the speedster to hit the ball on the ground. Morgan needs to get on base consistently to be an effective offensive player because he has little power. He has outstanding speed and has learned to put it to better use both in the field and on the bases as he has gained experience. His arm is decent and certainly playable in center field. Morgan is old for a prospect, but young in baseball because he played junior hockey in western Canada for four years. He has the ability to at least be a solid reserve outfielder in the major leagues if he builds on last season’s success.

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Donnie Murphy, 2b, Athletics

Born: March 10, 1983. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 5-10. • Wt.: 185. • Drafted: Orange Coast (Calif.) JC, 2002 (5th round). • Signed by: Gary Johnson (Royals).

The Royals designated Murphy for assignment after trading for Jason LaRue in November, then sold him to the Athletics. Murphy has yet to play a day in Triple-A, his likely destination in 2007, though he saw time in Kansas City in both 2004 and 2005 before being relegated to Double-A throughout last season. Hand problems dogged Murphy all year until an MRI in August revealed a broken hamate bone that might have been fractured at some point in 2005. While that news didn't take the sting away from his disappointing season, it certainly explained it. Because of the injury, Murphy's timing and production were off all year, though he did hit .333 in the Texas League playoffs. He has solid pop for a middle infielder and won't miss his pitch when he gets it. He's not afraid to hit with two strikes, though his walk rate has declined during the last two years. Murphy has a bit of a waggle in his load that prevents him from getting his bat into hitting position in time, and his swing can get long at times. He's a below-average runner with limited range at second base, though he does have solid hands and a strong arm. That he waited so long to get his hand checked out is a testament to his blue-collar mentality.

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Roman Pena, of, Indians

Born: Sept. 2, 1986. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 6-1. • Wt.: 190. • Drafted: HS--San Diego, 2005 (9th round). • Signed by: Jason Smith.

Though Pena worked out and traveled with Rookie-level Burlington after signing in 2005, the Indians held him back for his pro debut until last year. While he's a former pitcher with an 85-88 mph fastball, his bat is clearly his best tool. He hits to all fields with a compact, line-drive stroke from the left side. Several club officials compared him to another San Diego high school product and Indians outfield prospect, John Drennen, for his bat speed, barrel awareness and an advanced approach. Pena showed above-average range in center field during his debut, but he doesn't have the speed or arm strength to play there on a regular basis in the upper levels. He's a below-average runner and is destined for left field. He'll open 2007 back in low Class A.

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Luis Perez, of, Athletics

Born: Aug. 17, 1983. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-0. • Wt.: 160. • Signed: Venezuela, 1999. • Signed by: Julio Franco.

Perez hit .339 in the Rookie-level Arizona League in his U.S. debut in 2002, but hit for modest averages and not enough power during the next three seasons. He blossomed again last season, leading the high Class A California League and the Oakland system in hitting with a .334 average. Perez has a low-maintenance swing that produces consistent line drives and he uses the entire field. He has enough bat speed to hit good fastballs, trusts his hands enough to wait out breaking balls and can hit lefthanders and righthanders. The fact that he hits good pitching is his best asset. He doesn't walk much, so most of his offensive value comes from his batting average. Perez has some speed but not enough for center field. Fearing he could turn into a tweener, the Athletics tried him at second base early in his career, to no avail. He’s an average defender on either outfield corner, and Oakland is most encouraged by the improved power he flashed in 2006. If he sustains that gap power, he could profile as a regular. Perez is headed to Double-A to see if he can continue the progress he made last year.

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Gregorio Petit, 2b/ss, Athletics

Born: Dec. 10, 1984. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 5-10. • Wt.: 160. • Signed: Venezuela, 2001. • Signed by: Julio Franco.

