Minor Leaguers in 2009

(A special thanks to the Jewish Sports Review for compiling this list.)

Triple-A

Scot Drucker (RH SP - 27) Tigers - In Triple-A, he was 8-3 with a 4.78 ERA and a 1.363 WHIP in 113 innings, 9.2 H/9, 1.0 HR/9, 3.0 BB/9, 6.1 K/9, 2.03 K/BB. Was dominant at the University of Tennessee in 2004. He pitched in Triple-A and had a winning record. That has to count for something, right?

Sam Fuld (OF - 28) Cubs - In Triple-A, he put up a line of .284/.358/.415 for an OPS of .772 in 370 PAs, 23 SBs. A patient hitter and an outstanding outfielder who has solidified himself a spot on the Cubs' Opening Day roster in 2010. Had a good career at Stanford. He led the Pac-10 Conference in hits and total bases in 2002 and triples in 2003.

Jason Hirsh (RH SP - 27) Yankees - The 6' 8" righthander wasn't sharp in the Rockies' farm system the last few years, but seems to have found himself again in the Yankees' farm system. In 6 starts (26 2/3 innings), he was 4-0 with a 1.35 ERA and a 1.125 WHIP in Triple-A. If this turnaround is legit, Hirsh could see a few spot starts next year. Can't be any worse than Sergio Mitre.

Brian Horwitz (OF - 27) Giants - In Triple-A, he put up a line of .290/.367/.414 for an OPS of .781 in 237 PAs. The Giants' outfield was abysmal last year. The FO should be looking for players with more plate discipline and more power. Horwitz doesn't possess a whole lot of the latter, but he boasts a career .387 OBP in the Minors. At the very least, he deserves a chance to be a backup outfielder.

Aaron Poreda (LH SP - 23) Padres - Splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, he was 5-7 with a 3.95 ERA and a 1.477 WHIP in 107 innings, 7.0 H/9, 0.3 HR/9, 6.3 BB/9, 9.1 K/9, 1.44 K/BB. What happened to his command? In 2008, his BB/9 was 2.2 in 161 innings. He had a superb career at the University of San Francisco. The 6' 6" southpaw led the West Coast Conference in ERA in 2006. Baseball America has him ranked as the 10th best prospect (4th best pitching prospect) in the Padres' farm system.

Ryan Sadowski (RH SP - 27) Giants - Splitting time between Class A-Advanced and Triple-A, he was 7-3 with a 4.72 ERA and a 1.395 WHIP in 95 1/3 innings, 8.4 H/9, 1.3 HR/9, 4.2 BB/9, 7.6 K/9, 1.84 K/BB. Pretty underwhelming. It's amazing he got 6 starts with the Giants this year. Still, he wasn't too bad when called upon. Maybe he can build off his experience in the Majors.

Adam Stern (OF - 29) Brewers - Splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, he put up a line of .285/.349/.377 for an OPS of .726 in 546 PAs, 31 SBs. It seems like Stern has been around forever. He's clearly still a threat on the basepaths.

Danny Valencia (3B - 24) Twins - Splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, he put up a line of .285/.337/.466 for an OPS of .803 in 534 PAs. He hit 14 HRs, 38 doubles, and 4 triples. He drove in 70 runs and scored 79 runs. He was teammates with Ryan Braun at Miami.

Jake Wald (SS - 28) Giants - In Triple-A, he put up a line of .234/.322/.349 for an OPS of .671 in 293 PAs. His .832 OPS in 2005 looks like an aberration now. Must be a good shortstop to have hung around for so long.

Josh Whitesell (1B - 27) Diamondbacks - In Triple-A, he put up a line of .293/.398/.471 for an OPS of .869 in 274 PAs. Success in the Minors hasn't translated to the Majors yet, but then again it's a small sample size to draw from.

Double-A/Class A-Advanced

Eric Berger (LH SP - 23) Indians - Splitting time between Class A-Advanced and Double-A, he was 10-9 with a 2.50 ERA and a 1.292 WHIP in 144 innings, 7.8 H/9, 0.3 HR/9, 3.8 BB/9, 8.3 K/9, 2.18 K/BB. His scouting report says he could develop into a crafty middle of the rotation starter. Given the sad state of the Indians' rotation now that Sabathia and Lee have flown the coop, Berger's ETA to MLB could be accelerated.

Jeremy Bleich (LH SP - 22) Yankees - Splitting time between Class A-Advanced and Double-A, he was 9-10 with a 4.86 ERA and a 1.517 WHIP in 144 1/3 innings, 10.2 H/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.5 BB/9, 7.2 K/9, 2.07 K/BB. Pitched well in Class A-Advanced. Not so much in Double-A. Has a better arm and arsenal than these numbers show. Baseball America has him ranked as the 9th best prospect (4th best pitching prospect) in the Yankees' farm system.

Ike Davis (1B - 22) Mets - Splitting time between Class A-Advanced and Double-A, he put up a line of .298/.381/.524 for an OPS of .906 in 488 PAs, 20 HRs, 31 doubles. Mets fans need something to be excited about. Davis could be that something. Hit 20 or more doubles each year at Arizona State. His father, Ron Davis, was a decent relief pitcher back in the day. Baseball America has him ranked as the 4th best prospect in the Mets' farm system. Davis is also rated the organization's best power hitter.

