This is the top 30 prospects that Michael Mawhinney has compiled for Bloggin Buccos along with my edits. The Pirates have added a good deal of top notch players that could be stars in the majors one day, which should give them a top 10 minor league system overall, possibly even entering the top 5. The top and middle of the list was relatively easy to make, but as I got into the 20’s, I realized that there were around 30 players that could make a case for the remaining spots. I mainly looked at the upside and talent of the players, even if they didn’t have good numbers (example: Mel Rojas Jr.), but there were just some players that you could not ignore because of performance (example: Ramon Cabrera). I also looked at how much they have proven themselves as prospects. Players were ranked based on their OFP (Overall Future Potential) on the 20-80 scouting scale, with 50 being an average big leaguer. This is our first top prospects list, so hopefully we can get a good start (unlike the Pirates’ pitching staff in August). Special thanks to Pirates Prospects and Baseball-Reference for supplying Michael with stats and insight.
Just for Clarification: AAA--Indianapolis, AA--Altoona, High-A--Bradenton, Low-A--West Virgina, Short Season--State College, Gulf Coast League (Rookie League)
30.) Ramon Cabrera--C--21: Cabrera is a border-line prospect, but I felt like he needed to be added to this list. He had an amazing year with Bradenton this season, hitting for a .343/.410/.471 line. He also struck out at a very low rate, and actually walked more than he was fanned. But, at only 5’7”, he will face some difficulty down the road. He is decent defensively behind the plate, but his arm is below average, as he only threw out 13% of base stealers, a number that needs improvement if he wants to be taken seriously as a catching prospect. The argument could be made, however, that this is not a concern because Pirates minor league pitchers are very poor at holding runners on because they are taught to focus solely on pitching. The Pirates may have a problem next year in Altoona, because Cabrera, teammate Carlos Paulino (.299/.351/.439), and Tony Sanchez all may be at that level. I imagine Paulino will stay in Bradenton, and Cabrera and Sanchez will split time, with Cabrera also playing a good amount of games as the DH. If Cabrera can have anywhere near a similar season as he had this year in AA, he can possibly be a top 15 prospect in the organization.
Just for Clarification: AAA--Indianapolis, AA--Altoona, High-A--Bradenton, Low-A--West Virgina, Short Season--State College, Gulf Coast League (Rookie League)
30.) Ramon Cabrera--C--21: Cabrera is a border-line prospect, but I felt like he needed to be added to this list. He had an amazing year with Bradenton this season, hitting for a .343/.410/.471 line. He also struck out at a very low rate, and actually walked more than he was fanned. But, at only 5’7”, he will face some difficulty down the road. He is decent defensively behind the plate, but his arm is below average, as he only threw out 13% of base stealers, a number that needs improvement if he wants to be taken seriously as a catching prospect. The argument could be made, however, that this is not a concern because Pirates minor league pitchers are very poor at holding runners on because they are taught to focus solely on pitching. The Pirates may have a problem next year in Altoona, because Cabrera, teammate Carlos Paulino (.299/.351/.439), and Tony Sanchez all may be at that level. I imagine Paulino will stay in Bradenton, and Cabrera and Sanchez will split time, with Cabrera also playing a good amount of games as the DH. If Cabrera can have anywhere near a similar season as he had this year in AA, he can possibly be a top 15 prospect in the organization.
OFP: 44 (Backup Catcher)
29.) Quincy Latimore--LF--22: Latimore makes this list because he possesses something that most players in the Pirates’ system don’t: power. That is pretty much all you can say about Latimore, as he has failed to impress with his average, speed, and fielding. He strikes out a little too much, in about 27% of his plate appearances, but that is expected with a power hitter. But I would’ve like to see more than 15 HR’s from him this year in AA, if power is still the only tool he is showing. If everything goes well for him, he can be a 20-30 HR guy in the majors, but expect a .220-.230 average. I expect him to start the 2012 season in Altoona again.
OFP: 42 (Bench/Below Average Regular)
28.) Brooks Pounders--RHP--20: Pounders was the 2nd round pick in 2009, part of a draft class filled with high school pitching prospects. He is not as flashy as more recent second round picks like Stetson Allie and Josh Bell, but is still a decent prospect. Pounders is built big at 6’4” and 270 lbs, but he is not a flamethrower. His fastball was hitting 90-92 out of the West Virginia bullpen this year, where he spent almost the entire year, only starting once. His strikeout rate this year was very good, at 9.8 per 9 innings, and he has above average control of his pitches. If I were the Pirates, I would keep him at West Virginia next year and give him an opportunity to be in the starting rotation.
OFP: 49 (Back of Rotation Starter/Middle Reliever)29.) Quincy Latimore--LF--22: Latimore makes this list because he possesses something that most players in the Pirates’ system don’t: power. That is pretty much all you can say about Latimore, as he has failed to impress with his average, speed, and fielding. He strikes out a little too much, in about 27% of his plate appearances, but that is expected with a power hitter. But I would’ve like to see more than 15 HR’s from him this year in AA, if power is still the only tool he is showing. If everything goes well for him, he can be a 20-30 HR guy in the majors, but expect a .220-.230 average. I expect him to start the 2012 season in Altoona again.
OFP: 42 (Bench/Below Average Regular)
28.) Brooks Pounders--RHP--20: Pounders was the 2nd round pick in 2009, part of a draft class filled with high school pitching prospects. He is not as flashy as more recent second round picks like Stetson Allie and Josh Bell, but is still a decent prospect. Pounders is built big at 6’4” and 270 lbs, but he is not a flamethrower. His fastball was hitting 90-92 out of the West Virginia bullpen this year, where he spent almost the entire year, only starting once. His strikeout rate this year was very good, at 9.8 per 9 innings, and he has above average control of his pitches. If I were the Pirates, I would keep him at West Virginia next year and give him an opportunity to be in the starting rotation.
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