Los Angeles Angels Top 5 Prospects
The Angels have historically been near the top of organization rankings, but they’ve been on a bit of a downswing lately. Some top prospects have been disappointing (Wood, Adenhart), and they’ve gone two years without having a first round pick. Those kinds of things add up, and the Angels might even rank in the bottom half of all farm systems. (Before you ask, Brandon Wood is no longer eligible).
1. 2B Sean Rodriguez
Who?: Rodriguez was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2003 draft, and since then he’s been on pretty much every Angels top prospect list. As a middle-infielder who showed some real plus-hitting ability, along with the occasional .900 or 1.000 OPS, his rankings were well-deserved. However, he had occasionally been plagued by strikeout concerns, and that seemed to come to a head last year. Rodriguez struck out 132 times in 587 AA PA, and his walk and power numbers were down as well. His prospect status took a serious hit. However, the Angels kept their faith in him, and he started 2008 in AAA. Rodriguez has taken that opportunity and proves he belongs near the top of any prospect ranking. Rodriguez has hit .310/.403/.668 - yes, .668 - with 44 K, 27 BB and 40 XBH (21 HR) in 270 PA.
Projection: Rodriguez is a 2B with a serious, serious bat, so his value is readily apparent. Unfortunately, he’s blocked by Howie Kendrick, and the Angels hate to trade prospects. After the year, if the Angels don’t re-sign Teixeira, Rodriguez or Kendrick may move to 1B, but the job could also go to Kendry Morales. Rodriguez could move back to SS, but his glove really doesn’t belong there, Aybar is doing a fine job, and the Angels have a weird Maicer Izturis fetish.. I sure hope that this talent doesn’t go to waste.
2. C Hank Conger
Who?: Conger missed over two months with a shoulder injury, but since returning he hasn’t skipped a beat. Conger is an all-bat catcher, but if he can improve defensively enough just to remain at the position, the bat will definitely carry him. Conger is a switch-hitter whose best tool is his power, and although his strikeout rate is worrisome this year, he has definitely shown the ability to hit for contact in the past. He won’t walk very much, but at the catcher position you can’t be too picky. (Unless you’re the Rangers).
Projection: An above-average offense-oriented catcher. He’s at least two years away, though.
3. RHSP Jordan Walden
Who?: Walden was a 12th-round draft-and-follow in 2006, and he began paying dividends last year. Pitching primarily off of a mid-90s fastball, the 19-year-old lit it up in rookie league. This year, his secondary stuff has started to catch up a little. Showing excellent command, Walden impressed in Low-A ball and was recently promoted to High-A. He’s been hit around so far, but as a 20-year-old in the California League with a strong history, there’s practically no level of struggling that could damage his prospect status right now.
Projection: Walden projects to be in the rotation roughly Opening Day 2010, and he could develop into a mid-rotation starter.
4. RHSP Nick Adenhart
Who?: Adenhart was regarded as a top-notch prospect, as he threw three pitches (Fastball, curve, change) that projected as plus. Unfortunately, two disappointing years in a row have dimmed his star somewhat. Last year, Adenhart was among the ranks of power pitchers who didn’t strike out very many batters, striking out only 17.3%. This year, the strikeouts haven’t gone up, but the walks, homers and hits HAVE. Adenhart being ranked even this high is only based off of potential, as right now he’s just not a very good pitcher at all.
Projection: He’s only 21, so he’ll certainly have plenty of opportunity to improve. He’ll go where his command takes him, and it’s even possible that he’ll return to #2 starter form. However, I think it’s far more likely that if he succeeds, it’ll be as a #3-4.
5. LHSP Alexander Torres
Who?: When an international signing makes his debut and has no success in rookie-ball, it’s easy to ignore. When, 3 years after his signing, he finally shows moderate success in rookie ball, it’s easy to ignore. When that same prospect then skips two levels and immediately goes to the California League, your ears might perk up a little. When that 20-year-old strikes out 31 with only 10 walks and a 2:1 GB ratio in his first 28.1 California League innings, you’d better take notice. Do so.
Projection: Torres is a huge wild card, and if his High-A performance continues, he’d be one of the biggest breakout stories of the year. He could turn into anything right now.
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