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ayaghmour2 · 07-15-2023, 04:59 PM

RHP Bob Allen (6th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 10th Overall (1946)
Alma Mater: Sonora Wildcats

While no longer the top pitching prospect in baseball (that would be Les Ledbetter), Bob Allen is the next in a long run of elite pitching prospects that have come through the Cougars organization, following Pete Papenfus, the Jones Brothers, and Duke Bybee. All four have had plenty of big league success. And Allen should be no different. Just 19, Allen was brilliant this season, starting with a dominant four start stretch for the Lions. He won all four outings, allowing just 20 hits, 14 walks, and 2 runs with 46 strikeouts in 33.2 innings. That produced a microscopic 0.53 ERA (700 ERA+) and a still elite 2.12 FIP (56 FIP-). Clearly, he was ready for a bigger challenge, and we moved the former 10th Overall Pick to San Jose. Obviously he didn't dominate to the same level, but Allen had a strong 8 start stretch, going 5-1 with a 3.62 ERA (105 ERA+), 1.59 WHIP, 34 walks, and 28 strikeouts. The drop in command was somewhat concerning, but there are no concerns about Allen's command.

Granted, there are really no concerns of any kind for Allen, who despite being 5'9'', has everything you look for in a pitcher. He has a strong four pitch mix, and his slider is a legitimate wipeout pitch that will have the bet hitters swinging out of their shoes. He's got a decent mid 80s fastball that will improve as he adds velocity, while his curve can get whiffs if hitters are keyed in on the slider. His last pitch, a changeup, may not be used too much, but it's a nice weapon to keep guys on their toes. His pitches generate plenty of downward movement, which will keep the ball in the park and erase base runners with numerous double plays. The command is stellar and he won't leave pitches over the plate, so there's no mistake pitches for batters to capitalize off of. There's still plenty of development ahead, but he's got all the tools to be an ace, and even about 50% of his peak is a solid middle of the rotation member. He could lead the league in strikeouts, and unlike Pap, not in walks as well, giving us a perfect combination of Pap's stuff, Donnie's command, and Duke's poise. OSA think he'll be ready by 1950, I think that's a bit too optimistic, but once he enters the rotation, he's not going anywhere. This kid is going to be something special.

CF Jerry Smith (10th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 5th Overall (1947)
Alma Mater: Jackson Generals

Our second of two top ten prospects, Jerry Smith rounds out the top ten, making us the only team with two. Taken third overall this January, Smith hit over .520 in each of his three high school seasons, while slugging 1.100 or better. While impossible to replicate in affiliated ball, the now 19-year-old center fielder had a great debut for the Lions, slashing .284/.329/.413 (106 OPS+) with 10 doubles, 5 homers, 28 RBIs, and 20 steals. He produced a 118 WRC+ and 2.1 WAR in 51 games, and the talented outfielder spent all of his free time in the weight room. A potential five tool player, Smith doesn't do much wrong, as he's got great speed, excellent power, and a swing that will lead to a high average. He did strike out 44 times compared to just 14 walks, but his plate discipline was never a calling card. That's not to say it's a flaw, he should be at least average there, and with the contact/power/speed combo he's exactly what you want in a center fielder. He's strong and will only get stronger, and there's a lot to like about his defense in center. We only have two untouchable prospects, and as good as Smith is, he's not one of them. He's our most valuable trade chip that I can stomach parting with, and if we want a star, Smith may be the cost. That's not to say I'm shopping him, I'd love to keep a guy this good around for decades, but we'll have to wait a while for him to be elite, and our outfield is very deep. If he stays in the system, I expect him to join Allen in San Jose, but with all the talent he has on display he may move up the system quickly.

C Garland Phelps (24th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 21st Overall (1947)
Alma Mater: Sheffield Fightin' Irish

That other untouchable prospect? This guy right here! Recently turned 18, Garland Phelps decided he didn't need to play for the Lions, instead skipping right up to San Jose. The results? A glimpse at the catcher of the future. Sorry Eddie Howard!