Petit continues to defy categorization, making it difficult to peg exactly what kind of big leaguer he can be. He has tools, and continued his steady move up the ladder with a decent season in high Class A last year, splitting time between second base and shortstop. He’s small, but he has plenty of arm and range to play shortstop, and his excellent hands work at any infield position. He’s in the same conversation with Justin Sellers and Cliff Pennington as the best defensive infielders in the Athletics system. Petit’s offensive potential lags behind those two, though. He’s not selective at the plate, and his overly aggressive nature leads to big strikeout totals, plenty of double-play grounders when he tries (and fails) to jerk balls out of the park, and lots of empty at-bats. His aggressiveness also gets the best of him on the bases, where he’s inefficient despite above-average speed. Petit has some power, but he gets homer-happy and probably would have more success with more of a line-drive approach. His overall package resembles that of Marcos Scutaro, though he has more ability than Scutaro and far less savvy. Petit will play in Double-A this year, and may see some time at third base and the outfield in hopes of making him a utilityman.

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Stuart Pomeranz, rhp, Cardinals

Born: Dec. 17, 1984. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-7. • Wt.: 220. • Drafted: HS--Collierville, Tenn., 2003 (2nd round). • Signed by: Marty Denton.

After scuffling in his first taste of Double-A in 2005, Pomeranz returned there last year. While he performed better, he wasn't overly effective and also had his season interrupted by a shoulder injury. He made just two starts in the final two months and posted a 9.00 ERA in the Arizona Fall League. Pomeranz has the size and stuff to become a workhorse starter. His low-90s sinker runs in on righthanders, and he also throws a knuckle-curve and a changeup. His biggest improvement last season came with his control, which stands out as much as his stuff. The Cardinals praise his poise and his competitive streak. He'll probably open the year in Double-A again, but Triple-A Memphis is eager to have a hometown prospect in the rotation.

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Martin Prado, 2b/3b, Braves

Born: Oct. 27, 1983. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-1. • Wt.: 170. • Signed: Venezuela, 2001. • Signed by: Rolando Petit/Julian Perez.

After the Braves decided to nontender Marcus Giles, Prado became their leading candidate to start at second base. He made impessive progress for the third straight year after spending his first three pro seasons in Rookie ball. He made his major league debut in 2006, ripping a triple in his first game during a two-game cup of coffee in late April, and returned to Atlanta for good in late August. Prado makes consistent contact at the plate and is capable of hitting for a respectable average, though he can be impatient on occasion. His ability to drive the ball has improved of late, but he never will produce significant power numbers at the major league level. The Braves believe he could be a good No. 2 hitter once he develops a little more plate discipline. He's an average runner but not a threat to steal bases. Prado expanded his defensive horizons last year, seeing action at third base in addition to second while rotating with fellow middle infielders Yunel Escobar and Luis Hernandez in Double-A. Prado proved to be adept at both positions, but his gritty approach is better suited for second base. He has excellent range and a strong, accurate arm there. He turns the pivot well on double plays and isn't intimidated by oncoming runners. If he doesn't win Atlanta's second-base job, Prado could earn a role as a utilityman.

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Eric Reed, of, Marlins

Born: Dec. 2, 1980. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 5-11. • Wt.: 170. • Drafted: Texas A&M, 2002 (9th round). • Signed by: Dennis Cardoza.

It says plenty about Reed's declining status that the Marlins chose to split the bulk of their center-field at-bats between an overmatched Reggie Abercrombie, utility infielder Alfredo Amezaga and journeyman Cody Ross. Reed was the Opening Day choice but quickly fell out of favor and was sent back to Triple-A by the middle of May. Special assistant Andre Dawson and hitting coordinator John Mallee had a long talk with Reed about the need to play his game and recognize his limitations. The spindly speedster proceeded to do a better job of keeping the ball on the ground and taking more pitches at the top of the order. Even so, Reed remained a frustrating work in progress, chasing too many breaking balls in the dirt and having uncharacteristic struggles with bunting. Stealing bases remains a challenge for him despite his top-of-the-line speed. He can go from home to first in 3.8 seconds, but he doesn't get on base enough of have the savvy to make the most of his quickness. His defense remained top notch, and he has an average arm. Reed no longer projects as a big league regular but he could be a useful fourth outfielder if he improves his offense.

