Top Prospects, Alaska Snow Sox

The minor league season is over and stats can be found here: http://home.comcast.net/~briankaat/min2006.htm

And now its time for a 30 part series, top prospects by team, and then the top prospects from the 2007 draft. Here's the Snow Sox:

1. Wilfredo Martin, SS, age 21.

Martin was Alaska's 1st pick (13th overall) in the 2006 draft. He received a 1.7 million dollar signing bonus. He has good hands, excellent range, and a decent arm. Despite speed that rates only a tick above average, he is considered a future gold glover at short. He hit .280 with 5 homers in 85 minor league games. He's not a walker but has a solid line drive swing that might produce double digit homers at his peak. Martin may replace Ival Vizquel next spring.

2. Steve Taylor, 2B, age 21.

Taylor is an outstanding defensive 2B, has mid range power and good speed. His weakness is that he has trouble making contact. He hit .252-11-61 and stole 24 bases last year.

3. Denny Romero, LHP, age 22.

Romero was acquired from St Louis in the Hank Crowell trade, and immediately becomes the only decent pitching prospect in Alaska. His fastball is average at best, and he mixes in a curve and a change. He was 4-9 with a 3.85 ERA

4. Rich Almanzar, 2B, age 20.

Almanzar is first and foremost a hitting machine. He has a knack for putting the bat on the ball. His speed and defense are average. He's a hacker, unwilling to take a walk. He should develop some power, but his value will be in a .300 or better average. Hit .276 in the minors.

5. JJ Jones, OF, age 19.

Gets the nod over Brady Robinson for his tools, power (14 homeruns) and a strong throwing arm. His strikeouts are too high (187, .179 average), but he's young enough to improve.

6. Brady Robinson, OF, age 22.

Robinson is a better bet to be a major league player than Jones, but doesn't have much of a ceiling. He hit only 3 homeruns, his speed is about average and his arm a little below. He would be best in left field but could handle center. He's a solid enough hitter (.261), will take a few walks, and has good doubles power. Robinson may compete for a Snow Sox job next season.