Seth Stohs has posted a list of the top 20 rookie hitters and pitchers that he expects to make an impact in 2006.
Arms
On the pitcher list, he has Joel Zumaya ranked at number 20, and Justin Verlander ranked at number 10. While those may seem a little low, I think the presence of both pitchers slightly depresses their individual rankings. Either could easily be one of the top handful, but with only one rotation spot it isn’t clear who will have the biggest opportunity for impact.
One that got away
Now unfortunately the Tigers don’t have anyone on the Top 20 hitters list. Even more unfortunate is that there is a former Tiger on the list. Anderson Hernandez, who the Tigers sent to the Mets in exchange for Vance Wilson, checks in at 17. Hernandez didn’t distinguish himself with the bat in 2004 for Erie. However, last year he tore up the Eastern League with Binghamton with a 326/360/426 line before being promoted to AAA. At AAA his power numbers dropped, but he still maintained a .354 OBA. With his offensive surge, and solid glove work he made the Mets top 10 prospect list from Baseball America. He’ll also have a chance to compete for the second base job this year.
For Vance Wilson……..
The Tigers cannot afford to do this kind of thing. You can say “we already have Polanco,” but organizational depth is what allows deals to be made. Hernandez could be a better player than Infante, although the jury is still out. Aaargh.
It’s frustrating, Tim, but it’s also hindsight. It may be that the Mets knew something that we didn’t or maybe they just got lucky. Ya just have to find solace in remembering that DD has made it a priority to upgrade the scouting in the organization.
I don’t think many people considered Hernandez a good prospect at this time last year. I don’t remember a lot of people being upset or surprised when they traded him. If he continues to develop, you have to give the Mets credit here.
I’m not saying I projected Hernandez as a good player. I didn’t. But you can’t give up value for 30+ year old back up catchers. Get one off the waiver wire. Hernendez had value even as a defense only shortstop. I believe I said so at the time.
I hear what you’re saying, Tim. I think the expectation was that Wilson would be above average for a backup, which is important if the goal is to rest Pudge and keep him fresh for the stretch run. With that perspective, you can see why they thought it would be fair to give up a minor league infielder whose ceiling was probably only a step above replacement.
It obviously turned out to be a really bad deal, and it may have even been a bad deal at the time, but if you look at all of the bad deals over the last decade, this one doesn’t even merit the 5 comments that it has already drawn.
For the record: http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2005/01/tigers-acquire-wilsonphp/