Baseball: Alexander Massengill, Grant Green, Kila Ka’aihue, Rudy J. Ledesma, Joe Nathan

The University of Cincinnati baseball team has adopted 10-year-old cancer survivor Alexander Massengill as an honorary teammate through The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, head coach Brian Cleary announced Wednesday. “We’re glad to have Alex as a part of the team,” said Cleary. “I expect his involvement will be a great benefit to our players.” Alex, an avid baseball fan, was diagnosed with a medublastoma brain tumor in April 2010. After eight months of procedures and treatments at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Alex has been free of cancer since December. He recently returned back to school and was healthy enough to rejoin his little-league baseball team over the summer. - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/09/24/cincinnati-welcomes-alex-massengill-to-bearcat-family

Grant Green is the best hope that A’s have in the minors right now to be an offensive minded SS. His power was on display last season but has been lacking in 2011 until recently. He’s certainly behind last years pace by a great distance which must be disappointing for both he and the A’s. But he still is showing the skill set to make him an average defender and hitter inside of the next year. But a 20/20 SS is probably not who Green will ever be. The search for the SS of the future will continue. ETA: 2012 - http://baseballinstinct.com/2011/09/25/prospect-instinct-grant-green-of-oakland-athletics

Kila Ka’aihue – Despite being given a full-time job in Kansas City and some very optimistic third-party projections heading into the season, the Kila Monster not only saw himself lose his job with the MLB team, but also his employment all-together.  He’s spent time in AAA since 2008 and has averaged just short of 29 HR per 162 games at that level in his professional career, so by now no one doubts the power that the Hawai’i native possesses.  Now that he’s been DFAed, Kila can essentially be acquired at no cost by any team of the league and, at age 27, he’s still got a few seasons before his ‘old man’ skills will likely begin to decline.  At the very least, Ka’aihue can provide some organizational depth for teams like the Giants (as long as Belt can still play LF or remains the reasonless red-headed step-child of the organization), Dodgers, Mariners or Orioles, if not start for those teams.  Worst case, as can be said for most of those who appear on this list, he could probably make some sort of Dan Johnson-like resurgence in Japan. - http://www.replacementlevelbaseball.com/2011/09/who-will-be-the-next-mark-trumbo

An 18-year-old man who died when he crashed a pickup into an Riverside (91) Freeway overpass pillar was identified today as a California Baptist University baseball player from Anaheim. Rudy J. Ledesma Jr. was believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel before his eastbound Dodge Dakota pickup crashed into a guardrail, overturned and hit a pillar supporting the Buchanan Street overpass about 3:05 a.m. Saturday, according to The Orange County Register.  The young man, who had played baseball at Cypress High School, had just moved to Riverside this month to attend Cal Baptist. - http://www.myvalleynews.com/story/58890

Joe Nathan: He may not want to leave Minnesota, but whether or not the Twins bring him back remains to be seen. Nathan had Tommy John surgery in 2010 and returned to the mound with Minnesota in June. He's made forty-five appearances since then, posting pretty good rates of 8.86 K/9 and 2.81 BB/9. His fastball is a bit slower than it was pre-injury, which might partially explain why Nathan has given up home runs many more often than he did in the past. He's turning 37 in November, which makes his odds of injury higher but potential salary lower for next season. - http://www.amazinavenue.com/2011/9/22/2441932/the-search-for-the-mets-2012-closer-recently-injured-pitchers

State of the System: Oakland A's

Quick Look

Even after graduating Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Vin Mazzaro, and Andrew Bailey to the majors, Oakland's farm system is in solid shape. The likes of Chris Carter and Grant Desme tore it up this year, and prospects such as Michael Taylor and Grant Green were added to the organization. The A's have the personnel to contend in the future, but they will have to rely almost solely on young talent for their success.

Top Prospects
Michael Taylor, of

Age: 24 Level: Triple-A-MLB

Somewhat of an underachiever at Stanford, Taylor has put it all together as a pro (his full-season wOBA is well over .400). He came over from the Phillies in the Roy Halladay extravaganza. A massive (6-6, 250) righthanded hitter, Taylor has a good stroke and projects to make consistent contact and potentially above-average power. He moves well and his instincts make him a strong defender on a corner. Taylor has outstanding makeup to boot. Taylor has produced at high levels and is basically a surefire bet to be at least an average big leaguer. His bat won't make him a superstar, but he's a likely All Star.

