44.31 Prospect Ranks: Pitchers

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June 9, 2044 | Mad Popes Record: 22-40, 16 GB, 3-5 last sim
Rolio Elder | Apprentice to the Exalted Mystic | Donkeagle Press

In a recent league feature, the Landis-phobic general manager of the hated Yellow Springs Nine, Ron Collins, ranked the top minor league systems throughout the BBA. Our Mad Popes were far and away the number one ranked system due in large part to the sell-off of our top talent in Sacramento in exchange for high potential, lottery ticket youngsters. The following is the ranking of the top five pitchers in the Sacramento system as rated by the Donkeagle editors and myself.

1. SP Jim Pollock (AAA)
A lanky left-hander who was drafted in the 14th round of the 2042 draft as a first baseman, Pollock exceeded even the wildest expectations in his development. He's a hard thrower with four pitch mix. He'll likely be a September call-up this season, and the hope is he'll settle into a rotation spot in 2045.

2. SP Marvin Winston (AAA)
Sacramento's first round draft pick in 2042, Winston utilizes elite movement along with elite level pitch speed. OOTP ranks him as the Popes' 10th best pitching prospect, but, as we all know, they are idiots. Winston will be a productive, everyday starter for many years. He will likely see his first action in Sacramento as a September call-up this season.

3. SP Matt McCartney (A)
A crafty southpaw with room for development, McCartney was acquired via trade from Montreal in May. He will profile a dominant curveball that couples nicely with his sneaky fastball. His above average forkball with induce plenty of groundballs at South Pacific Field. He'll likely find his way onto the Sacramento squad around the all-star break next season.

4. SP Kevin O'Toole (AAA)
Another crafty southpaw, O'Toole profiles to be a trusted starting rotation member for many years to come. He doesn't profile anything spectacular, but everything he does is solid. Look for O'Toole to be another September call-up this season.

5. SP Boulos Naim (IC)
We struggled with this pick as there are plenty of deserving arms left in the system (see honorable mentions below) and Naim is still just 17 and in the International Complex, but he got the nod due to his solid profile. The lefty projects to have above average stuff and movement, along with great control. His pitch mix should become even better with velocity increases. The sky is the limit for this kid.

Honorable mentions --
SP Felix Vidaca (R): A bumper with amazing stuff. He could be on the top of this list in a year or two.
RP John Scovell (R): Amazing stuff -- Check. Amazing Movement -- Check. Mmmm... Donkeagle likey...
SP Raj Mahadevan (R): Knuckleballer with great potentials. He'll likely be traded to Mexico City once a proper deal can be worked out.
SP James Ward (A): We forget about him because he's just decent at everything. If he ends up a 5th starter in Sacramento, we'll be doing ok. He could show up in Sacramento next season.

[Ted]

I'd be the most excited about Vidaca, especially once his control starts to come in. He looks like 10/8/6 in the making if he develops.

[jleddy]

Haha, already setting the groundwork on a knuckler to Mexico City...love it.

[bcslouck]

Man, Vidaca on that Constable track.