From John Fay:
1. Yonder Alonso, 1B
2. Todd Frazier, SS
3. Drew Stubbs, OF
4. Chris Valaika, SS
5. Yorman Rodriguez, OF
6. Kyle Lotzkar, RHP
7. Neftali Perez, 3B
8. Juan Francisco, 3B
8. Juan Duran, OF
10. Devin Mesoraco, C
No big big surprises. I think Francisco would have been higher had the list been put together after the Dominican Winter League.
Rodirguez and Duran are the teen-agers signed out of Latin America for big bucks.
Lotzkar was the supplemental first-round pick in 2007. He throws up to 96. He was limited to 10 starts in 2008 by a small stress fracture in his elbow.
I think #7 is supposed to be Nefi Soto. At least I hope so. And he’s a player I really like. I’m surprised that Alex Buchholz isn’t listed on here.
I think it’s silly to put these two Latin kids on there (Rodriguez and Duran), I’ve heard they are YEARS away from being ready to do anything….but I guess they have to list them, considering what they’re being paid.
Until he does more than hit in the Hawaiian League, I’d have Yonder lower. I like Frazier a lot. If Francisco learns some selection at the plate and get a little defensive range, he could be a very good player.
Lotzkar is very young and wasn’t all that impressive last year, but his youth is a major selling point.