Chris Carter, 1B

Age: 23 Level: Double-A-MLB

A 2005 White Sox draftee, Carter was involved in the Carlos Quentin and Dan Haren trades. The Las Vegas native has gone deep 67 times in his first 2 seasons for the A's and 118 times as a professional. The 6-4, 225-pounder has accumulated a .252 IsoP as well; his strength and loft give him plus-plus raw power. Carter has worked hard and made strides in terms of his ability to make contact (26.2 K% in 2008 and 20.4 K% in 2009), but his power will always come at the expense of his contact. He has fanned 100+ times the last 3 seasons. Defensively, Carter has little range and his hands are a liability. He has played multiple positions, but may be a DH long-term. Carter's ability to maintain his power production while making enough contact and getting by defensively will determine his ultimate worth. He should see Oakland in 2010.

Grant Green, ss

Age: 22 Level: none-Double-A

The multi-tooled middle infielder has been likened to a Troy Tulowitzki/Evan Longoria hybrid, although it takes some hyperbole to go that far. Green, a USC product, has skills on both sides of the ball and went in the middle of the 1st round this year even after a down junior season. He makes contact with ease and projects to be a productive hitter, although he lacks plate discipline and his medicore power will limit his offensive star potential. The 6-3, 180-pounder has the size to add pop. Green has steady hands and fluid actions at short. His range draws mixed reviews, but I believe Green will stick up the middle. He could move quickly.

Max Stassi, c

Age: 18 Level: none-Low A

Stassi was one of the best talents in a bumper crop of high school catchers this year. The California native slipped to the 4th round and signed for an above-slot $1.5 million. Oakland is optimistic he will develop into a starting catcher. Stassi has an excellent feel for the game and is an advanced hitter. He uses the whole field and is an offensive asset for a catcher, though his power is limited. The compact (5-10, 190) Stassi does not stand out behind the plate, but he should at least remain there. His instincts help him in all phases of the game. He figures to spend the 2010 campaign in Low A.

Jemile Weeks, 2B

Age: 22 Level: Double-A-Triple-A

Weeks, the younger brother of Brewers 2B Rickie, was the 12th overall pick out of Miami in 2008. A short, athletic switch-hitter, Jemile is like his brother in that he has the tools to be an above-average big leaguer. Weeks has the bat speed to hit for average and surprising power. His solid plate discipline and plus speed boost his offensive package. He is quick, but has room for improvement on defense. Weeks struggled with injuries and upon a promotion to Double-A this season, but those are issues he should be able to overcome. His ETA is 2011.

Adrian Cardenas, 2B/ss

Age: 22 Level: Triple-A-MLB

Cardenas moved from Philadelphia to Oakland in the Joe Blanton deal. Similar offensively to Weeks, Cardenas has a sweet lefthanded stroke and makes contact with ease. He is precocious at the plate and had a strong season in the upper minors at age 21. He doesn't have much home-run power, but Cardenas frequently peppers the gaps. His foot speed and defensive chops aren't spectacular, though his instincts aid him. The 2006 Baseball America High School Player of the Year, Cardenas lacks the range for short and the power to profile at the hot corner, but he could be an offensive second baseman.

Grant Desme, of

Age: 23 Level: High A-Triple-A

I singled out Desme as a sleeper candidate coming into the 2009 season, and the 6-2, 205-pound outfielder did not disappoint. A 2007 2nd-rounder who missed nearly all of his first 2 pro seasons due to injuries, Desme blasted 31 homers and swiped 40 bases. The Cal Poly product has above-average raw power and the arm to be a threat on a corner. He also runs well, though his elevated stolen base total was primarily a byproduct of his savvy on the basepaths. Desme's offensive approach, however, is sorely in need of an overhaul. A poor contact hitter (26.8 K%), he sells out for power and lacks pitch recognition skills. He has excellent upside, but Desme's chances of becoming even a solid regular are diminished by the fact that elite pitching baffles him and consistent contact skills elude him. Double-A will be a nice test of his abilities.

Josh Donaldson, c

Age: 24 Level: Double-A-Triple-A

Donaldson offers an unusual skillset for a catcher. The 6-1, 215-pound Auburn product is an offense-first player with decent athleticism. He draws his share of walks, and his .280/.374/.456 career line represents his offensive ceiling. The 2007 supplemental-rounder has performed inconsistently with the bat as a pro, though, and Donaldson's defense is even more uneven. He has experience at 3rd base, but the A's are looking at him behind the plate. Donaldson will play at Triple-A in 2010; if he produces with the bat, he'll be a solid big leaguer.

