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Armchair Farm Director Roundtable

And it’s huge. I gathered up a couple of my best baseball-talkin’ buddies for what turned out to be about a two-hour discussion of the Rangers farm system yesterday.

The truth is that I engage in these sessions with Jason Parks from Baseball Time in Arlington and Jason Cole, who commands lonestardugout.com , at least two or three times a week via IM sessions, but never for this long at one time and never with all three of us gathered together in one chat room.

I have enormous respect for both of these guys. If you are into the farm system and you aren’t reading their stuff, you are really missing out, as you will quickly realize after you make the jump to take in more prospect talk than anyone ought to want or need in one sitting.

MJH: Let’s do this…. I want to talk about the pitcher who you think has improved his stock the most this year. J Parks, let’s hear from you first. Who is your candidate and why?

Jason Parks:

Wilmer Font. I think he is starting to develop as a pitcher, and not just a guy that has a freak arm that can hit 99 on a radar gun. His focus has been outstanding and his secondary offerings are developing. His fastball command still needs work, but his focus in ’09 has been outstanding, and his overall feel for pitching has improved. As I said, I think we are seeing Font develop into a pitcher this season. I cant wait to see what he develops into as he climbs the ladder.

MJH: And you J Cole. Who is your guy and why?

Jason Cole: I was going between Font and Michael Kirkman. Since Parks went with Font, I’ll go with Kirkman. He wasn’t a top 50 guy for me last year, and his fastball was only 86-88. But he’s a different pitcher this year. 91-94 on that fastball, and he’s brought back his slider, which has been a real swing-and-miss pitch for him this season. He still has a ways to go in terms of refining command and bringing the changeup along, but he’s re-developed into a real legitimate prospect this year.

MJH: J Parks, what are your thoughts on Font’s makeup and coachability? Is he maturing as a person and a player? Have you gotten a feel for those things?

Jason Parks: I spent time with Font last fall and I didnt come away thinking he was as mature as Perez or Boscan. He is a quiet kid and 2008 was a real disappointment for him, both physically and emotionally. It’s not easy for these kids to work as adults in a foreign country. While Perez and Boscan were in Spokane together, Font was injured and in Arizona away from his friends. It wasnt easy for him. All that said, Font has really started to blossom, not only as a pitcher but as an adult. His make-up isnt an issue. He is a stronger person than I originally gave him credit for.

MJH: J Cole, did you see Yoon-Hee Nam while you were in Hickory, and if so can you tell us a little about what he’s got?

Jason Cole: Yep I did. I saw him strike out five batters in two innings. His fastball ranges from 85-87 mph. He throws four pitches all from the same deceptive arm slot, and it lets his fastball play up a bit. His big curveball can be a bit loopy, but it can also be a plus pitch. He’s also got an advanced changeup that he can go to for strikeouts. Nam began throwing a slider this season, and he uses it occasionally. It’s a usable pitch for him right now. Down the line, Nam is going to be a reliever, and he relies just as much on deception as he does actual stuff. He’ll just have to keep climbing the ladder and we’ll see what happens with him. His stuff was a little better than I was expecting it to be.

MJH: Good to know. People I’ve talked to seem to be pretty lukewarm on Nam. I want both of you to address this, JC first: What gives with Johnny Whittleman? I was about 70% sure that he was going to break out huge this year. And then he didn’t. And now he has. Or has he?

Jason Cole: Tough one. I don’t have a feeling either way yet. This is the best stretch he’s put together since his first half in Clinton in 2007. He’s getting his walks and he’s barreling nearly everything he hits. I think he’s a little unlucky with that batting average right now. I need to see him keep this up for the remainder of the year before I truly believe that he’s breaking out. He’s been hot since about July 4 — not even a full month yet. Put me in the ‘wait and see’ camp.

Jason Parks: I really like the way John’s swinging the bat right now, and I certainly noticed that he was more aggressive at the plate this spring, but I just dont think he has the contact ability to develop into a major league hitter. Put me in the ‘kinda impressed, but not really camp’

MJH: Thomas Diamond: done? J Parks, you first…

Jason Parks: Done

Jason Cole: Probably done. I’d like to see his curveball again. That slider has looked very raw when I’ve seen him this year, and I don’t think he has the same feel for his changeup out of the bullpen. Disappointing. Still has a nice arm, but he’ll also be 27 years old next season.

Jason Parks: He just isn’t the same pitcher. He might get a cup of coffee, but that will be it.

