APBA Top 30 Pitching Prospects

Peter Brand back and here to provide APBA's top 30 Pitching Prospects.  The pitching depth in the minors is pretty thin but there are a couple of players with potential.

Kenny MVP Anderson Presents...

The Definitive APBA Top 30 Pitching Prospects

1. Carlos Pardon, SP - Mars

            Pardon is the one pitcher in the Minor Leagues who is undoubtedly ready for the Majors.  And while Mars may need Moms, they don’t need pitching.  They have a young rotation with friendly contracts.  Pardon is likely to make the rotation next year as he will likely replace Hoffman (whose contract is up this year) or Marcos Rodriguez (who has been uninspiring as a Rookie).  Another option, as Mars “Eyes” the first pick in the next draft, would be trading one of their young guns in order to beef up their offense.  Scout says, “This kid has steel in his eyes and lightning in his arm.  Forget the numbers, he’ll bean ya as soon as look at cha.”

2. Kyle Falk, SP – Detroit

            The future is bright for the Devils.  In their minor league system, they have 2 of the best prospects in the game in Larry Brooks and Kyle Falk.  Though they probably need Brooks to bust out next year more than Falk due to an anemic offense, there is no doubt Falk is the Ace of the future in the Motor City.  His only issue is the long-ball.  Chicks may dig it, but Detroit had him work on leaning on his control to nibble corners instead of constantly challenging every hitter.  Results were mixed.  If he can overcome his ego, he could be dominant.  Otherwise, it’s definitely back to the drawing-board for the Devils. Scout says, “He’s got everything you could ask for in a 22 year old…control, velocity, confidence…or is it arrogance?  That could lead to bad chemistry in the clubhouse.”

3. Chris Whitworth, SP – Toronto

            Whitworth has amazing poise for a 21 year old.  He doesn’t possess overpowering stuff, but he’s one of the smarter pitchers in the minors.  Ivy League educated, Whitworth had a great 2012 season out-thinking his opponents.  He even threw 1 Eephus pitch in every start.  With Almonte’s contract up, it is very possible Toronto looks to Whitworth to join the rotation in 2013.  Scout says, “Mr. Fancypants.  There’s something wrong with this boy.  Never could understand a word he was sayin’.”

4. Dustin Osterkamp, SP – Orlando

            Osterkamp is a one trick pony, but what a trick it is.  Scout says, “his cut-fastball is the best I’ve seen in years.”  It has gotten him out of so many jams, there are many who are surprised Osterkamp isn’t being groomed as the setup man to Orlando’s young closer, Peralta.  Perhaps Orlando just wants a little insurance on its rotation.  Trouble is, aside from Peralta, their bullpen has killed them this season.  Hernandez has been an ineffective setup man at best serving up too many long-balls in crucial situations.  Another scout also said, “I heard from a guy who was Osterkamp’s neighbor’s cousin’s roomate’s co-worker’s friend who was talking to a guy at a bar who said he might have seen Osterkamp’s parents at the mall once a couple of years ago and they were shopping at the Gap and looking for a XXL shirt.  He thinks it may have been for Dustin.”

5. Alex Bronkey, SP – Utah

            Can the Utes possibly continue winning with the ageless Groovine in their rotation?  Apparently, yes.  But if Groovine ever does decide to head off into the sunset and join Eddie as the pitching coach in Hawaii, Alex Bronkey may just be ready next year to step in to his spot.  Decent control, decent heat.  Scout says, “Bronkey?  Yeah, he looks 29 but is only 19.  Also, man can he bunt!  It’s such a lost art.  Too bad he’s with Utah.  What a waste of talent.” 

6.	Paul, John	NYK	L	SP
7.	Adams, Josh	Bal	R	SP
8.	Bustillos, Tony	Tol	R	SP
9.	Brooks, Tim	Ala	L	SP
10.	Braden, Steve	TOR	R	SP
11.	Harriman, Steven	Mia	R	SP
12.	Presley, Larry	Lou	R	SP
13.	Hobgoblin, Matt	BA	R	RP
14.	Matos, Roman	Por	R	SP
15.	McMahon, Dustin	Mar	L	SP
16.	Villa, Edgar	BA	L	SP
17.	Cromer, Kent	BA	R	SP
18.	Wooley, Mike	CHA	L	SP
19.	Barbettini, Robby	Cha	R	RP
20.	Wilson, Kenneth	Mia	R	SP
21.	Serbalik, Steven	Spr	R	SP
22.	Ledesma, Giomar	pho	L	SP
23.	Mendez, Chris	Det	R	SP
24.	Bailey, John	Stl	L	SP
25.	Bevins, Chris	Hol	R	SP
26.	Tyler, Chris	Det	R	RP
27.	Reyes, Chris	GD	R	SP
28.	Collier, Greg	orl	R	RP
29.	Calhoun, Orville	GD	L	SP
30.	Garcia, Jorge	Lou	L	RP