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J.T. Restko, of, Marlins

Born: Dec. 15, 1984. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-5. • Wt.: 190. • Drafted: HS—Tinley Park, Ill., 2003 (10th round). • Signed by: Scot Engler.

Coming off a breakthrough 2005 season, Restko suffered through an injury-marred followup in high Class A. He broke his collarbone early in the year, tried to come back too soon and later played through back pain without telling anyone. Once he finally got healthy, he enjoyed a strong final six weeks but the big power he displayed in low Class A never showed up. Along with teammate Brad McCann, the transition from the hitter-friendly South Atlantic League to the larger parks of the Florida State League seemed to mess with his swing and confidence. Long and lean like Mariners slugger Richie Sexson, Restko hasn't shown much progress in left field but the Marlins weren't impressed with him at first base either. His arm and range are just adequate, and his speed is below average. He works hard on his conditioning but some would like to see him be more aggressive between the lines. A Chicago-area product, he spends his winters at the nearby hitting school run by Marlins hitting coordinator John Mallee.

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Clayton Richard, lhp, White Sox

Born: Sept. 12, 1983. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 6-5. • Wt.: 225. • Drafted: Michigan, 2005 (8th round). • Signed by: Mike Shirley.

A former backup quarterback at Michigan, Richard is making a smooth transition to baseball. He pitched well in his first full pro season, which started late because he injured a knee in spring training, and he earned a promotion to high Class A in August. He picked up a complete-game victory in his final start, allowing only an unearned run, and followed up with a strong showing in instructional league. Richard has a power pitcher's build but not the stuff. His fastball occasionally hits 90 but often parks around 87-88 mph. He gets good sink on his fastball, however, and generates a lot of groundballs. His curveball is an average pitch, while his changeup needs improvement. He has a strong work ethic and confidence in himself. Richard probably could move more quickly as a reliever but the White Sox believe his package can work as a starter. He'll probably open the year in high Class A.

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Chris Roberson, of, Phillies

Born: Aug. 23, 1979. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-2. • Wt.: 180. • Drafted: Contra Costa (Calif.) CC, 2001 (9th round). • Signed by: Scott Ramsey.

Roberson inherited his outstanding athleticism from his father Will, a former NBA draft pick. Roberson was disappointing over his first three seasons as a pro, but has hit much better in the upper levels of the minors. He finally broke into the big leagues last year, but served mainly as a late-inning defensive replacement and got just 41 at-bats in 57 games. Roberson’s best tool is his speed. The power he showed in 2005 proved illusory, making it difficult to see him as an everyday player in the big leagues. He still struggles against quality breaking balls, and his ceiling appears to be that of a fourth outfielder. His center-field defense and speed are too good to ignore, however. Roberson will battle for an outfield job with Philadelphia. With Shane Victorino emerging and Michael Bourn nearly ready, Roberson is looking at playing the same role for the Phillies he did a year ago if he makes the club.

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Casey Rogowski, 1b, White Sox

Born: May 1, 1981. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 6-3. • Wt.: 230. • Drafted: HS—Redford, Mich., 1999 (13th round). • Signed by: Nathan Durst.

Rogowski has been productive in the upper minors and has the potential to have a Brian Daubach-like career, but there's little opportunity in Chicago with Paul Konerko and Jim Thome at first base and DH. Further hurting Rogowski's cause, he didn't hit for much power in a power hitter's park last year in Triple-A Charlotte. His pop is more to the gaps, and the natural topspin that his swing generates costs him some homers. He works counts well and draws his share of walks. A Michigan high school state champion as a heavyweight wrestler, Rogowski is a good athlete for a first baseman. Though a below-average runner, he stole a career-high 26 bases in 2006. Managers rated him the best defensive first baseman in the International League last season. It's possible that he could handle left field but he has played just two games in the outfield as a pro. He doesn't provide enough offense to project as a regular first baseman, and he's blocked with the White Sox, so he'll probably have to repeat Triple-A.