MJH: I talked to him this spring and he made some sort of comment about how he was going to do this for a couple more years and then get a real job. I’m sure he was joking, but allowing those sorts of thoughts into your head if you are a prospect is not a great idea.

MJH: On to Kasey Kiker: have either of you pigeonholed him as a reliever?

Jason Parks: I’ve pigeonholed him as a reliever. I love Kasey, so it’s never easy to be objective about him, but I just cant see him having success at the MLB level with his current fastball. His comps have always impressed me, as has his tenacity on the mound. I just dont like his fastball anymore and I dont think it will play as a starter. I think he will make an excellent two inning reliever.

Jason Cole: I tend to agree with Parks. I don’t think I would be quite as shocked if he made it as a starting pitcher, but I think he’s most likely a reliever. Solid three pitch mix and maybe dial that fastball up a little out of the bullpen. I think he could be a little effectively wild out of the bullpen, sort of like C.J. Wilson is.

MJH: I think that the Kiker velocity issue is a red herring. Hitting is timing. Pitching is disrupting timing. I’ve seen him hit 94, 95 and even 97 this year. He can go and get the heat when he thinks he needs it. I’m optimistically believing that the kid is actually learning how to pitch. He’s a starter in my book.

Jason Parks: I haven’t heard about those velo reports. I’ve only seen him in the upper 80s

MJH: I suspect that he’s taking something off and putting something back on the fastball on an as-needed basis.

Jason Cole: I’ve only seen him once this year. I should see him twice over the next two weeks, so I’m looking forward to getting a better look at him.

Jason Parks: I think Kiker’s size and lack of a dominant fastball will limit his major league ceiling, especially considering that his command isnt consistent. It would be one thing if his fastball command was special. It isn’t.

MJH: We’ll talk a bit more about Engel Beltre in a moment, but first off: How much better are Beltre’s tools than Guillermo Pimentel’s or Miggy Velazquez’s?

Jason Cole: I’m still waiting to see Miguel Velazquez in person, so I can’t comment on him yet. Beltre is a faster runner than Pimentel, and he’s a better overall defender in center. But Guillermo has a stronger arm and his power is more developed right now. Very interesting that they’re only about 10 days apart in age. Pimentel is going to be an interesting guy to watch the next couple of years.

MJH: And Pimentel clearly has better command of the strike zone than Beltre, right?

Jason Parks: Beltre’s natural gifts are superior to Pimentel and Velazquez. I dont even think it is close really. Beltre is my favorite prospect to watch on the field. He has excellent tools and some developing skills. 2009 isnt about numbers for Beltre. It’s about development. Is he developing? Yes. Is he developing enough to see that translate to numbers? Obviously not enough for some fans.

Jason Cole: Pimentel probably has better command of the strike zone but I haven’t seen enough of him to be 100% sure.

MJH: Are you not concerned that Beltre simply isn’t willing to recognize the importance of controlling the strike zone?

Jason Parks: I dont think its about not being willing to recognize the importance of the zone, as much as its about Beltre’s natural instincts to swing the bat. I think his instincts battle his development. He obviously needs to refine his approach, but I’m really not that concerned about it. Perhaps I should be.

Jason Cole: I’m starting to get a little red flag on Beltre this year. Not close to giving up to him, but from the numbers and what I’ve heard, he hadn’t done nearly as much developing as he did last season. Just have to hope he’s not going to be out for any length of time right now.

MJH: So if we are ranking the all-around toolsiest outfielders in the system, for me it’s probably Beltre, then Pimentel and then Velazquez. Anybody have another candidate?

Jason Parks: Golson is the most gifted athlete in the system as far as tools go, imo

Jason Cole: I think I’d put Golson at the top, as well. His arm and speed are as good as it gets.

MJH: Golson’s upside is Marlon Byrd type, and his likelihood of reaching that upside is less than 50%. Agree or disagree?

Jason Cole: Definitely less. He’s not going to hit enough. He could really benefit by implementing the bunting game, but I’ve never seen him do it. I don’t think he’s going to hit enough.

Jason Parks: I think Golson’s floor is a 5th and his ceiling is a star. Likelihood of reaching star: 1%. Likelihood of reaching 5th: 75%

MJH: J Parks sitting in the first row on the Golson bandwagon…. He had some of the worst at-bats I saw in Surprise this spring. Just horrendous swings at absolute garbage pitches way up out of the zone. I haven’t been able to put aside that first impression of him.

Jason Cole: It looks to me like he’s shortened his swing this year. That has helped cut down on his strikeouts, but it has also cut into his power and he isn’t hitting for a better average.