Jonathan Fixler (C - 23) Astros - Splitting time between Class A-Advanced, Double-A, and Triple-A, he put up a line of .203/.275/.429 for an OPS of .704 in 207 PAs, 10 HRs. Not much to write home about, but 10 HRs in 182 ABs speaks to some power. However, I'd say Jason Castro has the catching job locked up in Houston. If all goes well, Fixler could be his backup.

Ryan Kalish (OF - 21) Red Sox - Splitting time between Class A-Advanced and Double-A, he put up a line of .279/.364/.457 for an OPS of .820 in 580 PAs. He hit 18 HRs, 24 doubles, and 6 triples. He drove in 77 runs, scored 84 runs, and stole 21 bases (only caught 6 times).

David Kopp (RH SP - 24) Cardinals - Splitting time between Class A-Advanced and Double-A, he was 6-4 with a 3.89 ERA and a 1.472 WHIP in 90 1/3 innings, 9.6 H/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.7 BB/9, 6.4 K/9, 1.73 K/BB. The Clemson product pitched well in Class-A Advanced and poorly in Double-A. As long as Dave Duncan is the Cardinals' pitching coach, there's hope for anyone who is on that staff. All Kopp has to do is get there.

Jim Rapoport (CF - 24) Cardinals - In Double-A, he put up a line of .255/.358/.343 for an OPS of .700 in 543 PAs, 6 triples. He appears to possess some speed and athleticism, but it's usually not a good thing when your SLG is lower than your OBP. Was teammates with Bleich at Stanford.

B.J. Rosenberg (RH RP - 24) Phillies - Splitting time between Single-A and Double-A, he was 7-3 with 22 saves, a 1.18 ERA, and a 1.000 WHIP in 61 innings, 6.9 H/9, 0.0 HR/9, 2.1 BB/9, 10.8 K/9, 5.21 K/BB. These numbers are outstanding across the board. No home runs allowed in 61 innings jumps out at you.

Michael Schwimer (RH RP - 23) Phillies - Splitting time between Class A-Advanced and Double-A, he was 4-2 with 20 saves, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.113 WHIP in 64 2/3 innings, 7.1 H/9, 0.3 HR/9, 2.9 BB/9, 12.4 K/9, 4.24 K/BB. You've got to like the 12.4 K/9. Had a sensational career at the University of Virginia. The 6' 8" righthander led the Atlantic Coast Conference in saves and H/9 in 2008.

Single-A

Daniel Berlind (RH SP - 22) Twins - In Single-A, he was 5-13 with a 4.76 ERA and a 1.453 WHIP in 128 2/3 innings, 9.2 H/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.9 BB/9, 6.8 K/9, 1.73 K/BB. Hmm, not too good. But his record probably should have been a little better. And his 6' 7" frame should allow him to throw downhill.

Richard Bleier (LH SP - 22) Rangers - Splitting time between Single-A and Class A-Advanced, he was 9-12 with a 4.03 ERA and a 1.243 WHIP in 167 1/3 innings, 9.9 H/9, 0.5 HR/9, 1.3 BB/9, 6.7 K/9, 5.21 K/BB. I'm digging the 1.3 BB/9. And apparently so are the Rangers; he's one of their top prospects. He led the Atlantic Sun Conference in wins, WHIP, and complete games in 2008. Bleier is a fan of Mark Buehrle (which makes me a fan of Bleier) and believes his style is similar.

Charlie Cutler (C - 23) Cardinals - Splitting time between Single-A and Class A-Advanced, he put up a line of .322/.408/.430 for an OPS of .839 in 459 PAs. And he's a catcher. Baseball America recently rated him with the best strike zone discipline in the Cardinals' farm system. Only problem is Yadier Molina stands in his way. Or rather crouches in his way.

Ben Guez (OF - 22) Tigers - In Single-A, he put up a line of .275/.320/.483 for an OPS of .802 in 438 PAs, 12 HRs, 7 triples, 34 doubles, 11 SBs. Looks like Guez has some speed and athleticism but is still a little raw.

Jeff Kaplan (RH SP - 24) Mets - Splitting time between Single-A and Class A-Advanced, he was 7-7 with a 2.45 ERA and a 1.254 WHIP in 114 innings, 8.4 H/9, 0.3 HR/9, 2.8 BB/9, 7.4 K/9, 2.61 K/BB. Seems like he's a fairly polished pitcher. He was a workhorse at Cal State Fullerton. The Mets currently have one reliable starter in Johan Santana. Kaplan has pitched well at every level so far. If that trend continues next season, I could see him in The Show as early as 2011.