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Adam Rosales, ss, Reds

Born: May 20, 1983. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-2. • Wt.: 195. • Drafted: Western Michigan, 2005 (12th round). • Signed by: Rick Sellers.

Rosales was a surprise star in his pro debut, hitting .325 and reaching low Class A after signing as a 12th-rounder. But he
suffered through a miserable 2006 as he was derailed by injuries. He started off the year with elbow problems, which eventually led to his demotion when the Reds needed to clear a spot for Paul Janish in high Class A. A hamate bone injury led to further trouble and eventually led to Cincinnati shutting Rosales down with two weeks left in the season. Though he hit a soft .250 for the year, the Reds were impressed with his ability to play through pain and he should be fully recovered in time for spring training. Rosales employs an unorthodox short swing, hacking down on the ball yet somehow putting loft on it when he's healthy. He's a throwback who runs out walks and homers and impresses managers with his heady approach to the game. Rosales has surprising speed for his size, along with a plus arm and adequate range at shortstop. Some scouts believe he'll fit better at second base as he matures and continues to fill out. Rosales will get a second chance in high Class A this year.

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Henry Sanchez, 1b, Twins

Born: Nov. 29, 1986. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-3. • Wt.: 260. • Drafted: HS--San Diego, 2005 (1st round supplemental). • Signed by: John Leavitt.

While Erik Lis was having one of the best seasons in the organization, the Twins' supposed first baseman/DH of the future was having one of its worst. A massive player with the best raw power in the system, Sanchez earned a spot in low Class A as a 19-year-old homered in his first two games. Pitchers immediately adjusted and gave him a steady diet of breaking balls, and he struck out 10 times in his next 18 at-bats. He had at least one whiff in 41 of his 48 games at Beloit before being sent to Rookie-level Elizabethon, where he continued to struggle. He complained of pain in his left wrist, where he had a broken hamate bone as a high school senior in 2005. Further examination found enough problems with his previous surgery to merit another operation. The Twins consider his first full pro season a lost year for Sanchez, the 39th overall pick in the 2005 draft. His value lies almost entirely in his bat, as he's slow on the bases and average at best defensively. But few players can match his righthanded power potential, so Minnesota will be patient. He'll go back to low Class A in 2007.

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Shawn Scobee, of, Blue Jays

Born: Oct. 11, 1984. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-1. • Wt.: 210. • Drafted: Nevada, 2006 (14th round). • Signed by: Brandon Mozley.

A year after taking Jacob Butler in the eighth round of the 2005 draft, the Blue Jays selected another Nevada senior outfielder in Scobee. A 14th-rounder who signed for $2,500, he took advantage of the favorable hitting conditions at Nevada and in the Western Athletic Conference to rank second in NCAA Division I in both slugging percentage (.847) and on-base plus slugging percentage (1.385) last spring. A fifth-round pick out of high school, Scobee spent his freshman season at Cal State Fullerton, where he was miscast with his decidedly non-fundamental play. His calling cards are raw power and a strong throwing arm in right field. He's not much of a runner and his overly aggressive approach and long swing don't portend hitting for average. Scobee strikes out frequently and quality breaking balls gave him trouble. He sometimes is late on fastballs, though his timing improved late in the season. He's willing to learn, so the Blue Jays are gambling they can unlock his high upside with the bat. He'll likely play in low Class A this year.

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Steven Shell, rhp, Angels

Born: March 10, 1983. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-5. • Wt.: 190. • Drafted: HS—El Reno, Okla., 2001 (3rd round). • Signed by: Kevin Ham.