Jason Parks: I don’t think he will need to hit to be an effective 5th. He might be better suited for the NL, but his speed, arm, and defense are major league level and he would make a very valuable late-inning replacement

Jason Cole: I think he’s definitely better suited for the NL. He’s got a plus-plus arm and his speed is special. He can play anywhere in the outfield. His tools make him valuable, but for a team like the Rangers that don’t have many in-game substitutions, I’m not sure he fits in. (Golson)

Jason Parks: Agree, Cole

MJH: Hate to do it to the kid, but Tim Smith has a pretty solid chance to become Rusty Greer — tremendous contact hitter with some pop, great zone command, can run pretty well and can’t throw. Thoughts? Tell me why I’m wrong, and not just the obvious crap about how comps are silly (which they are).

Jason Cole: I don’t think Tim Smith will ever hit .332 in a big league season, and I don’t think he’ll ever hit 26 home runs. I think his results are more likely to compare to David Murphy, although the tools may scream Rusty Greer. I will say that Smith has more raw power than he shows in games right now. He could end up busting 20 homers in a big league season if he reaches his ceiling.

Jason Parks: As for Smith, I don’t think he has a solid chance to be Rusty Greer. I think he has a solid chance to one day play at the major league level. He is more like David Murphy. only with less defensive versatility. I like his hit tool, but I dont see him hitting for power at the MLB level.

Jason Parks: Perhaps a 25 doubles guy with the power to hit 10-15 homers.

Jason Cole: I think that is most likely, as well.

MJH: http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=greer-001thu

MJH: http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=smith-004tim

MJH: Smith has actually been a better hitter than Greer was in the minors with comparable pop.

MJH: OK, you have to give up one or the other, who do you keep? Mitch Moreland or Tim Smith. And why?

Jason Cole: I’d keep Tim Smith. Because Moreland would probably be a more valuable trade chip (not that he would have a ton of value, but he could be part of a package) and he simply has no room at first base or right field in this system. Overall, I probably like Moreland more than Smith. He has done everything that has been asked and he’s made the necessary adjustments and improvements along the way. He just doesn’t really fit into the Rangers’ plans.

Jason Cole: And I don’t think Moreland can be much of a defender in right field at the big league level, even though he has a good arm.

Jason Parks: I’d give up Smith. No question. Moreland has legit major league power. Smith, despite having similar minor league numbers to Greer, doesnt have the same major league quality tools. Greer’s approach at the plate was also far superior to Smith. Give me Moreland.

Jason Parks: Moreland is a 1B/DH. No place on the Rangers, but a superior prospect to Smith, imo

Jason Cole: I agree that Moreland is a superior prospect, but if I’m the Rangers, I don’t see the point in holding on to him. There are not one, but two legitimate first basemen ahead of him at the upper levels right now.

Jason Parks: Agree.

MJH: Are either of you surprised that Moreland has seen virtually no dropoff since moving up to Frisco?

Jason Cole: Not surprised a bit. He has completely fixed his swing since college and he’s been able to keep the power and plate discipline. He knows how to hit.

Jason Parks: I found his swing to be a little long, so, yes, I was surprised. I thought better pitching would find and exploit the supposed hole inside. They either haven’t tried hard enough or the hole is smaller than I thought. Most scouts I spoke with last season had some concern about that hole as well. I guess looks can be deceiving.

Jason Cole: He’s been hitting the inner half pretty well in Frisco when I’ve seen him so far.

Jason Parks: His swing does appear to be a little more compact, so perhaps that is playing a part. He’s a smart hitter. He knows how to recognize and drive. Very important. Great barrel awareness.

Jason Cole: Here’s something I’m surprised about with him: He’s hitting .375 with four strikeouts in 56 at-bats against lefties in AA. That’s ridiculous.

Jason Parks: He can stay back and shorten up. Positive sign

MJH: Moreland has shocked me this year, but I don’t know how he’ll ever see time in Arlington unless Smoak is traded. Staying with Frisco, let’s delve into Marcus Lemon. Classic big league backup middle infielder, or more than that? Or less than that?

Jason Cole: Somewhere between big league backup or less. He has looked better defensively this season. I think his arm is a little stronger and his range is a little better, particularly into the hole towards third. I think he could play solid D at shortstop and second down the line. His plate discipline and ability to make contact is still excellent. But I’m not sure he’s going to hit enough, and I don’t think his defense will be good enough to warrant him earning a consistent backup job in the Majors. I guess I’m pegging him as a utilityman that spends a lot of time in AAA and gets a couple of full big league seasons in as a backup infielder.

