Long Beach Press-Telegram - 2002 on the farm

[jcrmoon42]

As down as the Long Beach Surfers are currently at the big league level is as up as they are in the minor leagues. They have far and away the best minor league system in baseball thanks to several #1 picks in a row. Three of their four minor league levels won their divisions. AA Newton Falls had the best record in the Warren Cox League before losing to Corpus Christi in the finals. A level Tombstone was dominant at 86-34 but lost to Moline in the semis of the Pegler League. Rookie level Cayucos was also strong at 44-24 but lost to Gaylord in the Nolan League semis. AAA Santa Fe finished last in their division but was second in the league in OPS with some strong, young talent.

Top Prospects:
1. Jim "Roo" Schmidt - The #1 prospect in all of baseball split the season between AA and AAA and went 16-9 with a 3.24 ERA. His control is still lagging, and the club really wants to see that develop before subjecting him to big league hitters.

2. Al Jones - 22 year old outfielder spent the whole season in AAA and performed acceptably in his second minor league season. He's likely to find his way into the Long Beach outfield next season even though he had the most strikeouts in AAA.

3. Juan Heredia - Outstanding outfielder who will be a contender for future batting titles hit .327 and led AAA in WAR. He's got a lot of developing to do, but his defense and contact may be enough to earn a big league job next year.

4. Dave Santry - Former Seattle farmhand went 15-8 with a 3.52 ERA in AAA. At 24 years old, he probably needs a shot at the big leagues, but he is still a long way from his potential, especially as a control pitcher.

5. Alberto "Pop" Guzman - Last year's #1 pick debuted in Rookie ball and performed well, showing a strong batting eye which will likely see him move up next year.

[aaronweiner]

I could make a case that I have the best farm in the league, since I haven't had a single pick in the top five and I'm still ranked #2.

That said, I don't think I hold a candle to yours.