33.5 Phantom Zone Report Farm Report

[palmolive44]

Phantoms Top 5 Prospects:
1. SP Yu-bao Tong (AAA)- The #75 overall prospect was recently moved up to Carolina (AAA) after a short stint at Double A Beloit. Tong has a vast arsenal of pitches which includes Fastball, Slider, Curve, Changeup, Forkball & Circle Change. His velocity tops out at 94 mph and he has had control issues so far but all of the scouts feel he is close to getting his control issues under control. He projects as a top of the rotation pitcher and has a good chance of making the major league roster next season.

2. LF José Olivarez (AAA)- The best hitting prospect in the organization by far. Olivarez has an impressive .306/.366/.484 line for his minor league career. He has shown elite level speed stealing 115 bases in 134 attempts. Right now Olivarez projects as a DH on the major league level barring a breakthrough in the field. Look for Olivarez to be in the starting lineup in Huntsville next season.

3. P Kunz Schuck (AAA)- The ground-ball inducing pitcher projects as either the fifth man in the rotation of as a long reliever out of the bullpen. Schuck throws a Fastball that tops out at 95 mph along with a Changeup and a Sinker. After being a starter for most of his minor league career Schuck has been working out of the bullpen in Carolina as their closer. His best fit in the majors may be out of the bullpen but his flexibility may guarantee him a roster spot next season.

4. C David Katzenbogen (AA)- 'Bazooka' is a apt nickname for the 21 year old defensive wizard behind the plate. Katzenbogen has committed 1 error and has throw out an incredible 48.3% of stolen base attempts at Double A Beloit. Only downside to Katzenbogen's game right now are the hitting struggles he has had so far. Currently posting a .188/.262/.285 line with a whopping 111 strikeouts. Katzenbogen has shown some power but he needs to cut down on the strikeouts if he wants to get to the majors. Look for Katzenbogen be start next year at Triple A Carolina.

5. SP Tim Martínez (AAA)- Martínez has started to show an ability to be the control pitcher he projected to be out of high school. Currently in the rotation in Carolina, Martínez has used his Fastball, Changeup, Cutter & Forkball with some success this season. With a top end velocity of only 92 mph, Martínez has to rely on changing speeds and using all four of his pitches to get hitters out. At his current rate if development, Martínez projects to be in Triple A Carolina for next season with a possible callup at the end of next year.

[RonCo]

Lots of interesting players here. Katzenbogen is the poster child for the question if defense matters for catchers.