| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 09-15-2011 |
I've been doing this for nine years now, including the days back at InsidethePark.com. Not once in those nine years was there any real doubt about who the Seattle Mariners prospects of the year should be. There were years when one player simply outperformed another and hence won the award with a ton of debate, but this year is different.This season the top performers were also those believed to be the best prospects, which makes the job of choosing the prospects of the year a little more difficult.
Having said that, I feel quite strong about the winners.
Chris Crawford and I discussed these awards and built an All-Organization Prospect Team here in the latest PI Podcast.
Players that have exhausted their rookie status by way of 130 plate appearances or 50 innings pitched, or have logged 45 or more days of service prior to September 1, are not eligible.
Prospect of the Year: Vincent Catricala
For me, this was a no-brainer. Catricala has done nothing but hit since being selected in the 10th round of the 2009 draft, and he proved in 62 games at Double-A Jackson that his explosion in the Cal League for the first half of the season.
After mashing in High Desert, Catricala, 22, repeated his success in the Southern League, batting .347/.420/.632, an improvement on his time with the Mavericks.
He can hit the fastball with authority, displays a consistent swing that produces extra-base power from alley to alley and has advanced pitch recognition.
Catricala finished his time with Jackson with a .329/.398/.574 line versus the pitchers that finished in the top 15 in the circuit in ERA and hit .303/.374/.528 versus those with one of the top 15 strikeouts per nine innings mark, making him the easy choice for PI's Prospect of the Year.
Also considered: Alex Liddi, Nick Franklin.
Pitching Prospect of the Year: James Paxton and Taijuan Walker
Walker rolled through the Midwest League at age 18, whiffed 113 batters in 96 2/3 innings and flashed a plus curveball to go along with his plus fastball that visited the upper 90s on occasion. Paxton, after mowing down batters in the same league, dominated the Southern League for seven starts to complete his first pro season.
In light of the above, it became impossible to choose between the two pitchers.
Both have No. 1 starter upside and Paxton is likely to see the majors in 2012. Walker, once believed to be a bit of a project after being selected as the No. 43 overall pick in the 2010 Draft, could be on the fast track himself.
Jose Campos also received consideration after his strong season in Everett, but it wasn't enough to challenge the top two prospects in the system.
All-Organization Prospects Team 2011
1B -- Vincent Catricala
2B -- Felipe Burin
3B -- Alex Liddi
SS -- Nick Franklin
C -- John Hicks
OF -- Guillermo Pimentel
OF -- Alfredo Morales
OF -- Jabari Blash
DH -- Phillips Castillo
SP -- Taijuan Walker
SP -- James Paxton
SP -- Jose Campos
RP -- Stephen Pryor
RP -- Josh Lueke
RP -- Tyler Burgoon
prospects-of-the-year-2011
Comments
The following 37 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: mrnrfn on 09-15-2011 09:13:54 What's the outlook on Catricala's possible MLB future in position, upside and timing? I've seen him listed at 3b and LF and you've got him at 1b. I think you have been higher than most on him but what do you see his career looking like and when might he arrive (late 2012, early 2013 if all goes well?)? Thanks |
| 2. By: davelee99 on 09-15-2011 11:13:57 Jason, A problem with the podcast? dave |
| 3. By: maqman on 09-15-2011 13:42:06 Damn Jason I can't find a single thing you wrote to disagree with. If Cat the Bat keeps it up they'll have to bring him up in 2012 at some point. After he passes the PCL test. I'm really impressed with Paxton and Walker, they have both been better than I expected. If Hultzen is as good as our scouts believe we are going to have a rotation that can compete with any team out there. It's hard to believe Z & Co. can improve the farm every year like they have so far. |
| 4. By: Jason A. Churchill on 09-15-2011 14:20:28 dave, Works for me. I reuploaded it and changed the file name to see if that helps, but it's worked for me since the start. Lemme know. mmrfn, I think he's a LF. I put him at 1B because we were making a team and he's played enough there, not because he can't play left. The rest of your questions will be answered in the handbook, f he's not traded before then. maqman, Improving the farm system is not easy, but not for the reason's you allude to. Drafting well is the No. 1 key. They do that, the system gets better, But when players graduate to the big leagues, it weaknes what's left in the system, making it an annual challenge to continue adding impact players. |
| 5. By: ndcohn on 09-15-2011 15:06:38 podcast doesn't work for me, either |
