John Sickels Brewer Prospect Discussions

[Mass Haas]

First John Sickels of minorleagueball.com asked for reader input on the Brewers.

 

Next a preliminary list of prospects he'll be looking at was posted, along with more reader comments and responses from John.

 

When he posts his final list with player grades, we'll link to it here.

[battlekow]

It's his preliminary list, not the final one, but here's his top 21:

 

01. Lawrie

02. Escobar

03. Arnett

04. Lucroy

05. Gamel

06. Ke. Davis

07. Odorizzi

08. Peralta

09. Scarpetta

10. Heckathorn

11. Braddock

12. Butler

13. Cain

14. Salome

15. Rivas

16. Farris

17. Gindl

18. Anundsen

19. Rogers

20. Schafer

21. Gennett

[804Sox]

My initial reactions:

 

1) Interesting that he puts Lawrie over Escobar given Escobar's proximity (ready now) and floor (very good defensive SS with light bat and great speed)

2) don't think I've seen Gamel as low as 5 on any list this offseason - does Sickels question his bat or glove? Both?

3) Braddock is pretty low at 11. I guess this is an indictment of his inability to start, but his stuff is very good. Maybe Sickels is just really high on Odorizzi, Peralta, Scarpetta, et al.

4) Kentrail davis is pretty high at #6. Excited to learn more about him next season.

[ILuvDaBush]

My biggest question is how you put Heckathorn above Braddock.

 

Also, he seems very bear-ish on Salome while quite bull-ish on Lucroy. And Arnett at #3 while the next pitcher doesn't fall until #7, Odorizzi. I don't think our recent draftee has put himself so far ahead of the rest of the pack.

 

And while I definitely like that he gave Scooter a token acknowledgement at #21, I wish he would have put Brooks Hall there instead, especially considering it seems like he values big-bodied pitchers with big fastballs.

 

I still think it's a phenomenal piece, much better than most prospect evaluators. His book is an annual Bible for amateur prospectors everywhere.

[CheezWizHed]

I'm not surprised on Arnett over Odorizzi. Its only a difference of B to B-... Plus they had similar numbers at the same level last year, while Arnett was basically throwing FBs only. Arnett will probably also be pushed faster due to his college experience.

 

I'm surprised at his comments about Schafer. I guess he will have to prove himself at AA before he gets any credibility.

[sheetskout]

4) Kentrail davis is pretty high at #6. Excited to learn more about him next season.

I have seen Davis anywhere from #4 to #16 on lists. I for one think this guy has about as much upside as anyone in the system. This could be our #2 prospect behind Lawrie this time next season.