When the Angels drafted Shell in the third round in 2001, he was considered an unrefined prospect with significant upside. Six years later, he has been plagued by elbow soreness and moved to the bullpen. A bout with kidney stones caused him to lose weight during the 2006 season, when he was hammered regularly in Triple-A. Because of his large frame and easy arm action as a teenager, scouts projected Shell to fill out and throw in the mid-90s. But he pitched near 87 mph much of last season, peaking at 90. He still shows solid-average fastball command. His secondary stuff hasn't come around either. He has below-average command of a spike curveball that has good if inconsistent shape. Salt Lake teammate Dustin Moseley helped him with his changeup, and Shell showed average command of the pitch, with occasional sink and fade. Set to return to Triple-A, he now projects as a middle reliever.

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Edwardo Sierra, rhp, White Sox

Born: April 15, 1982. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-4. • Wt.: 195. • Signed: Dominican Republic, 1999. • Signed by: Bernardino Rosario (Athletics).

Originally signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Athletics, Sierra went to the Yankees in a 2003 trade for Chris Hammond and to the Rockies in a 2005 deal for Shawn Chacon. When he didn't throw strikes early last year in Triple-A, Colorado put him on waivers and lost him to the White Sox, who were looking for power arms. Chicago was impressed by his arm strength in spring training and will be patient while trying to improve his control and command. Sierra had been clocked as high as 98 mph in previous years and topped out at 96 in Double-A last year. That fastball and a quality splitter allow him to overpower hitters out of the bullpen when he has his mechanics under control. Becoming more consistent with his splitter or developing another secondary pitch is a priority. Rebuilding his confidence is another ongoing concern. The White Sox believe he could emerge as a powerful setup man if he gets it together.

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Sean Smith, rhp, Indians

Born: Oct. 13, 1983. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-4. • Wt.: 195. • Drafted: JC--Sacramento City, D/F, 2001 (16th round). • Signed by: Chuck Ricci.

Signed for $1.1 million as a draft-and-follow, Smith stalled with minor injuries (forearm stiffness, hamstring problems) in 2004 and 2005 before getting back on track last year. He was solid after an early-season promotion to Double-A and represented the Indians at the Futures Game. Smith topped out at 94 mph in junior college but now sits at 89-91 mph with his fastball. While he doesn't show the same arm strength, he throws multiple pitches for strikes and has good command. Smith has the best changeup in the Indians system, as well as a 12-to-6 curveball and a cut fastball that he added in 2006. He features a simple delivery that he repeats well and allows him to work freely down in the strike zone. Though there were makeup questions about him in the past, Smith answered them in 2006. He has a strong work ethic and was Akron's most effective starter in the Eastern League playoffs. He'll open 2007 in Triple-A and could get his first big league callup later in the year.

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Brian Stokes, rhp, Devil Rays

Born: Sept. 7, 1979. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-1. • Wt.: 203. • Drafted: Riverside (Calif.) CC, NDFA 1998. • Signed by: Craig Weissmann.

Signed as a nondrafted free agent, Stokes overcame long odds in more ways than one when he earned his first major league win on Sept. 24 against the Yankees. He also missed three months of the 2003 season with a right shoulder strain before having Tommy John surgery in August and sitting out the entire 2004 campaign. Stokes showed a better feel for all of his pitches last year, mixing his 90-mph fastball with a mid-70s curveball and improving changeup. His heavy fastball has natural sink and produces groundballs when he’s at his best. The key to Stokes’ success centers on throwing strikes. He gets in trouble when his fastball rises above the knees because it tends to straighten out, making it much easier to hit. At 27, Stokes is old for a prospect, but his rebuilt arm has relatively low mileage and he'll be a strong candidate for the back of the Tampa Bay rotation or the bullpen in 2007.

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Eric Stults, lhp, Dodgers

Born: Dec. 9, 1979. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 6-0. • Wt.: 215. • Drafted: Bethel (Ind.), 2002 (15th round). • Signed by: Marty Lamb.