Despite starting at 17, Phelps tore the cover off the ball, slashing .324/.370/.475 (136 OPS+) with 9 doubles, 6 triples, 5 homers, and 46 RBIs in his first 257 trips to the plate. His 144 WRC+ was highest on the team for players with 50 or more games played (although you could go all the way down to 3 for kicks) and he put together eight 3+ hit games. Nicknamed "Einstein" for his brilliance, both in general and in baseball, Phelps ranks as the #1 catching prospect in the league. A force on both offense and defense, it's hard to find a better overall catcher if Phelps lives up to his lofty potential. He has a clean stroke that should lead to a high average and his raw power is truly remarkable. As he builds muscle the ball is really going to fly, and he could hit 20+ homers a season. His plate discipline is impressive as well, as he should draw plenty of walks while keeping his strikeouts under control. Pitchers love throwing to him, both due to his knowledge of the game and his ability to receive the ball, and he calls an exceptional game. OSA thinks he could debut as early as 1949, I'm not sure that's realistic, but he's clearly a special prospect, and someone we want to mold into a future star.

CF Johnny Peters (44th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 3rd Overall (1945)
Alma Mater: Liberty College Bells

A guy who has dropped a bit in the prospect rankings, Johnny Peters is now stuck behind a superstar in Sal Pestilli. 24 in January, he's probably ready for a shot to play everyday, but there's no room for him right now. While he does have experience at first as well as left and right, Peters has almost exclusively played center since we selected him 3rd back in 1945. A talented hitter, Peters spent his year in Milwaukee, and hit an exceptional .289/.390/.456 (115 OPS+) with 28 doubles, 9 triples, 16 homers, 77 RBIs, and 10 steals with 95 walks in 676 PAs. Known more for his bat then the glove, he has an elite eye, although that hasn't stopped him from striking out. He could league the league in walks with regular time, both due to his power and tendency to stay in the zone. He's got great speed, caught just once in eleven stolen base attempts, and he makes plenty of contact. He'll rack up extra bases and due damage on the bases, providing value in many different way. As exciting as he is, Peters is a guy I'd love to trade for a big league upgrade, but if he stays we have plenty of ways to work him into the lineup. I doubt he's making the Opening Day roster as I want to expand his versatility, but he could start as the short-side of a platoon as early as next season. Red Bond and Hal Sharp can't hit lefties, opening spots up at first and right. And if Leo Mitchell is no longer Leo Mitchell, that leaves room out in left. Peters somewhat feels like a Bobby Barrell type corner outfielder -- good enough for center but best in a corner. Yes, he'll never hit like Bobby, maybe more of a Walt Messer, but that's an extremely valuable player.

LHP Ron Berry (56th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 112th Overall (1944)
Alma Mater: Elm Springs Knights

A strained shoulder limited Ron Berry to just 15 starts, but the soon-to-be 22-year-old showed plenty to be excited about. The young southpaw went 4-5 with a 4.13 ERA (102 ERA+), 1.30 WHIP, 32 walks, and 42 strikeouts in 89.1 innings pitched. Like #1 prospect Bob Allen, he doesn't have the build for a starter, just 5'7'' and 140 pounds. He's not going to throw hard, sitting in the 85-87 range, but he's not the type to blow by you. He keeps the ball on the ground and generates weak contact, excelling at finding the corners. His change is very good, with plenty of whiff potential, and his slider is absolutely devastating for same-side hitters. If his fastball can just graze 90, he's going to be great, otherwise he'll have to polish the command up. When he nibbles it can lead to walks, but I trust that he'll put in the necessary work to develop into a legit big league starter. I can't seem him being an ace, although I thought the same of Danny Hern, but Berry looks like a reliable mid-rotation arm. Like Peters, his value to us may be more via. trade, as our rotation won't have any openings for a while. I'm still really high on George Oddo, who could end up starting regularly for us next season, and Berry's development may be best served in an environment where he can be the focus of the farm, not a luxury as he is here. Next season will be important for him, as he has a chance to work his way up to AA, and position himself for a big league debut the following season.

