Appalachian League Top 20 Prospects List

Big bats lead the way on Appy list

By Matt Eddy
September 25, 2006

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TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. Travis Snider, of, Pulaski (Blue Jays)

2. Bill Rowell, 3b, Bluefield (Orioles)

3. Kieron Pope, of, Bluefield (Orioles)

4. Tommy Hanson, rhp, Danville (Braves)

5. Jamie Richmond, rhp, Danville (Braves)

6. Daryl Jones, of, Johnson City (Cardinals)

7. Desmond Jennings, of, Princeton (Devil Rays)

8. Chase Fontaine, ss, Danville (Braves)

9. Jon Edwards, of, Johnson City (Cardinals)

10. Zach Britton, lhp, Bluefield (Orioles)

11. Emmanuel Garcia, ss/2b, Kingsport (Mets)

12. Blake King, rhp, Johnson City (Cardinals)

13. Tyler Herron, rhp, Johnson City (Cardinals)

14. Brian Kirwan, rhp, Elizabethton (Twins)

15. Alex Burnett, rhp, Elizabethton (Twins)

16. Justin Edwards, lhp, Bristol (White Sox)

17. Ronald Ramirez, ss/2b, Greeneville (Astros)

18. Yohermyn Chavez, of, Pulaski (Blue Jays)

19. Nevin Ashley, c, Princeton (Devil Rays)

20. Sergio Sevrino, lhp, Greeneville (Astros)

While Danville and Elizabethton again dominated the Rookie-level Appalachian League and met in a rematch of last year's championship series, a pair of lefthanded-hitting high school sluggers taken in the top half of the 2006 draft made the strongest impression. Pulaski outfielder Travis Snider, taken 14th overall by the Blue Jays, and Bluefield third baseman Bill Rowell, who went ninth to the Orioles, already are above-average hitters and both project to hit for more power as they mature.
 
No pitcher could match the raw arm strength of righthander Brandon Erbe, the top pitcher on this list a year ago. But the Orioles and White Sox each sent their top-drafted lefthander to the league in third-round picks Zach Britton and Justin Edwards. In all, clubs sent six players drafted in the top three rounds to the Appalachian League, with Bluefield second baseman Ryan Adams (Orioles, second round) and Danville shortstop Chase Fontaine (Braves, second) rounding out that group.

Righthanders Tommy Hanson (Danville) and Blake King (Johnson City), two of most promising draft-and-follow signs this spring, fared well in their pro debuts in the league. Potential five-tool center fielders Daryl Jones (Johnson City) and Desmond Jennings (Princeton) showed glimpses of what they can become. Both were pursued by Division I football programs out of high school.

Jones was one of several players who stood out in their second tour of the Appy League. Like Jones, Bluefield outfielder Kieron Pope received a late-season promotion, while Johnson City righthander Tyler Herron and Greeneville lefthander Sergio Severino can look forward to full-season ball next year.

The talent extended beyond the top 20. Elizabethton closer Danny Hernandez had one of the best arms in the league, reaching 96 mph with his fastball, and greatly improved his command this season. Danville outfielder Concepcion Rodriguez might have been the Braves' steadiest hitter and his defensive potential also bears watching.

Greeneville lefthander Polin Trinidad exhibited good fastball location and an effective changeup. Princeton had three promising 18-year-old righties, including two sons of former major leaguers: Chris Andujar, son of Joaquin; Alex Cobb, a fourth-round pick in June; and Tyree Hayes, son of Charlie.

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