It had been 46 years since the Dodgers had two pitchers make their first major league start in the same series before Hong-Chi Kuo and Stults each earned victories in September against the Mets. Stults was the National Christian College Athletic Association player of the year and part of a NCCAA national title in 2002 at tiny Bethel (Ind.), where he also played basketball. He reached Double-A in his pro debut and closed out the Arizona Fall League championship game for the Peoria Javelinas that fall. Stults missed much of the next two season with elbow problems, however, leading to Tommy John surgery in 2004. He has solid-average command of an 87-91 mph fastball. He worked diligently with Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and minor league pitching coordinator Marty Reed on his breaking ball, which improved in 2006 and became an average pitch with late break. Stults maintains his arm speed on his changeup, which has late fade and is his best offering. It has late fade. He lacks a put-away pitch, but he has value as a spot starter or middle reliever. His makeup is outstanding. Stults could split time between Triple-A and the big leagues in 2007.

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Everett Teaford, lhp, Royals

Born: May 15, 1984. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 6-0. • Wt.: 155. • Drafted: Georgia Southern, 2006 (12th round). • Signed by:

After going 5-1, 1.84 in the Cape Cod League in 2005, Teaford expected to be taken a lot earlier than the 12th round and pitches with the chip on his shoulder of someone who feels slighted. He won 10 games last spring for Georgia Southern, finishing with 26 victories in three college seasons. Though not physically imposing, Teaford impressed the Royals and managers in the Pioneer League with his feel for pitching and aggressive approach. Signed for $65,000, he uses his 87-90 mph fastball to set up an above-average changeup. His changeup has sink and he maintains his fastball arm action when throwing it. His curveball has good rotation and can be usable, but he doesn't always stay on top of it. Ultimately, it was Teaford's small frame that led to the drop in his draft stock and will be his biggest obstacle going forward. He lacks projection, and there are concerns about his durability and whether his stuff will hold up at higher levels. He'll get his chance to prove himself again in low Class A this year.

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Rolando Valdez, rhp, Padres

Born: Jan. 8, 1986. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-1. • Wt.: 191. • Signed: Mexico, 2005. • Signed by: Randy Smith/Robert Rowley.

A former outfielder, Valdez began pitching shortly before the Padres signed him out of Mexico in 2005. In his U.S. debut last year, he ranked third in the short-season Northwest League in wins and made cameos in high Class A and Triple-A. He's a strike thrower with an easy motion who commands a low-90s fastball that gets on hitters quickly. Valdez has developed a well above-average changeup, a rare accomplishment for a conversion project. His curveball is loose and not nearly as advanced, however, and he'll need to hone it to advance. He also has to do a better job of throwing strikes. Valdez is a gifted athlete who demonstrates a knack for pitching despite his inexperience, and he projects as a back-end starter or a reliever.

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Phillip Valiquette, lhp, Reds

Born: Feb. 14, 1987. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 6-0. • Wt.: 175. • Drafted: HS--Montreal, 2004 (7th round). • Signed by: Jason Baker.

Valiquette hasn’t made much progress during the past two seasons, but his arm is too good to give up on and the Reds are somewhat culpable for his struggles. They sent him to low Class A to begin his pro career in 2005, even though he was only 18, didn't speak English as his native language and was very raw. Predictably he was quickly beaten up by more advanced hitters, forcing the Reds to send him to Rookie-level Billings. He returned to low Class A and struggled again in 2006. He left Dayton in late June to return to Canada to attend a funeral and didn't return, forcing Cincinnati to place him on the suspended list. The Reds still aren't sure if Valiquette will return for spring training. They hope he will, because he still has one of the best arms in the system. He has a low-90s fastball that can touch 95 mph with good natural movement, and he throws it with a free and easy delivery. His changeup and curveball are below-average offerings, and his control, command and maturity also have to improve.

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Helder Velazquez, ss, Rockies

Born: Oct. 14, 1988. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-3. • Wt.: 165. • Drafted: HS—Aguas Buenas, P.R., 2006 (5th round). • Signed by: Jorge Posada.