Sam Demel, rhp

Age: 24 Level: Triple-A-MLB

Demel excels at missing bats. Working off a 93-94 mph fastball and a vicious slider, the TCU product has posted a 25.3 K% as a pro. Demel's command often deserts him, however, and he walks too many (11.9 BB%). His max-effort mechanics and 6-0, 200-pound frame aren't optimal either. Demel isn't perfect, but he'll be pitching the 7th inning or later in the big leagues soon.

Pedro Figueroa, lhp

Age: 24 Level: High A-Triple-A

It took the Dominican lefty until he was 23 to reach full-season ball, but he finally looks ready to start rising rapidly. Figueroa was effective over 152 innings this year (3.46 FIP along with a 22.1 K%, but also with a 10.1 BB%). Despite a 6-1 frame, Figueroa generates filthy stuff. His fastball sits at 92-95 mph and he has a power slider. His changeup has potential, but it is unclear whether he will stay in the rotation, as his inconsistent delivery and control plague him. Figueroa needs another year in the minors.

Others: RHPs Tyson Ross, Michael Ynoa, Clayton Mortensen, and James Simmons; SS Dusty Coleman; OFs Shane Peterson and Corey Brown; 1B Sean Doolittle
Impact Talent: C+
Farm System Depth: C+

2010 Breakout Prospect
Ian Krol, lhp
Age: 18 Level: none-Low A

Krol was a coveted high school hurler who dropped to the 7th round in this year's draft mainly because he was suspended his entire senior season. The Illinois native, who signed for an above-slot $925,000 and spurned Arizona, has the nice 3-pitch mix to get back on track. Krol throws strikes with all his pitches (high-80s fastball, excellent curveball, solid changeup). His modest velocity and size make him a mid-rotation piece at best, but I'm looking forward to monitoring Krol's first full pro season.

Top Talents Get Top Dollar as Negotiations Go Down to the Wire

Last night (midnight ET) was the deadline for 2009 draft picks to sign a professional contract, meaning many of the best amateurs in the nation are watching the ink dry on multi-million dollar bonuses. All but two first-rounders eventually came to an agreement with their clubs. (That doesn't include #12 pick Aaron Crow, who, as an indy leaguer, has extra time.) Scott Boras Corp. clients had particularly contentious negotiations, but once again Boras came out a winner. Boras clients set records for the richest overall deal ever, the top bonus for a high school player ever, and the highest bonus handed to a prep pitcher. Here's some of the biggest news from the last few days. (As always, Baseball America's Draft Database has a complete list of the bonuses and signees.)

• #1 pick Stephen Strasburg, after months of speculation, accepted a major league deal including a $7.5 million bonus and $15.1 million guaranteed. He had been rumored to be seeking much more than that, but the pact is still the richest of all time. Strasburg couldn't possibly have gained any more leverage by rejecting the Nats' offer, so he wisely accepted the figure. Now we'll see if he can live up to expectations and turn a franchise around single-handedly.
• Rangers 1st-rounder Matt Purke, a high school lefty who went 14th overall, was one of two 1st-rounders to not sign. Purke will take his overpowering fastball-breaking ball package to TCU, where he will be draft-eligible after 2 years.
• LeVon Washington couldn't come to terms with the Rays as the #30 overall pick, either. That would seem to make the speedy 2B/OF ticketed for Florida, but apparently he doesn't qualify academically, so I guess we'll see what happens.
• Dustin Ackley (Mariners, 2nd overall) garnered an MLB contract with a $6 million signing bonus and $7.5 million guaranteed. The smooth-swinger also has salary incentives for how quickly he reaches the major leagues. Seattle also got high school infielder Nick Franklin, their other 1st-rounder, for $1.28 million over the weekend.
  