Jason Parks: I think he could start in the right situation, but I dont think his skill set is starter quality. I think he knows how to play the game and his make-up is excellent, but his tools just arent there. He will probably be a decent back-up infielder, but personally, I’d rather have a guy like Vallejo over a guy like Lemon. I think back-up infielders need to have plus defensive ability or plus speed. Lemon is average at best in those categories.

MJH: The problem with rolling with Lemon as your bakup middle infielder is that he really can’t run much. Not that it’s an absolute necessity, but it would be a helpful part of the package.

Jason Cole: I’m way down on Vallejo right now.

Jason Parks: He wasn’t in my top 35, but I still like his defensive skill set and his speed.

MJH: Why so down on Vallejo, J Cole?

Jason Parks: His bat has really taken a step back. His swing mechanics are inconsistent and his overall approach is off. He isnt the same Vallejo this season. I expect him to rebound.

Jason Cole: I’ve seen him a handful of times in AAA this season, and he’s not squaring up anything. Even the extra-base hits I’ve seen have been bloopers that he legged out. Not the same hitter I saw in AA last year and early this season. He’s gained some weight, and his speed has gone down a tick. Still above-average, but I don’t think he’s still a burner. His range also isn’t what it used to be. Maybe not completely his fault, since almost all of that weight appears to be muscle and it has given him some more pop, but it’s still a regression from what made me like him most as a prospect (speed and defense). The fact that he’s only attempted four steals in 59 AAA games worries me. Maybe he’s hurt? Who knows. It’s weird.

Jason Parks: I thought he looked off in ST. Definitely heavier.

Jason Cole: I’m going to take a stopwatch to him when I see him in Sacramento in a couple of weeks. He looked really slow in round rock. The lack of SB attempts is puzzling

MJH: That’s a great observation J Cole. I’d missed the fact that Jose isn’t running anymore and it’s certainly a sign that there’s an issue there. It’s been a strange season for Jose. I saw some at-bats from him that looked weaker than the ones I saw four years ago.

Jason Parks: The fastest I have him clocked is 4.1 from the right side, which is 70 grade speed. I’ve read reports of Vallejo grading out at 80. Not this year, though

MJH: I worry about Jose’s confidence. I think he loses it very easily and I know he has some issues with loneliness for his wife and son at home.

Jason Cole: Agree. When he’s going well, he’s as confident as it gets. When he’s not, he’s as low as it gets. Makeup can certainly be an issue for him.

MJH: Jon Daniels told me last year that they had Elvis and Julio as 7′s and Jose as an 8.

Jason Cole: I think Jose was not only an 8 the last couple of years, but he was the best base stealer in the system. The guy knows how to steal bases.

Jason Parks: Absolutely.

MJH: Well, I’ll continue to be a Jose Vallejo cheerleader for as long as he’s out there. He’s too good of a kid who has overcome so much to get where he is.

Jason Cole: He’s still one of my favorite players in the system.

Jason Parks: Good point. Most people dont realize what Vallejo had to deal with

MJH: Anybody got any book on Eziquel Rijo? I just saw him throw about five pitches this spring and wasn’t close enough to get any notes that I felt good about. But he was really interesting to look at on the mound. What about you guys?

Jason Cole: I think I have something on Rijo somewhere, but I can’t remember off-hand. Let me look.

Jason Cole: In Spring Training this year, I saw him throw a 1-2-3 inning. I think we saw that same inning, Mike. I had him at 87-88 mph with some sink. Ended the inning with a strikeout looking on that fastball. Jayce Tingler (his former DSL) coach loves him. He said he was up to about 6-foot-4, 200 pounds last year. They had him at 88-92 and touching 93 or 94 at times. He liked his curveball and changeup and said Rijo had a good feel for pitching. I look forward to seeing him make a start in the AZL in a few weeks.

Jason Parks: I like Rijo’s size, but I’m not a big fan of his overall stuff. His inability to miss bats is a concern

MJH: Thanks J Cole. His K numbers haven’t been exceptional, but he’s definitely tough to hit. Tremendous length, really long arms. Interesting.

MJH: He’s on my follow list, but not quite in prospect land just yet. Good to hear positive reports from Tingler.

MJH: Is there a lefty in this system with better stuff than Geuris Grullon?

Jason Parks: Escobar might have better stuff than Grullon. I like his size, his current arsenal, and the arsenal scouts suggest he is eventually going to possess. Escobar is a 17 year-old LHP with athleticism, a fastball that is normally in the 86-89 range but that has hit 94, a developing breaking ball, and a good feel for a change. That is something worth getting excited about.

