We return to the Indians and Pirates top fifteen prospects editions after a one year absence that was unintentional and then lacking in time to get caught up.We start today with the Indians 11-15 and since the Devils are off today,most likely 6-10 tomorrow.
These will not always be posted everyday,but I want to get these up ASAP...
The Cleveland Indians system has been a disappointment over the last few seasons.
The Wahoo drafts had struggled for a few seasons when the team was competitive,but their last three drafts show lots of promise,to the point that this was more difficult to do than the last time that I tackled this task.
11- T.J. House-LHP-2010 High A Kinston
I have a bias towards House as I have thought that he is one of the nicer players that I have met through the last few seasons and seems to have his head on correctly.
On the field,House is difficult to slot into a category as a pitcher.
He throws hard enough to resist the label of soft tosser,yet is not quite in the fireball division either.
House excels when both his fastball and changeup work well as a mix as his slider is still a work in progress.
House should start at AA Akron in 2011.
12) Alex Lavisky-C AZL Indians
This is a hunch pick as Lavisky played just five games in the Arizona rookie league after dropping to the eighth round in the draft due to signability concerns.
Lavisky was thought be either a sandwich selection or a second rounder on talent,but his asking price caused him to drop in the draft,much like his high school battery mate Stetson Allie.
Lavisky settled for one million flat and coming from the hometown Indians likely sealed the deal.
Since I have not seen him play or have much stat data,this is a chance,but I like catchers projected to have power and look likely to remain a catcher.
Lavisky also comes with the experience of having caught a top notch talent like Allie that should be invaluable defensively.
We'll have a better idea on Lavisky next season after he spends the season at Low A Lake County
13) Cord Phelps 2b-AA Akron-AAA Columbus
Phelps split the 2010 season between the Aeros and Clippers and hit well for average at each spot,but continues to lack power and owns less than average speed.
Phelps has one major problem with the Indians-he likely is blocked by better prospects at two positions.
Phelps was tried at third in the Arizona Fall League,made eight errors and even if he had been flawless-Phelps is not going to beat out Lonnie Chisenhall there.
At his natural position,Phelps has to deal with Jason Kipnis,who matches Phelps for hitting for average and exceeds him in both power and speed.
With both Chisenhall and Kipnis projected to start at Columbus this season,Phelps looks to be in trouble as far as place to play even at Columbus until one or the other gets the call to Cleveland and that could be late June.
Phelps reminds me a lot of Jeff Keppinger,who has used one tool (hitting for average) as his calling card for a decent major league career.
There is always a calling for a decent bat that can pinch hit and fill in at a few different spots when needed.
Phelps will return to AAA Columbus to start 2011....
14) Abner Abreu-OF High A Kinston
Abreu has dropped off the prospect radar of some after an average 2010 in Kinston that saw him miss some time (again) with injury,hit with less power than expected (4 HR's) and strike out an average of over once a game.
The toolsy Abreu still leaves me hope that he will put his game together because the skills are there.
In hindsight,the Indians may have rushed Abreu to Kinston after an excellent,but abbreviated 2009 at Low A Lake County and between the level advancement and the downtime,Abreu could have been just a bit unprepared.
I'll give the 6'3 rightfielder another year before moving him off my radar,
Abreu is expected to return to High A Kinston and attempt to master that level.....
15) Bryce Stowell-RP-High A Kinston,AA Akron,AAA Columbus
Stowell dominated both the Carolina and Eastern leagues last season before coming back to earth a bit in a late season stop at Columbus.
Stowell was moved to the bullpen before the season and watched a low 90's fastball hit the high 90's and looked unhittable the night that I saw him in Frederick.
Bruce Drennan on Sports Time Ohio has reported that Stowell has hit 100 in Tucson in spring training already.
Stowell uses a slider and needs to work on changing speeds more effectively as he is prone to giving up a walk or two.
Stowell will start in AAA Columbus,with a possible callup to the big club,if all goes well....
Photo Credit-SportsLogos.net
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