Long Beach Press Telegram - The future of the Surfers

[jcrmoon42]

While the big league team is struggling to get any respect at all, the future does look bright in Long Beach. Several #1 draft picks in a row will do that for you. Plus, they will get another one next draft to add to their stock. So, how does it look among Surfers under the age of 25?

SP Jim "Roo" Schmidt - With a 98 MPH sinker to go with a good slider and a devastating changeup, Schmidt is considered by some to be the best prospect in the game. Unfortunately, he is also developing slowly, is already 23 years old, and is a good ways from the big leagues at this point. He found himself in AA again this season and was not spectacular, going 10-8 with a 4.69 ERA. Some of that can be blamed on the .359 BABIP he put up, but he will probably begin next season at AA again unless he does a lot of work in the off-season.

OF Al Jones -One of those rare hitters who bats right but throws left, Jones first year in the minors was a successful one as he spent the year at AA where he showed respectable power and speed while also learning to play center field. At 22 years old, he has a bright future as a 5-tool player but he still has a way to go and may find himself in AA again next season. Right fielder of the future.

OF Juan Heredia - Has future batting champ written all over him and is already one of the best defensive outfielders around. At 21, he moved up to A ball this year and was fairly average. Still, the future is bright, even if it is still a few years off. Center fielder of the future.

SP Dave Santry - Brought over in a trade with Seattle last year, Santry has fantastic control potential and jumped through the minor league system this year, pitching exceptionally well in A and AA before holding his own in AAA. He's already 23 and is going to need to develop that control potential into actual control if he's going to make it.

SP Zach Brown - Formerly a top relief prospect, he was converted into a starter before the season and responded well by holding his own in AAA for the first time at only 21 years old. He's got a big fastball but is going to need to work on his control to make the next step.

IF/OF James Dicus - Speed and a good bat to go with a top glove all over the field. Still developing but spent most of this season in the big leagues. Shortstop or 2B of the future.

LF/RF Duck Latta - Lefty crusher just finished his first full season in the bigs and hit .313 with a little pop. He's got a long way to go but is probably the left fielder of the future.

Closer Chris Malone - Still only 23, but the flame-thrower was an All Star in the bigs this year as the newly annointed Surfers closer.

LHR Neil Huggins - Junk-balling lefty is a movement monster. Struggled a bit in his rookie season, including giving up a surprising 6 HR in 79 IP, but the future is bright, especially after he harnesses his control.