Jason Parks: I love me some Grullon, though.

Jason Cole: You know I have to respond with Martin Perez. Outside of that, absolutely Grullon. Filthy stuff.

Jason Parks: Ross has always been pretty ridiculous this season as well.

MJH: Ross’s combo of K rates and GB rates are off the charts. I’ve never seen anything like it from a 20 year old kid on that level. If you catch Grullon when he’s got some command, it’s frightening. And when he doesn’t have command, it’s even more frightening.

Jason Cole: Two different kinds of frightening.

Jason Parks: Agree. His mechanics can be frightening.

Jason Cole: I’m not sure there’s a pitcher in the system with more movement on his fastball than Grullon.

Jason Parks: Moscoso

Jason Cole: I still think Grullon has more.

Jason Parks: I don’t

Jason Cole: Moscoso has the most for a righty though.

Jason Cole: Speaking of Moscoso, his breaking ball is starting to look good.

MJH: Kenny Gomez has to be in that discussion. The late movement on his FB is silly. And I think we can assume that Ross is bringing some cartoon stuff right now.

Jason Parks: I think Moscoso’s fastball should be studied by science

MJH: I think Moscoso’s tats should be studied by hair bands and porn stars.

Jason Cole: Hahaha

Jason Cole: I think Moscoso is one of the more underappreciated pitchers in the system.

MJH: The pro scouting has gotten so much better over the past couple of years and Moscoso may turn out to be a great example of that.

Jason Parks: Agree. I think he will make a solid mlb reliever with potential to be a solid back-of-the-rotation starter. His health is still a concern given his history, but he looks great this season

MJH: In terms of pro scouting, I think the Rangers have come a long way from the days when they thought Adam Eaton and Billy Killian were worth the risk.

MJH: I won’t go into the McCarthy vs. Danks & Masset evaluation.

Jason Parks: C’mon, Mike. Please?

MJH: I think I’m pretty solidly on the record with that issue already. You can look it up.

Jason Cole: Agree with both of those points on Moscoso. He is pretty much on his first year of throwing a straight changeup and it shows potential for being such a new pitch. Wouldn’t shock me if he developed into a back-end starter, but he’s probably most likely a good reliever.

MJH: Let’s hit on the draft: Each of you name two guys you think were the Rangers best steals, not including the first rounders (both of whom Goldstein thinks were huge steals).

Jason Parks: Braden Tullis and Chad Bell.

Jason Cole: Give me Braden Tullis and Vin DiFazio. I like Jabari Blash and Johnny Gunter, as well.

MJH: Gunter is Kenny Powers, right?

Jason Cole: Pretty much. He’s been hitting 96 up there. Still pretty new to pitching, but a great arm and good raw stuff. He could turn into one of the system’s best relief prospects in a hurry.

Jason Parks: Tullis could end up being a pitcher that explodes in ’10. I think he projects to add a little velo and his change is already a very promising pitch. I really, really, like him. Bell is lefty with a good combination of size and stuff.

Jason Cole: Tullis seems like the juco version of Omar Poveda. I fully expect him to be underrated by most fans throughout his minor league career.

Jason Cole: Jared Prince may be a senior sign 34th rounder, but his tools and results thus far intrigue me.

MJH: I’m with you both on Tullis and I’m extremely intrigued by Chad Bell. It appears that he’s in a mini-DFE trial this summer and his stock is going up. Anybody have a feel for his desire to sign or the Rangers’ desire to pay him? I don’t think they’ll get him for 14th round money. Or even 8th round money.

Jason Parks: I like the Poveda comp. I was thinking of a stockier Moscoso because of the reports of the movement on Tullis’ fastball. His change might have Poveda potential, though.

Jason Cole: I don’t think so either. I’m actually planning on calling Bell tomorrow and I’ll see what I get out of him.

Jason Parks: Bell is going to be a tough sign

Jason Cole: Bell told me where he signed, but I can’t remember. Maybe University of Tennessee?

MJH: Tennessee

Jason Cole: That’s what I thought.

MJH: In 2003, the Rangers paid Scott Feldman $200K to NOT go to the University of Tennessee and I’m starting to think maybe they ought to revisit that plan with Bell.

Jason Cole: Given his Cape League results, I can’t argue with that at all.

MJH: Walks are a bit high, but everything else is crazy good.

