[mjj55409]

Prospect Report, continued.

Entering 1936, pitching prospects were a strength of the Chiefs. Al Miller debuted and had a terrific season. Bob Ross was traded to Montreal for Tom Bird. And Bob Walls now has too many days on the Chiefs roster to be considered a prospect. There are currently 5 top 500 pitching prospects in the system, although the highest is ranked just 131st overall.


Pitchers


Sergio Vergara, 21-years-old (class B, Tacoma)

The Mexican-born Vergara was selected in the 12th round of the 1935 draft out of El Paso High School in Texas. Since he's been drafted he has upped his velocity from 84-85 to 87-89. He throws 3 pitches with a good curveball. This season he is 3-5 with a 3.98 ERA.


Sam Vaughan, 20-years-old (class A, Cedar Rapids)

Vaughan was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1935 draft. At the time I wrote: "Vaughn is a tall (6'1"), lanky (165 lbs) left-hander who features a curve and slider in addition to his fastball. I think he has some room to grow, and it would be really nice if he was able to add another pitch." Well, this spring he did add another pitch--a variant of his already good curve--and also put on some muscle (170) and upped his velocity to 87-89. He started out very strong in class B (4-0, 2.02 ERA), but has struggled adjusting to class A (1-6, 5.98 ERA).


Tom Williams, 25-years-old (class AAA, Fort Wayne)

Williams had a good Spring and is pitching quite well in Fort Wayne: 6-5, 2.65 ERA. Being a young pitcher trying to establish a spot on the Chiefs staff is a tough assignment. 25-year-old Bob Walls is essentially in the same position, only on the big league club. And Walls has only thrown 16 innings so far this season.


Johnny Cox, 26-years-old (injured)

Cox is a year older than both Williams and Walls, and he will miss the entire season after injuring his shoulder in the Spring. His best option would be for another club to take a chance on him in the Rule 5 draft this December.


Gordon Martin, 20-years-old (class C, Waterloo)

A young pitcher who has been marred by injury--Martin tore his rotator cuff last year after just 6 starts. When he was able to pitch again this season, he went back on the injured list with a herniated disk in his neck after only 1 inning.