At age 17, Velazquez had no trouble accepting the challenge of being sent from Puerto Rico to the Rookie-level Pioneer League, which abounds with college players. The top Puerto Rican prospect in the draft last spring, he went in the fifth round and signed for $209,000. Velazquez has natural hitting instincts, and keeps his swing compact. He benefits from terrific hand-eye coordination, which also carries over to his defensive play. Because he makes contact so easily, Velazquez doesn't draw many walks, and he won't hit at the top of a lineup if he doesn't improve in this regard. He showed some raw power that should develop into an asset as he fills out physically. He knows he needs to put in extra work to get stronger. His plus speed wasn't evident on the basepaths but that should come with more experience. He has a strong arm, soft hands and good range. He profiles well as a shortstop, though he also played some third base at Casper in deference to Hector Gomez. Velazquez is more advanced than most teenagers and takes instruction well. He's likely to begin this season in extended spring training before becoming the shortstop at short-season Tri-City.

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Neil Wagner, rhp, Indians

Born: Jan. 1, 1984. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-0. • Wt.: 200. • Drafted: North Dakota State, 2005 (21st round). • Signed by: Les Pajari.

When the Indians took Wagner in the 21st round in 2005, he became the first player drafted out of North Dakota State since catcher Tony Richards went to the Dodgers in 1998. While he was overpowering at times in college, Wagner also was inconsistent. In his draft year, he posted an 8.04 ERA and his mechanics were hampered for most of that spring by ankle and knee injuries. After the draft, he went to the Northwoods League, a summer college circuit, and the Indians saw him hit 96 mph once he was healthy. Last year, Wagner worked consistently at 94-96 mph and also showed an above-average slider in the mid-80s. He's also developing a splitter that could give him a third plus pitch. Wagner profiles as a setup man with a power arsenal and he could skip a level, advancing to high Class A to begin 2007.

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Sam Walls, rhp, Phillies

Born: Oct. 31, 1983. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-1. • Wt.: 185. • Drafted: North Carolina State, 2006 (10th round). • Signed by: Roy Tanner.

Walls was a starter at North Carolina State before moving to the bullpen full-time last spring. After signing for $50,000 as a 10th-round pick in June, he stayed in a relief role during his pro debut. His best pitch is a cut fastball taught to him by Wolfpack pitching coach Chris Roberts, a first-round pick of the Mets in 1992. Walls studied tapes of Mariano Rivera to get a better feel for how to attack hitters with his cutter, and he uses it against both lefthanders and righthanders. The rest of his repertoire is pedestrian yet effective when played off his cutter. He commands his 88-91 mph fastball well and mixes in an average curveball at times. Walls needs to work on maintaining his mechanics, as his front side flies open if he leads with his upper body. He also tends to lead with his elbow and his arm drags behind as a result. Walls will start 2007 in low Class A.

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Josh Whitesell, 1b, Nationals

Born: April 14, 1982. • B-T: L-L. • Ht.: 6-3. • Wt.: 220. • Drafted: Loyola Marymount, 2003 (6th round). • Signed by: Tony Arango.

Whitesell swatted a career-high 19 homers in Double-A last year, but his batting average (.264), on-base percentage (.354) and slugging percentage (.433) all dipped considerably. A big, strong hitter, he loves to lift weights. His bat is his ticket, as he has above-average power and is capable of driving the ball from line to line. He’s particularly adept at powering pitches on the outer half to the opposite field. He’s capable of hitting for average, but he needs to work on making more consistent contact and cutting down his strikeouts. The big question with Whitesell is his glove. The Nationals didn’t care if he even swung a bat in spring training, instead challenging him to improve his defense at first base. He needs to improve his mobility and soften his hands, but he'll probably always be a subpar defender. He's also a below-average runner. Whitesell could end up as a DH or a power bat off the bench for an American League club. He should move to Triple-A in 2007.

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