Jason Cole: I’d like an explanation as to why he didn’t make the Cape League All-Star team

MJH: OK: Let’s sit around and fawn over Martin Perez for a bit….

MJH: I can’t remember a pitcher other than Perez where there was really nothing to nitpick by the time he was in Class-A. The fastball velocity, life and command are there. The curve is there and then some. And now he’s whipped up a plus change. He’s as sure a bet for an 18 year old Class-A pitcher as I can fathom.

Jason Cole: I have him down as pretty close to a sure bet as well. The change is plus now. And his fastball command wasn’t quite perfect in the start I saw, but it was still solid.

Jason Parks: His change was his weakest offering before the season started.

Jason Cole: Martin says he feels his changeup has surpassed his curve this season. In the start I saw, I completely agree.

Jason Parks: If you could speak Spanish he might have been able to tell you that in person.

Jason Parks: haha

Jason Cole: haha

MJH: OK, I was wrong. He does have a developmental issue. He still needs to work on his English.

MJH: Perez’s change when I saw him this spring had tremendous armside fade and the arm speed was so good I didn’t realize it was a changeup until I saw it dive. And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

MJH: Aside from Tullis, name a pitcher who you think could be a breakout guy over the next 12 months.

Jason Cole: Matt Thompson. Still learning how to pitch, but he’s learning pretty fast. He’s throwing strikes and his curveball can be absolute filth.

Jason Parks: Matt Thompson has a chance to do something. He is very young and already has an excellent curve to go along with an improving heater. I keep hearing god things about him. I think he takes a huge step forward in ’10.

Jason Parks: wow

Jason Cole: ha

Jason Parks: I thought it first

Jason Parks: haha

Jason Cole: I looked over the AZL roster to make sure I wasn’t missing anyone

Jason Parks: I think Escobar has a chance to become a name in the next 12 months as well. Tremendous talent.

MJH: I still like Kennil Gomez. I know the problems with lefties, but I have a gut feeling that he’s going to figure out a changeup at some point and when he does, he could skyrocket. He’s that loose, whippy arm like Volquez and Volquez didn’t develop his change until he hit the Cal League.

Jason Parks: Want to discuss Main and/or Beavan?

Jason Parks: Want to discuss the lizard that fell out of a tree and hit me?

MJH: Uhhh, let’s do Beavan….

Jason Parks: The development of Beavan’s slider really concerns me.

Jason Cole: I haven’t seen him this year. I will see him on Saturday in Corpus Christi.

Jason Parks: I saw one of his worst starts of the year. He shut-down on the mound. It was awful.

MJH: I remember reading that. I saw Moscoso do the same thing this year and that’s why I have such a hard time acknowledging the rest of what he’s done.

Jason Parks: The strange thing is that I’m still a believer in Beavan. His stuff needs to improve, but I think he still has the juice in him to become a rotation arm.

MJH: Let’s do the “keep one” thing again: Beavan or Poveda? Toronto wants one in a deal for Halladay and you get to pick which one you give up. Who’s it going to be?

Jason Cole: Poveda. I’d take Poveda over a lot of guys in the system. He’s efficient, he’s got the plus changeup, his curveball has developed into at least an average pitch over the last couple of years, his fastball velo continues to slightly climb, and he’s doing a better job of keeping his fastball down in the zone this year.

Jason Parks: Poveda. I think Beavan has a higher ceiling based on natural ability, but I think Poveda has a much better chance of reaching his ceiling. I’d keep Poveda, although I ranked Beavan as the better prospect. I guess that doesnt make much sense

Jason Cole: I don’t do mid-season rankings, but I think I’d have them ranked in almost the exact same spot. I agree that Beavan definitely has the higher ceiling, but I think Poveda is very likely to be a solid starter in the majors.

MJH: Agree or disagree: Poveda has two solid pitches and one plus pitch (the change). Beavan really only has one good pitch right now and it plays up because of his ability to locate.

Jason Cole: As of right now, I definitely agree. But I like the development I’ve seen out of Beavan’s changeup and I think his breaking ball could become an above-average pitch.

Jason Parks: I actually like Beavan’s change. It’s not on Poveda’s level, but it has potential. His slider really bothers me. I just dont like it. I think his fastball has a chance to be good, but not great.

MJH: And I’m about out of ideas at this point. Let’s wind it down.

Jason Parks: We should do this more frequently

Jason Cole: definitely

Jason Cole: I’ll have more in the tank after early-mid august when I get back from the west coast.

MJH: Thanks for the time guys. You are both gentlemen, scholars…and extremely handsome.