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September 9, 2008

Future Shock

AL Great Leaps Forward

by Kevin Goldstein

Baltimore Orioles

A first-round pick in 2005, Brandon Snyder missed much of 2006 recovering from shoulder surgery, and then was moved from behind the plate to first base. His bat really needed to come around, and it did just that with a monster second half of the season, leading to an overall line of .315/.358/.490 at High-A Frederick. While this is a step in the right direction, he needs to develop more power for the position, and though it feels like he's been around forever, he is still only 21.

Runner-Up: Righty Brad Bergesen was among the minor league leaders with 16 wins, and the Orioles hope that while he doesn't miss many bats, his ability to throw strikes and generate ground balls will be enough form him to develop into a back-end rotation starter.

Boston Red Sox

After suffering through a case of Steve Blass disease in 2007 and walking more than a batter per inning, 2006 first-round pick Daniel Bard was moved to the bullpen and became one of the most dominant relievers in the minors, finishing the year with a 1.51 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 77 2/3 innings. More importantly, he walked only 30. With upper-90s velocity and a rapidly improving breaking ball, he suddenly has closer potential.