• Donavan Tate, a high school outfielder from Georgia who went third overall, signed a $6.25 million deal with the Padres (that is spread out over 4 years because he is a multi-sport athlete). That is the largest bonus ever handed to a high school player. Earlier, San Diego gave 52nd overall pick Everett Williams $775,000 and 4th-rounder Keyvius Sampson $600,000. The trio spurned UNC, Texas, and Florida State, respectively.
• The Rockies capped off a superb draft by signing 11th overall pick Tyler Matzek for $3.9 million. A 6-3 lefty with incredible upside, Matzek had been headed to Oregon. Colorado got 3 1st-round talents--Matzek, 30th pick Tim Wheeler (OF, Sacramento State), and 32nd pick Rex Brothers (LHP, Lipscomb)--as well as several other sound picks. That'll give the farm system a nice boost.
• San Francisco's #1 pick, RHP Zack Wheeler, netted a $3.3 million bonus as the 6th overall selection.
• The Tigers spent big on a couple of Scott Boras clients, giving them one of the better draft hauls in the industry. Their top pick, Missouri high school RHP Jacob Turner, received a major league contract that includes a $4.7 million signing bonus and $5.5 million in guaranteed money (making it the largest contract ever for a high school hurler). Turner, who had been committed to North Carolina, has touched the upper-90s and flashed a nice curve and change. Detroit also gave 2nd-rounder Andy Oliver, an Oklahoma State lefty, $1.425 million. Prep shortstop Daniel Fields (6th round) signed for $1.625 million.
• Shelby Miller, a fireballing Texas righthander, signed an above-slot $2.875 bonus and instantly became the Cardinals' best prospect.
• The Indians locked up #15 pick Alex White with a $2.25 million signing bonus. White is a power righty out of North Carolina.
• The Reds spent over $3 million to sign their top two picks. Arizona State RHP Mike Leake, the 8th overall pick, took home $2.27 million and USC RHP Brad Boxberger, a supplemental-rounder, got $857,000.
• I wasn't blown away by the Marlins' effort, but at least they did come to terms with all of their top choices, particularly high school hurlers Chad James ($1.7 million) and Bryan Berglund ($572,500).
  
• The Blue Jays were aggressive in getting 3rd-rounder Jake Marisnick, an athletic high school outfielder from California, to sign for $1 million, but they had snafus with a trio of their other top picks. Supplemental-round LHP James Paxton will return to Kentucky, and high school pitchers Jake Eliopoulos (2nd round) and Jake Barrett (3rd round) will head to college. That's an extremely disappointing draft for Toronto, who didn't exactly have a thriving farm system in the first place.
• The Twins signed 1st-rounder Kyle Gibson for $1.8 million despite concerns over his health. Gibson, who has a stress fracture in his forearm, will be a steal if he regains his stuff--he could've been a top-10 pick if not for the injury.
• The Yankees signed their 1st-round pick, high school outfielder Slade Heathcott, for $2.2 million. New York also picked up prep catcher J.R. Murphy (supplemental-rounder) and Vanderbilt RHP Caleb Cotham (5th-rounder) for $1.25 million and $675,000, respectively.
• The A's doled out some huge bonuses, cementing their draft class as one of the finest in the game. 1st-rounder Grant Green, a shortstop from USC, got $2.75 million, while top high school catcher Max Stassi received $1.5 million. Ian Krol (7th round), a high school lefty, got $925,000 to sign with Oakland. Stassi had committed to UCLA, while Krol was an Arizona recruit.
  
• Tennessee outfielder Kentrail Davis, a sophomore-eligible Boras client (double whammy), inked a deal with the Brewers. Davis had an up-and-down spring, but still got $1.2 million (well above slot for the 39th overall pick).
• LSU took a blow when touted recruit Brody Colvin signed with Philadelphia (for $900,000). A power righthander, Colvin gives the Phillies' weak draft class a necessary boost. His bonus was the third highest in the 7th round.
• The Mets had a pretty awful draft, but they did sign 2 of their best picks. LHP Steven Matz, New York's first choice and the #72 overall pick, received $895,000 to forgo Coastal Carolina and 14th-round LHP Zach Dotson got $500,000 to pass up Georgia. That was about it, though. A big-market organization in dire need of a talent injection, New York completely and epically failed this year.
• The Rays handed prep 1B Jeff Malm (5th round) $680,000 and prep outfielder Todd Glaesmann (3rd round) $930,000. Tampa Bay was not so fortunate with its first two picks, though, as Washington and Stanford recruit Kenny Diekroeger went unsigned. That's kind of a rough draft for TB, as Malm, Glaesmann, and C Luke Bailey (4th round) are three of their only draftees whom I actually like.
• With Crow still yet to sign, major league clubs have spent over $160 million on the first 10 rounds of the draft this year, about the same as last year (a team-by-team look is available here). The Nationals also set the record for the most money sunk into a single draft class. Looks like MLB's misguided attempts to keep bonuses down are failing miserably.

Now the draft is finalized, we can begin to gauge teams' efforts (although it takes years to give them a proper final assessment). I think the Diamondbacks and Rockies had the top two drafts (taking draft position into consideration--the Nationals obviously collected the most talent), and I think the Mets and Blue Jays acquired next to nothing. Now that we know which college recruits were successfully shepherded through the draft and which ones were snatched up by pro ball, I will have a complete wrap-up of the top recruiting classes coming up.

Dustin Ackley

*Photo courtesy of www.seattlepi.com