| 6. By: shamus on 09-15-2011 15:58:25 I can get about the first 18 to 19 minutes of the podcast to play, and then it seems to get stuck or stop working. Thanks Jason and Chris, great stuff! |
| 7. By: Jason A. Churchill on 09-15-2011 16:22:35 Weird, it works all the way through for me. |
| 8. By: Jason A. Churchill on 09-15-2011 16:40:26 Try right-click, "save link as," downloading it and listening to it that way. |
| 9. By: shamus on 09-15-2011 17:57:05 Tried that too....still no joy. Oh well. Thanks! |
| 10. By: greymstreet on 09-15-2011 18:25:14 How was Nick Fraklin in consideration for prospect of the year if he missed half the year? |
| 11. By: Jason A. Churchill on 09-15-2011 20:26:12 greymstreet, He performed and improved. Missing all that time is a big reason why he wasn't close to winning it, but he deserved to be mentioned. Nobody was close to Catricala. He performed, passes the eye test and is a legit prospect. |
| 12. By: petermag on 09-15-2011 23:27:08 I continue to be amazed at the depth of talent in the system. It's hard to imagine a system that is overfilled with talent in...Seattle. Jason, you're being rewarded for the years of watching crappy systems. |
| 13. By: greymstreet on 09-16-2011 02:42:16 At the end of last season, I recall you outlining a very aggressive promotion schedule for Franklin. Where would you put him now? |
| 14. By: Jason A. Churchill on 09-16-2011 02:50:53 Very similar, but missing time doesn't help. The club considered starting him in AA to start '11, but they played it safe. He'll see the bigs in '12 barring injury. |
| 15. By: greent on 09-16-2011 11:36:09 Jason, Your podcast file you're listening to is probably intact, but I can confirm the file you uploaded is incomplete and drops off at 18:29. This can happen when a file upload times out. Looking forward to hearing the whole thing. GreenT |
| 16. By: skyway park on 09-16-2011 16:19:35 Jason or anyone else who cares to comment. Do you think Logan Morrison might be a target this off season most people seem to think the Marlins will try and trade him, I don't know enough about him about weather his defense is suitable for LF or not |
| 17. By: aerichner on 09-16-2011 18:11:28 Whichever team's GM doesnt call the Marlins about Morrison, isnt doing their job correctly. He can hit. As far as the how the defense fits in LF, I'll assume it wont be pretty...but not Raul Ibanez bad. Anyone out there with some #s on Morrison's fielding? Thanks in advance. |
| 18. By: Rudolf on 09-16-2011 18:28:26 Logan Morrison: http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=9205&position=OF#fielding |
| 19. By: masonb on 09-16-2011 19:39:40 I'm not trying to name drop or toot my own horn or anything like that, but I was a high school teammate of Logan Morrison and graduated with him, and still remain close enough with him to know that I would find it VERY HIGHLY unlikely the Marlins give up on him. He just lost his Dad about a month and a half before the spring training, and knowing how close he is with his dad, I know that it is very highly correlated with him and his "attitude" problems this year. Logan is a favorite of the owner and I'm sure they are going to give him a chance to calm down emotionally before pulling the plug on him this quickly. He's a hard-worker. Z would probably have to offer Pineda to get him honestly. |
| 20. By: Shawnuel on 09-16-2011 19:45:09 RE: Morrison's defense. He is a converted 1B. I think the Marlins have planned for him to move back to first where he is much better defensively and is starting to develop the type of power that is acceptable there. Morrison in LF is not pretty. |
| 21. By: Rudolf on 09-16-2011 21:48:27 Totally off-topic here, but should it sting even a little to see O'Flaherty and Varvaro succeeding in Atlanta? We basically threw them away. |
| 22. By: Shawnuel on 09-17-2011 16:52:23 #21 Considering one of the last things we got from Atlanta was Horacio Ramirez (for Soriano).......Yes. |
| 23. By: Lailoken on 09-18-2011 15:01:55 I'd rather have Kyle Blanks in LF than Logan Morrison. SD has Rizzo & Guzman at 1B & enough outfield depth to spare him (Maybin, Denforia, Venable, Tekotte, & Cunningham). We could center a package around Casper Wells whose defensive prowess is a good fit for the spacious environs of Petco Park. There's a lot of ground to cover & Wells has proven himself against MLB-pitching more than Blanks has these past couple years. Blanks lost some weight this past offseason & his defense improved. He hasn't broken through yet in the bigs but the power is legit & he knows how to work a count & take walks. If Smoak keeps struggling he'd be a fine candidate to move to 1B too because I think the bat would ulitmately play well there. I'd much rather bet on Blanks being a middle of the order bat than Wells. |