Jason Knapp (RH SP - 19) Indians - In Single-A, he was 2-7 with a 4.18 ERA and a 1.237 WHIP in 97 innings, 6.8 H/9, 0.3 HR/9, 4.4 BB/9, 11.4 K/9, 2.62 K/BB. I've read that he throws hard and has a very high ceiling. It must be true, as he was the centerpiece in the Cliff Lee trade. A power pitcher who is still developing. What applies to Berger also applies to Knapp; his ETA to MLB could be accelerated. Baseball America has him ranked as the 4th best prospect (2nd best pitching prospect) in the Indians' farm system.

Tyler Kolodny (3B - 21) Orioles - In Single-A, he put up a line of .226/.332/.372 for an OPS of .704 in 429 PAs. According to his scouting report, he has power, patience, a little speed, and terrific work ethic. Hasn't put it all together yet.

Ryan Lavarnway (C - 22) Red Sox - In Single-A, he put up a line of .285/.367/.540 for an OPS of .907 in 466 PAs, 21 HRs, 36 doubles, 87 RBIs. Outstanding production for a catcher. This Yale grad is one of the top prospects for the Red Sox. Big time power. Went to the same high school as Kolodny. He led the Ivy League in BA in 2007 and OPS in 2007 and 2008.

Brett Lorin (RH SP - 22) Pirates - In Single-A, he was 8-5 with a 2.20 ERA and a 1.049 WHIP in 123 innings, 6.9 H/9, 0.8 HR/9, 2.6 BB/9, 8.5 K/9, 3.31 K/BB. His 6' 7" frame is imposing. He's drawn comparisons to the Padres' Chris Young. Was teammates with Berger at the University of Arizona. Another season like this one, and I think we're looking at Lorin's debut as a Buc in 2011. But I wouldn't rule out next September, either.

Ari Ronick (LH SP - 23) Giants - In Single-A, he was 7-6 with a 2.65 ERA and a 1.066 WHIP in 136 innings, 7.6 H/9, 0.7 HR/9, 2.2 BB/9, 7.5 K/9, 3.35 K/BB. If Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are any indication, the Giants' organization is pretty good at developing pitchers. Ronick and Poreda competed against each other in the same conference in college. It looks like they might also compete against each other in the same division in the Majors.

Josh Satin (2B - 24) Mets - Splitting time between Single-A and Class A-Advanced, he put up a line of .288/.389/.426 for an OPS of .815 in 548 PAs, 40 doubles. Was teammates with Cutler for 3 years at the University of California. Could Satin wind up being Luis Castillo's replacement at 2nd base?

Rookie League/Short-Season A

Mike Brownstein (INF - 22) Brewers - Splitting time between Rookie League, Single-A, and Double-A, he put up a line of .299/.410/.382 for an OPS of .792 in 297 PAs, 22 SBs. If he can get on base and keep swiping bags, he may have a bright future. He led the Mountain Valley Conference in hits, runs, doubles, and triples in 2009.

Nate Freiman (1B - 23) Padres - In Short-Season A, he put up a line of .294/.364/.484 for an OPS of .849 in 324 PAs, 11 HRs, 22 doubles, 68 RBIs. Listed at 6' 7" 240 lbs, he is a big man with big power. Hit 20 HRs as a senior at Duke. If Adrian Gonzalez is dealt and Kyle Blanks doesn't pan out, he could be next in line.

Casey Haerther (3B - 22) Angels - In Rookie League, he put up a line of .350/.386/.456 for an OPS of .842 in 225 PAs, 18 doubles. His brother, Cody, is in the Blue Jays organization. Casey's alma mater, UCLA, has produced some good third basemen (Troy Glaus and Garrett Atkins) in the last decade.

Jason Kipnis (2B - 22) Indians - In Short-Season A, he put up a line of .306/.388/.459 for an OPS of .847 in 129 PAs. Kipnis manned center field at Arizona State, where he was teammates with Ike Davis. However, Kipnis' days in the outfield could be over, as the Indians are intent on making him a second baseman. And he projects to be a good one. He led the Pac-10 Conference in triples in 2008 and hits, runs, doubles, total bases, walks, and stolen bases in 2009. Baseball America has him ranked as the 10th best prospect in the Indians' farm system.

Justin Milo (OF - 22) Yankees - Splitting time between Rookie League and Short-Season A, he put up a line of .256/.432/.389 for an OPS of .821 in 119 PAs, 6 SBs. Must have pretty good plate discipline. Went to Cornell before transferring to the University of Vermont. Led America East Conference in triples in 2008. Also played hockey in college.

Daniel Rosenbaum (LH SP - 22) Nationals - In Rookie League, he was 4-1 with a 1.95 ERA and 1.027 WHIP in 37 innings, 7.1 H/9, 0.2 HR/9, 2.2 BB/9, 9.2 K/9, 4.22 K/BB. If there is any team that needs starting pitching, it's the Nationals. Was teammates with Fixler at Indiana University in 2007 before transferring to Xavier.

Josh Zeid (RH SP - 22) Phillies - In Short-Season A, he was 8-5 with a 2.94 ERA and a 1.054 WHIP in 79 2/3 innings, 7.2 H/9, 0.1 HR/9, 2.3 BB/9, 8.1 K/9, 3.60 K/BB. Didn't do much at Vanderbilt. Came into his own at Tulane.