American League Prospects & Suspects

If a position player did not compete at AA in 2001 at the minimum, he has almost no chance of helping your fantasy team for next year. We'll discuss long-term prospects in the spring, but we're going to focus on the performance of players who could help a major league club next year.

While this article will briefly review minor league free agent catchers (as designated by Baseball America), I will only discuss "prospects" if they display either power or plate discipline. Unless they can show either skill at the AA level or higher, I cannot foresee them helping your fantasy team in the near future. I have no idea whether these guys can catch at the major league level, so my focus will remain on whether they have enough batting talent to be able to hit as a catcher in the majors.

I'd planned on covering all the minor league free agent catchers and prospects in this article, but I've already more than doubled my expected article length after just finishing the American League. So the NL will have to wait until tomorrow when I'm able to cover them in more depth. I apologize to those of you who were hoping for NL prospect reviews today.

American League East

Baltimore Orioles
Minor league free agents:
Mike Lopez-Cao, 25, B:L, T:R. No major league upside as teams generally avoid 5'6" catchers.
Sean Mulligan, 31, B:R, T:R. One at-bat with San Diego in 1996. Has only displayed power in great ballparks or against weak competition. Emergency roster filler only.

Prospects:
None.

Boston Red Sox
Minor league free agents:
Angelo Encarnacion, 28, B:R, T:R. Three cups-of-coffee, including 159 AB with the '95 Pirates. Has never hit more than 4 HR in any minor league season, and his only doubles power occurred in very hitter-friendly parks. Not much plate discipline. Emergency roster filler only.
Kelly Ramos, 24, B:S, T:R. Had shown some doubles' power in A-ball and even a little at AA. Poor strike zone judgement. He could have some success, but not for another half dozen years at least.
George Williams, 32, B:S, T:R. Major league appearances with Oakland and San Diego, he had consistently displayed solid plate discipline. Can't drive the ball near sea level. Teams can do worse for 3rd-string backups, but I'd be surprised to see George as anything more than a September addition on bad teams.

Prospects:
Steve Lomasney, 23, B:R, T:R. Has shown solid power potential and hinted at some command of the strike zone. He's still fairly young for a catcher and will need a year or two at AAA. Boston didn't use him when they were Desperately Seeking Catchers this summer, so they might actually think enough of him that they didn't want to mess with his development. Either that, or Lomasney pissed off Duquette at some point.

New York Yankees
Minor league free agents:
Scott Emmons, 27, B:R, T:R. No plate discipline, no power, and only 15 at-bats in the last two years. I don't see much potential here.
Pascual Matos, 26, B:R, T:R. 1999 cup-o-coffee with Atlanta. Abhorrent plate discipline (14 BB:122 K at A+ Durham in 1997). Some doubles' power that doesn't appear to transfer to higher levels. Roster filler only, but if he's still bouncing around in five years, see if his stats look any better.
Julio Mosquera, 29, B:R, T:R. Not much plate discipline, but showed surprising power at AA Norwich. Nineteen 2B and 9 HR left him with a .427 SLG. Probably can't help your team, but he has a little upside in a good ballpark.
Chris Snusz, 28, B:R, T:R. Never walked more than 7 times in a season until this year, when he managed 9 at Norwich. Put up some solid numbers including a .336 BA, .384 OBP, and .448 SLG. If he can do this again next year, he might earn a year or two in the majors. This might have been his peak, but it indicate an upside.

Prospects:
Bobby Estalella, previously reviewed, caught 36 games at AAA.
Michael Hernandez, 22, B:R, T:R. He's had BB:K ratios over 1 at high A but didn't continue his success at AA. Still extremely young, he needs to show solid improvement when he repeats AA next year.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Minor league free agents:
Yohanny Valera, 24, B:R, T:R. Valera has some AA doubles' power but bad strike zone judgement. He needs a hitting coach that will teach him to be more selective. He's young enough to help you at some point, but that point appears a couple years away.

Prospects:
Toby Hall and Paul Hoover were both discussed with major league catchers.
Matt Quatraro, 27, B:R, T:R. While too old to be considered a prospect, hit .325 with .375 OBP and .494 SLG in AA Orlando this year. He played in a hitter's league, but he did lead a prospect-laden team (Josh Hamilton, Carl Crawford, Jorge Cantu, and Jared Sandberg) in OPS. His numbers were out-of-character with previous years, so he'll have to maintain numbers close to these at AAA to have a shot at more than a token appearance in the bigs.

Toronto Bluejays
Minor league free agents:
Izzy Molina, 30, B:R, T:R. He's developed solid AAA power over the last few years, culminating in this year's 20 2B, 16 HR, .305 BA, .353 OBP, and .578 SLG performance at Syracuse. He could certainly help a team looking for some power out of the catching slot. He'll never draw many walks with his plate discipline, but he's a very usable minor league free agent, the kind teams sign to help their AAA team make the playoffs.