07-15-2023, 04:59 PM	#1155
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,095	Top Prospects: 1-5 RHP Bob Allen (6th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 10th Overall (1946) Alma Mater: Sonora Wildcats While no longer the top pitching prospect in baseball (that would be Les Ledbetter), Bob Allen is the next in a long run of elite pitching prospects that have come through the Cougars organization, following Pete Papenfus, the Jones Brothers, and Duke Bybee. All four have had plenty of big league success. And Allen should be no different. Just 19, Allen was brilliant this season, starting with a dominant four start stretch for the Lions. He won all four outings, allowing just 20 hits, 14 walks, and 2 runs with 46 strikeouts in 33.2 innings. That produced a microscopic 0.53 ERA (700 ERA+) and a still elite 2.12 FIP (56 FIP-). Clearly, he was ready for a bigger challenge, and we moved the former 10th Overall Pick to San Jose. Obviously he didn't dominate to the same level, but Allen had a strong 8 start stretch, going 5-1 with a 3.62 ERA (105 ERA+), 1.59 WHIP, 34 walks, and 28 strikeouts. The drop in command was somewhat concerning, but there are no concerns about Allen's command. Granted, there are really no concerns of any kind for Allen, who despite being 5'9'', has everything you look for in a pitcher. He has a strong four pitch mix, and his slider is a legitimate wipeout pitch that will have the bet hitters swinging out of their shoes. He's got a decent mid 80s fastball that will improve as he adds velocity, while his curve can get whiffs if hitters are keyed in on the slider. His last pitch, a changeup, may not be used too much, but it's a nice weapon to keep guys on their toes. His pitches generate plenty of downward movement, which will keep the ball in the park and erase base runners with numerous double plays. The command is stellar and he won't leave pitches over the plate, so there's no mistake pitches for batters to capitalize off of. There's still plenty of development ahead, but he's got all the tools to be an ace, and even about 50% of his peak is a solid middle of the rotation member. He could lead the league in strikeouts, and unlike Pap, not in walks as well, giving us a perfect combination of Pap's stuff, Donnie's command, and Duke's poise. OSA think he'll be ready by 1950, I think that's a bit too optimistic, but once he enters the rotation, he's not going anywhere. This kid is going to be something special. CF Jerry Smith (10th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 5th Overall (1947) Alma Mater: Jackson Generals Our second of two top ten prospects, Jerry Smith rounds out the top ten, making us the only team with two. Taken third overall this January, Smith hit over .520 in each of his three high school seasons, while slugging 1.100 or better. While impossible to replicate in affiliated ball, the now 19-year-old center fielder had a great debut for the Lions, slashing .284/.329/.413 (106 OPS+) with 10 doubles, 5 homers, 28 RBIs, and 20 steals. He produced a 118 WRC+ and 2.1 WAR in 51 games, and the talented outfielder spent all of his free time in the weight room. A potential five tool player, Smith doesn't do much wrong, as he's got great speed, excellent power, and a swing that will lead to a high average. He did strike out 44 times compared to just 14 walks, but his plate discipline was never a calling card. That's not to say it's a flaw, he should be at least average there, and with the contact/power/speed combo he's exactly what you want in a center fielder. He's strong and will only get stronger, and there's a lot to like about his defense in center. We only have two untouchable prospects, and as good as Smith is, he's not one of them. He's our most valuable trade chip that I can stomach parting with, and if we want a star, Smith may be the cost. That's not to say I'm shopping him, I'd love to keep a guy this good around for decades, but we'll have to wait a while for him to be elite, and our outfield is very deep. If he stays in the system, I expect him to join Allen in San Jose, but with all the talent he has on display he may move up the system quickly. C Garland Phelps (24th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 21st Overall (1947) Alma Mater: Sheffield Fightin' Irish That other untouchable prospect? This guy right here! Recently turned 18, Garland Phelps decided he didn't need to play for the Lions, instead skipping right up to San Jose. The results? A glimpse at the catcher of the future. Sorry Eddie Howard! Despite starting at 