[ayaghmour2]

CF Lou Roach (86th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 62nd Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: Mississippi A&M Generals

An Illinois native! The Park Ridge native was one of our fourth round picks last year, but he was forced to start in A ball due to his older age. At 22, Roach still hit a solid .261/.304/.405 (91 OPS+) in his first pro season. He added 6 homers and 65 RBI's in 107 games while making appearances in left, center, and right. Unlike most of my center field prospects where I prioritize defense over speed, Roach is a bat first outfielder. He projects to be an above average hitter with a really good eye, but he likely doesn't have the speed or range to stay in center long term. I expect him to get another shot at A ball next year, and he'll likely do well enough to earn a promotion.

CF Ernie Carson (94th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 74th Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: New York HS Eagles

Our 12th prospect in the top 100, Ernie Carson had an injury riddled season and only managed to get in 59 games. He had just under 200 plate appearances, but hit a solid .295/.337/.477 (112 OPS+) with 3 homers, 2 steals, and 29 RBI's in limited time. Most of my prospects in La Crosse had early season struggles, but Carson was pretty consistent first and second half. Carson has great foot speed and plate discipline and he does a great job connecting with pitches. If he can stay healthy, Carson should be more then prepared up in San Jose.

CF Jose Serna (101st Overall)
Acquired: Via International Draft (1933) from Houston

Acquired in the international draft over the offseason, Jose Serna looked like a future superstar. Then he developed thumb issues and it's held him back. He played in just 86 games, but hit well in AA where he spent most his season. He hit .297/.314/.520 (114 OPS+) with 5 steals and 40 RBI's in 259 trips to the plate. He spent the last month in Milwaukee, hitting an impressive .448/.484/.701 (197 OPS+) with a homer, 3 steals, and 23 RBI's. "Roach", who probably deserves a better nickname, is an excellent defender with elite speed and he can make plays that only few others can. He battles at the plate and is really advanced despite just recently turning 21. I feel like Serna could start in the majors now, but not only is Cy Bryant sitting there now, I'm also looking to add another outfielder to the mix. I think this kid has a lot of potential, but injuries could make things difficult.

RF Bobby Mills (107th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 6th Round, 90th Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: San Antonio HS Warriors

It was a tough season for Bobby Mills who not only had to share time with Reginald Westfall, but also hit .239./.284/.327 (61 OPS+) with a homer, steal, and 14 RBI's when he got to play. This was an unusual setback for Mills, who hit .375/.433/.631 (217 OPS+) with 24 homers and 105 RBI's in 540 plate appearances in high school. With more playing time and a little more experience, I'm expecting Mills to really breakout.

2B Red Moore (114th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 6th Round, 94th Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: Frankford State Owls

Rather advanced for his class, the Frankford State alum spent all season in Lincoln. The recently 22-year-old Moore hit .310/.363/.435 (116 OPS+) with 4 homers, 3 steals, and 58 RBI's in 577 trips to the plate. He was a decent defender at second as well, and he should eventually develop into an above average defender at second. He's got good speed and makes consistent contact at the plate, but he's one of those high floor low ceiling type prospects. Moore will have a chance to start the season in AA, but I'm not quite sure where he'll end up. He sort of reminds me of Slim Bloom who really came into his own this year.

Note: I'm up next in the draft, so expect some coverage on my pick. There is one guy who is technically the #1 on my list still available. I say technically because I didn't really expect someone like Joe Hancock or Dick Higgins falling to 15. Even if I don't get him, still a few other guys I'm okay with.