Prospects:
Toronto has three catching prospects, including Josh Phelps, previously discussed.
Joe Lawrence, 24, B:R, T:R. Lawrence was their top prospect until this season where he imploded in AAA, unable to either see or drive the ball. He's displayed consistent BB:K above 1 over the last three years, along with significant 2B power, and even double-digit home runs and steals. He stole a total of 28 bases last year. Lawrence still has the skills to succeed, but need to bounce back strong this year to have any chance of staying ahead of Phelps and Werth.
Jayson Werth, 22, B:R, T:R. Acquired from the Orioles last December for LHP John Bale in one of the best trades of the off-season. Werth re-established himself as a prospect as his average rebounded while significantly improving his power numbers. His batting eye suffered a little, but a .387 OBP and .499 SLG in AA are very impressive for a catcher considered to have solid defensive skills. Perhaps the top all-around catching prospect in the AL with a chance to see the majors next year. Pick up Werth if your minor league system has some depth.

American League Central

Chicago White Sox
Minor league free agents:
Mark Dalesandro, previously discussed in yesterday's article.

Prospects:
Miguel Olivo 22, B:R, T:R. Picked up from the A's for Chad Bradford, Olivo displayed solid power and acceptable plate discipline while playing his usual excellent defense. His superb AFL campaign only added to his growing stock. Olivo is on-target to compete for a job in Chicago as early as this September, and certainly has displayed the skills that can help your fantasy team.

Cleveland Indians
Minor league free agents:
Alex Andreopoulos, 28, B:L, T:R. Excellent plate discipline but has only shown power in extremely good hitter's parks. Has the potential to help a team, but also has never displayed consistent skills. If he's in the majors next year, only grab him if you need at-bats that won't hurt you.
Chris Coste, 28, B:R, T:R. Played in the Northern League until the Indians signed him before the 2000 season. He has some power but not much strike zone judgement, and probably is a good organization player at best.

Prospects:
Josh Bard 23, B:S, T:R. Traded from the Rockies with Jody Gerut for Jacob Cruz. Bard displayed solid plate discipline and a little power for both AA Carolina and Akron. If he can handle the jump to AAA, he could eventually replace Einar Diaz in a couple years. Not for 2002, but he certainly has some future potential.

Detroit Tigers
Minor league free agents:
Carlos Mendez, 27, B:R, T:R. Split time between catcher and 1B at AAA. Forty-six extra base hits this year with only a .268 OBP. Could help teams desperate for power, and has a little upside if a hitting coach can ever help him avoid swinging at bad pitches.
Juan Santos, 23, B:S, T:R. Never made it above A+, no plate discipline, and no power. Can't see much of a future for him playing baseball.

Prospects:
The Tigers appear loaded with current and former catching prospects including Rob Fick, Javier Cardona, Brandon Inge, and Mike Rivera, all previously discussed.
Dave Lindstrom, 26, B:R, T:R. Has shown some 2B power in AAA with decent plate discipline, but doesn't appear to be able to drive the ball out of the park. Probably just AAA filler.

Kansas City
Minor league free agents:
Hector Ortiz, previously discussed.

Prospects:
Cesar King, 21, B:R, T:R. Former top Ranger catching prospect and IRod heir, King is way too young to write off. His defense is outstanding but he needs to learn the strike zone, and this certainly isn't the franchise to help him with that. Developing power, King has significant upside. He could flourish in a good organization. We just saw that he signed with the Reds, so he might develop a little this year.
Mike Tonis, 22, B:R, T:R. Second round pick in 2000 will be the Royals starter no later than sometime in 2003. Brent Mayne is only keeping Tonis' space warm, as Tonis showed some power and passable strike zone command in AA this year. He probably should repeat AA, moving up after he's had a chance to dominate, but knowing the Royals, don't be surprised to see him start the year in AAA. A minor league pick for next year, but definitely someone to keep an eye on.

Minnesota Twins
Minor league free agents:
Danny Ardoin, 26, B:R, T:R. A little power and a little plate discipline, don't expect Danny to help your roto roster any time soon.

Prospects:
Matt LeCroy will only qualify at 1B next year, and will be discussed with AL first baseman.
Javier Valentin, 25, B:S, T:R. Valentin had a great year offensively with 48 extra-base hits and an .828 OPS. Edmonton is somewhat of a hitter's park, but Valentin definitely has above-average offense for a catcher. He was on the Twins for all of '98 and '99 before Tom Kelly soured on him. If he's in the majors next year, a $1 might earn $5 of stats, but his plate discipline isn't good enough to guard against a loss either.
Brandon Marsters, 26, B:R, T:R. Solid 2B power but not enough plate discipline to contribute in the majors.
Jeff Smith, 27, B:L, T:R. The former host of the Frugal Gourmet appears to be doing well for himself. He's shown some power in the past, but like his AA battery mate Marsters, doesn't command the strike zone well enough to rise above an occasional AAA player.