| 24. By: wbathurs on 09-18-2011 17:25:49 Jason, It cut out for me at 18 minute mark as well. Your browser probably has your local version cached, so you don't experience the same problem we do. I would upload it again if possible, we are looking forward to it! |
| 25. By: DKulich44 on 09-18-2011 23:32:31 Lailoken, Blanks may make a little sense offensively, but you kind of outline reasons he doesn't make a whole much sense. In one sentence you said the Padres have enough OF depth to spare him, yet you want to trade an OF in Wells to get him. You don't think he can play defense in Petco well, but want him to come to a similar situation in Seattle. If he can play in Seattle, why can't he play in Petco? He'd be blocked in Seattle by Smoak and Carp just like he is in San Diego now as well. First base isn't a hole at this point, and I think we better give Smoak a little more time before we start trying to find his replacement. |
| 26. By: rth1986 on 09-19-2011 01:02:37 I'd be interested in Logan Morrison if he's available at a discounted price. His offense is somewhat similar to Ackley's, in terms of age, handedness, BB and K rates, and power. Although he does have more power potential than Ackley. I don't know if he has a place, though. I don't think he'd survive in Safeco's outfield. He's too young/athletic for DH and there's obviously no spot for him at 1B. I prefer Smoak over him in many ways. As for Kyle Blanks. No thanks...The difference between him and Casper Wells is not that great. He might have more power potential than Wells, but his defense is much worse. Not much of an upgrade. I think the M's need to target 3B and catchers. For third basemen, I wonder about the availability of Hanley Ramirez (to play 3B). His value is at the lowest it's ever been and he'll be 28 for 2012. Apart from the power shortage, all of his other tools are still there. I'd bet on him to rebound. I'd certainly offer the Marlins their pick of prospects (Would Triunfel, Liddi, and Erasmo Ramirez/Blake Beavan get it done?) (Otherwise, I'd target David Wright, Chase Headley and possibly Ian Stewart for 3B. Then I'd target for Ryan Hanigan, Chris Ianetta, or Geovany Soto at catcher.) On a side note...I hope the Mariners don't trade Catricala and instead use Liddi as a trade chip. Catricala has more versatility and much more potential, IMO. |
| 27. By: Edman on 09-19-2011 11:35:22 rth, And why would the Marlins offer Morrison at a discount price? Is he such a horrible person that they need to move him? They'll likely work out their differences. Also, with Olivo signed for next year, I doubt they're going to go seek another catcher next year. The following year, perhaps. On a team lacking power, atm, he has more value to Seattle, than many other clubs. I would expect them to watch the crop of catchers they drafted this year, then evaluate what they'll do in 2013. If they could get someone like David Wright, they might do it. But, the league isn't overflowing with spare thirdbasemen. And, I also think they're pretty happy with Kyle Seager. I could see them try to add a power bat in LF and/or at DH, but that won't be easy. The M's are at an interesting crossroad. They have some cost controlled guys who are developing. And, they have to find room for Mike Carp's bat. Part of that decision is going to be how to utilize players like Carp, Smoak, etc. Jack is going to have some tough decisions to make this offseason. He's got young talent close to being contributors on the Major League club. Which do you trade and which do you keep? |
| 28. By: d2ret on 09-19-2011 12:49:21 That package isnt getting you halfway to Hanley Ramirez |
| 29. By: Rudolf on 09-19-2011 12:59:49 It might not get them halfway to OWNING Ramierz, but they might just let Kyle Seager sniff his jock strap if we toss in Kasparek. |
| 30. By: rth1986 on 09-19-2011 17:12:09 I like Logan Morrison as a person, but the Marlins are a strange organization. Also, I don't think Ramirez' value is as high as everyone thinks. He's owed $15 million next year with 3 years to go. He's hitting under .250 with 10 homeruns along with his clubhouse issues. I'm sure the Marlins wouldn't mind spending that money elsewhere. As for who the Mariners should trade, it depends how serious they are about competing next year. I'd say the untouchables (or near untouchables) would be: Felix Pineda Hultzen Paxton Walker Ackley Smoak Robinson (because he's versatile in ways the other outfielders aren't....plus extremely likable) Catricala Franklin Those are the only guys in the organization, I think should be off limits. I would certainly trade anyone else (including Carp) if the right deal came up. |
| 31. By: shemberry on 09-19-2011 19:01:04 My untouchables list: Felix. I also hope Smoak isn't traded just because I like him, but outside of Felix there isn't one player that should be off limits in the right deal. That said, I don't see Ackley going anywhere either. |
