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1B Hod Seagroves (222nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Trade with Detroit (1937)
Drafted: 3rd Round, 45th Overall (1936)
Alma Mater: Lake Park Panthers

A Chicago kid who went to the suburbs for high school, Hod Seagroves was a guy I targeted in the draft, and when I was not able to select him, I went along and traded for him. A natural second basemen, he spent the first two seasons almost strictly at the keystone, but I've started to give the 6'3'' righty some more time at first. That seems to be his best position, he ranks higher in the prospect lists when listed there as opposed to second, and he bat started to show out this season. He started his year in La Crosse, as he has the past three seasons, but he lasted just 32 games there before a promotion. He hit a strong .373/.410/.563 (125 OPS+) with 13 doubles, a triple, a 3 homers, and 29 RBIs. He was arguably better in a less hitter friendly environment with San Jose, as he made 421 trips to the plate with the Cougars. Hod hit an impressive .334/.417/.454 (131 OPS+) with 23 doubles, 4 triples, 4 homers, 3 steals, and 62 RBIs. He finally showed his above average contact tool, after hitting just .226 and .289 in his first two pro seasons. His eye is improving and I hope his power does too, but Weinstock also thinks he'll be an above average defender. I love Chicago kids, so that should allow Hod to at least debut as a Cougar, but right now he doesn't look like anything much more then an average hitter.

1B Bill Dambreville (225th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 71st Overall (1939)
Alma Mater: Coastal State Eagles

Another first basemen, Bill Dambreville was listed in the first round of the mock draft, but it was rather clear he was not a first round talent. I decided to use one of my 5th on it, and sent the college first sacker up to Lincoln. He didn't hit that great, just .280/.359/.370 (80 OPS+) with 14 doubles, a triple, 2 homers, and 36 RBIs. He did walk (30) more then he struck out (21), and you really can't be upset with a first year player not tearing the cover off the ball in Class A. With not many natural first basemen in our system, Dambreville will be able to work his way up as long as he's hitting. He will have to deal with Seagroves, who may start next season in Lincoln, but as a lefty they can platoon and Hod can get time at second as well. The sturdy 21-year-old has a good swing coming from a strong frame, and I think he should be able to develop some power. He knows the strike zone well, which should also help him hit the ball harder and more frequently. Bill looks like a bench hitter, potentially a Johnny Waters type hitter, but I don't think Ray Ford is too worried about Dambreville's progression.

RF Harry Carr (245th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 156th Overall (1938)
Alma Mater: Buchtel Griffins

In terms of prospect rankings, it was a rough season for Harry Carr, who fell out of our top 10 despite having a decent enough season. The 19-year-old outfielder hit .335/.397/.478 (102 OPS+) with 14 doubles, 7 triples, 11 homers, 44 steals, and 58 RBIs in 476 PAs for the Lions. Speed may be Carr's best tool, but he's also a superb defensive right fielder who could more then handle himself in center. His bat is solid, although my guess is he may never hit double digit homers again, but he should rack up the doubles and triples due to his above average contact potential. When he puts the ball in play, he can always take the extra base, and he puts a lot of pressure on the opposing defense. He improved his plate discipline as well, and despite being a teen, showed great control with the strike zone. He'll be 20 in December, and while I'm not sure if he'll start the season in San Jose, I'd imagine he'll get some time up there as long as he continues to hit.

RHP Jimmy Ballard (246th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 6th Round, 84th Overall (1939)
Alma Mater: Donora Bombers

The on field performance wasn't very good for our 6th Rounder, but the 17-year-old is already trying to crack the top 200 prospect list. He was just 3-5 with a 7.59 ERA (82 ERA+), 1.85 WHIP, 42 walks, and 17 strikeouts in 74.2 innings pitched. That was across 12 starts, and while a lot were poor, he did show he could got the distance if needed. Plus, as a 17-year-old facing a lot of guys three or more years older then him, he did a great job holding his own. The walks were a little concerning, a 5.1 BB/9, but walk issues may cause him issues in the future. The lanky 6'4'' righty has been hard at work in the offseason, adding a mile to his fastball as he can now touch 90. The sidewinder also throws a slider and change, all three which should be big league quality pitches. He gets a ton of movement on his slider, and it should be his best pitch, and it's next to impossible for righties to lay off or even put it in the plate. The youngster has a ton of upside, already projecting to fill the back of a rotation, but he's got a ton of time to grow, and I'm excited to watch him bloom.

3B Jocko Pollard (249th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 6th Round, 95th Overall (1935)
Alma Mater: Grafton Indians

The 22-year-old may not have ae position, but this. Kid. Rakes! Pollard put together back-to-back 20 homer seasons, and discounting his first pro season, his lowest single season OPS+ was 132 this season. This year he got his first taste of Class A pitching, hitting a nice .330/.384/.571 with 25 doubles, 2 triples, 21 homers, and 102 RBIs. He's a free swinger, striking out far more frequently then he walks, but the power is unmatched. He may end up walking 50 or so times a season and he could hit close to .300, but the strikeouts will always be there. Leo Mitchell showed that you can still be a great hitter with a ton of strikeouts, and Mitchell doesn't have near the power of Pollard. He's just a bench bat, but one that can hit the ball 450 feet can really help in those one run games we are so good at losing...