American League West

Anaheim Angels
Minor league free agents:
Ryan Zeber, 23, B:R, T:R. No noticeable offensive talents, Zeber will only play above A-ball if a team needs a warm body to catch for a couple days.

Prospects:
Jason Hill, 24, B:R, T:R. Hill has problems controlling the strike zone but posted the best numbers of his career this year. May plateau as a AAA catcher but could see one or two major league at-bats.

Oakland Athletics
Minor league free agents:
Jose de la Cruz, 23, B:R, T:R. Passable plate discipline in A-ball, but never drove the ball like Oakland had hoped. If Oakland can't help you hit, you probably won't hit. De la Cruz will be lucky to even play in AA for a while.
Rafael Pujols, 23, B:R, T:R. Superb batting eye, some 2B power, and even double digit steals last year. Pujols probably is only an organization player, but he has a lot of skill that a team like the Athletics appreciates. Long-term potential at best.
Mandy Romero, 33, B:S, T:R. Romero's had excellent plate discipline for his entire fourteen year career, but aside from a brief peak at AA in the mid 90's, had never shown any power. He's had three brief cups-of-coffee, but might not make it back again. If he lucks into a consistent backup role, he won't hurt you at a buck.

Prospects:
Cody McKay, 27, B:L, T:R. Too old to still be a prospect, McKay has excellent strike zone judgement and has shown decent 2B power in the past. He had an okay year at AAA, but doesn't appear to have the bat to succeed any higher.
Brian Luderer, 22, B:R, T:R. Luderer has a very solid batting eye but couldn't show more than just 2B power even in a great hitter's park like AA Midland. He has solid potential if he learns to hit the ball with more authority although he's at least two years away from reaching the majors.

Seattle Mariners
Minor league free agents:
Juan Alcala, 23, B:R, T:R. Bad strike zone judgement and no power means no upside.
Blake Barthol, 28, B:R, T:R. Acceptable strike zone judgement and serious 2B power probably means he'll see the majors within the next few years. He probably won't be there for long, and I doubt he'll be able to help your team.
John Castellano, 23, B:R, T:R. No record of him playing in 2000, but he crushed the ball at low A Wisconsin this year to the tune of 34 2B, 14 HR, 81 RBI, .334 BA, .370 OBP, and .536 SLG. His 19 BB : 35 K ratio is only passable, but his power numbers are outstanding in a pitcher's league. He's young enough where he can still enjoy a nice career, but he'll have to maintain some of these numbers as he advances.
Brad King, 26, B:L, T:R. Developed his 2B power into HR this year, posting an acceptable .489 SLG. However, his 33:33 BB:K ratio in 262 AB in very impressive, giving him a .397 OBP. His problems include his advanced age for the Southern League, and that this was his 3rd straight season in the league. Carrying the OBP into AAA next year would bode well for his chances of making the majors.

Prospects:
Ryan Christianson was only at High-A San Bernardino this year, but has the tools to become something special in two years or so. If his plate discipline matures along with his prodigious power and solid defense, the Mariners could be set at catcher for a long time.

Texas Rangers
Minor league free agents:
Mike Hubbard, previously discussed.
Marcus Jensen, previously discussed.
Dave Steed, 28, B:R, T:R. He excelled last season with Aberdeen of the Atlantic League with over 60 base hits and an 18% walk rate. Unfortunately, his numbers from this year were in line with his previous minor league experience: little power and lacking plate discipline. Steed won't be able to help your team.
Luis Taveras, 23, B:R, T:R. While Luis impressed with the Rangers' Dominican Summer League Team in 1996, he's accomplished very little since. Taveras lacks in both power and plate discipline, his numbers dropped precipitously in his return to AA Tulsa this year. I'd be surprised if Texas brought him back.

Prospects:
Jeremy Jones, 23, B:R, T:R. His plate discipline had improved for a couple years until AA Tulsa in 2001. He was also unable to improve on passable power numbers, indicating that he'll need to repeat strongly to have a future with the Rangers.

Only a couple of these minor league free agents have potential futures as major league regulars, but there is unquestionably enough "free" talent available to stock at least a few teams with decent catchers. If some of the guys with questionable hitting also possess exceptional defense, even more could potentially play in the majors. This does not seem to be a particularly exceptional class of minor league free agent catchers, but I think there could be one or two undiscovered gems here.

The 2002 American League rookie catching class should include Josh Phelps and Mike Rivera, while Miguel Olivo, Jayson Werth, Mike Tonis, and Joe Lawrence all could make an impact at some point this season. Toby Hall is likely the best new hitting catcher that the AL will see for another year or two unless Phelps and Rivera can progress faster than most people expect. Minnesota also has two non-rookies who could help a lot of teams in LeCroy and Valentin.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Put Phelps, Rivera, Olivo, Werth, Tonis, and Lawrence (in that order) on your minor league draft list. Watch Toronto's off-season moves carefully, as they could trade one of their guys, but they could also use Phelps as DH with the expectation that Werth would be able to start in 2003 with Lawrence backing him up.