17, Phelps tore the cover off the ball, slashing .324/.370/.475 (136 OPS+) with 9 doubles, 6 triples, 5 homers, and 46 RBIs in his first 257 trips to the plate. His 144 WRC+ was highest on the team for players with 50 or more games played (although you could go all the way down to 3 for kicks) and he put together eight 3+ hit games. Nicknamed "Einstein" for his brilliance, both in general and in baseball, Phelps ranks as the #1 catching prospect in the league. A force on both offense and defense, it's hard to find a better overall catcher if Phelps lives up to his lofty potential. He has a clean stroke that should lead to a high average and his raw power is truly remarkable. As he builds muscle the ball is really going to fly, and he could hit 20+ homers a season. His plate discipline is impressive as well, as he should draw plenty of walks while keeping his strikeouts under control. Pitchers love throwing to him, both due to his knowledge of the game and his ability to receive the ball, and he calls an exceptional game. OSA thinks he could debut as early as 1949, I'm not sure that's realistic, but he's clearly a special prospect, and someone we want to mold into a future star. CF Johnny Peters (44th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 3rd Overall (1945) Alma Mater: Liberty College Bells A guy who has dropped a bit in the prospect rankings, Johnny Peters is now stuck behind a superstar in Sal Pestilli. 24 in January, he's probably ready for a shot to play everyday, but there's no room for him right now. While he does have experience at first as well as left and right, Peters has almost exclusively played center since we selected him 3rd back in 1945. A talented hitter, Peters spent his year in Milwaukee, and hit an exceptional .289/.390/.456 (115 OPS+) with 28 doubles, 9 triples, 16 homers, 77 RBIs, and 10 steals with 95 walks in 676 PAs. Known more for his bat then the glove, he has an elite eye, although that hasn't stopped him from striking out. He could league the league in walks with regular time, both due to his power and tendency to stay in the zone. He's got great speed, caught just once in eleven stolen base attempts, and he makes plenty of contact. He'll rack up extra bases and due damage on the bases, providing value in many different way. As exciting as he is, Peters is a guy I'd love to trade for a big league upgrade, but if he stays we have plenty of ways to work him into the lineup. I doubt he's making the Opening Day roster as I want to expand his versatility, but he could start as the short-side of a platoon as early as next season. Red Bond and Hal Sharp can't hit lefties, opening spots up at first and right. And if Leo Mitchell is no longer Leo Mitchell, that leaves room out in left. Peters somewhat feels like a Bobby Barrell type corner outfielder -- good enough for center but best in a corner. Yes, he'll never hit like Bobby, maybe more of a Walt Messer, but that's an extremely valuable player. LHP Ron Berry (56th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 112th Overall (1944) Alma Mater: Elm Springs Knights A strained shoulder limited Ron Berry to just 15 starts, but the soon-to-be 22-year-old showed plenty to be excited about. The young southpaw went 4-5 with a 4.13 ERA (102 ERA+), 1.30 WHIP, 32 walks, and 42 strikeouts in 89.1 innings pitched. Like #1 prospect Bob Allen, he doesn't have the build for a starter, just 5'7'' and 140 pounds. He's not going to throw hard, sitting in the 85-87 range, but he's not the type to blow by you. He keeps the ball on the ground and generates weak contact, excelling at finding the corners. His change is very good, with plenty of whiff potential, and his slider is absolutely devastating for same-side hitters. If his fastball can just graze 90, he's going to be great, otherwise he'll have to polish the command up. When he nibbles it can lead to walks, but I trust that he'll put in the necessary work to develop into a legit big league starter. I can't seem him being an ace, although I thought the same of Danny Hern, but Berry looks like a reliable mid-rotation arm. Like Peters, his value to us may be more via. trade, as our rotation won't have any openings for a while. I'm still really high on George Oddo, who could end up starting regularly for us next season, and Berry's development may be best served in an environment where he can be the focus of the farm, not a luxury as he is here. Next season will be important for him, as he has a chance to work his way up to AA, and position himself for a big league debut the following season.