2060.09 - The Long Beach Independent - State of the Farm - AA Newton Falls

[Lane]

IS ANYONE HOME?

Gary Tinstaap

Newton Falls, OH

As we look at our second to last entry in this series, we find that we hit a bit of a lull in significant prospects at AA Newton Falls. By OSA, the top prospect here is reliever Jorge Sánchez. a 22 year old righty. He's well developed but with potentials of 5/6/7/6/6 he projects to be a middle reliever at best. He's a 2057 draftee, and throws mid-high 90s but will need to improve on his strikeout skills to become an impact player at the next level.

On the offensive side, we find 2059 second rounder John Cook. The 21 year old switch hitter is a passable defender at multiple infield positions, and has good contact skills. He's excelled at every stop in the minor leagues, and his 7 BABIP and 8 AvK ratings would certainly play in the BBA. However, scouts have concerns about his propensity to strike out, and his severe lack of power. We wouldn't quite say that he has future starter potential, but could certainly see him spend a few seasons in the bigs as a utility infielder/pinch hitter.

We'll highlight one more player before we leave the great state of Ohio. Juan Luis Iturribarría, an eleventh round draftee in 2058 has been working hard and hitting the ball well at every minor league stop, advancing from Rookie league last year through SA, A and on to AA this season. His primary skill is his eye, which scouts rate as a 7, and in combination with 6 contact and 5 power, he projects to be able to handle BBA pitching. He's a bit weak on defense, and would need to make improvements to range and footwork to be an everyday player. He'll surely make a trip or two to the development lab during spring training in an attempt to get his defense up to BBA standards.