| 32. By: Edman on 09-19-2011 19:57:23 I would hope that Jack doesn't see the Mariners as a serious contender next year. They have too many kids trying to transition. I could see trying to sign Fielder, because he can be a big part of the team when it is ready to press Texas and Anaheim. But realistically, that won't be until 2013 at the earliest. Next year, maybe, if they get performances from the major rookies. But, that's pretty remote. I just want to see them seriously showing that they are turning the corner next season. |
| 33. By: d2ret on 09-19-2011 20:39:15 Im very excited to see Paxton/Hultzen come up next year, along with maybe Catricala/Triunfel, as well as seeing how the outfield shakes out.. This offseason, Jack will have the most flexibility he's had since getting the job, in terms of money, and player assets. So it also sets up to be a real interesting offseason in terms of trade potential/possibilities. Of course, trades are never easy, but I think in a way, this offseason will be Jacks biggest test, in terms of evaluating his own talent, and deciding on which players will stay, and which he is willing to part with in deals. Overall, we all just hope he continues to win in trades, and keeps the farm healthy and balanced with both arms, and position players. I have so much confidence in Jack Z to be able to do this, and keep bringing talent in. Its exciting and interesting to watch the process |
| 34. By: Lailoken on 09-19-2011 21:32:03 DKulich44 said Blanks may make a little sense offensively, but you kind of outline reasons he doesn't make a whole much sense. In one sentence you said the Padres have enough OF depth to spare him, yet you want to trade an OF in Wells to get him. You don't think he can play defense in Petco well, but want him to come to a similar situation in Seattle. If he can play in Seattle, why can't he play in Petco? He'd be blocked in Seattle by Smoak and Carp just like he is in San Diego now as well. First base isn't a hole at this point, and I think we better give Smoak a little more time before we start trying to find his replacement. Not all of those OFs are established in the majors. Maybin is the one sure bet to keep starting in 2012. Denforia & Venable have had moments this year but Wells has a better overall line. Wells can play a capable CF which is valuable. In Seattle he overlaps with DTFT, Robinson, & maybe Halman if the team doesn't want to lose him in 2012 when he's out of options. We have lots of players who can handle center, have contact issues, & are uninterested in taking walks. Too much duplication. Blanks is not a bad OF. In 2010 he was a tad overweight after his elbow reconstruction limited his fitness regimen. Overall in his career his UZR/150 in the OF is 3.8 thanks to a 21.9 UZR/150 in 2011, his 2010 sample is a third of his career innings when he was overweight. His BABIP is hurting him & the Padres might not want to part with him but he's a middle of the order type bat that could be had because he's been unlucky this year. I view Carp as a DH not a LF in Safeco. Carp's career UZR/150 in the OF is -12. I'm not aiming to replace Smoak right now but versatility & back-up plans are always worthwhile. As a philosopher once said, "Chance favors the prepared mind." |
| 35. By: pwhit44 on 09-19-2011 22:29:34 I'm with Shem. There isn't a single untouchable player in the organization other than Felix, and maybe Ackley. There are others I like a lot, but you can't make every player with value untouchable. You'll never get better. I'd bet a chunk of these guys we like right now will be somewhere else come February. |
| 36. By: rth1986 on 09-19-2011 22:54:09 I know you have to give talent to get talent, but I'd think that you'd only trade those top prospects in a major deal. A lot of them could either boom or bust, but they all have huge upside. For example, I'd definitely consider trading Michael Pineda if it was for Joey Votto (as Dave Cameron suggested today). That being said, I wouldn't trade any top prospects for another useful (but smaller) piece like Hanigan, Headley or Stewart. That's a Bavasi move. I think the Mariners have enough appealing B-level talent that could get some deals done, like: Beavan, Carp, Ramirez, Liddi, Seager, Wells, Saunders, Cortes, Peguero, etc. They all have upside and are young, and other teams know that. I'm also excited to see what will be done with the flexibility this offseason. I think it will be a deciding time for Jack and how he shapes this ballclub over the next couple years. |
| 37. By: ryujin on 09-20-2011 04:13:36 So I guess Jason never re-uploaded (fix) the audio problem? It does get stuck at 18 minutes like a dozen others have been saying. I was looking forward to it, but oh well... |
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