Trades before Deadline

The Los Angeles Shockers have acquired OF D.J. Werden from the Detroit Devils in exchange for LA's #2 draft pick in the 2013 draft. Werden is expected to start in the OF in place of Dirk Lindros and Gabe Kotter. LA hopes to upgrade their offense with Werden and hold on to first place. The Bay Area Bandits have traded former uber-prospect Daryl Brown and a player to be named later (potentially a low draft pick or minor leaguer) for Texas OF Brad LaRatta. This trade could be a good change of scenery for these two struggling players. Bay Area Manager Eric Cartman has been looking to get rid of Brown, since he is rumored to have a poor attitude, and does not respect the "authority" of the manager. Denver is also looking to acquire a new closer before the trade deadline. Pickings are slim as Denver does not have the ability to take on a contract as part of any trade.

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

APBA Top 50 Hitting Prospects

In an agreement forged at a recent poker game with the benevolent King Lewis II, Acting Commissioner for Life, Kenny recently won, er, purchased the rights as the official sponsor of the APBA Minor League system.  As a part of this agreement, Kenny expands his budding media empire to include a picture of Kenny on the Centerfield wall of every minor league stadium, the immediate retirement of Kenny's number across all minor league teams, a special hot dog (with mustard) to be added and sold at every minor league game called the "Kenny MVP Anderson Gold Glove Special" that includes a souvenir cup with Kenny's image for the low price of $14.95 (5 cents of every purchase will go to the Kenny MVP Anderson Foundation supporting "grammatical research and amelioration" and $1 of every purchase will go to the Alaskan Wildlife and Inuit Foundation), and finally, the sole rights as the official word on all minor league prospects and ranking of such.  In related news, Kenny would like to announce the hiring of his first employee, Peter Brand, who Kenny won, er, hired at the same poker game from Brad Pitt.  Brand will immediately assume the duties of managing and reporting on the new "Kenny Anderson Presents APBA's Minor League Prospect Rankings".  So, without further ado, Kenny would like to introduce Kenny's main man, Peter Brand, with this year's prospect rankings.  Kenny hopes you like them as much as Kenny does...

As the 2012 season heads to the finish line, it is time to look at the Top Prospects in APBA.  Wondering who will be making an impact in 2013?  Look no further than here.  Note, I have only provided the rankings.  Kenny insists I consult with actual scouts to provide the assessment of the top players.  If it were up to me I would just send everyone a spreadsheet and be done as I loathe scouts and think they are dumb.  But whatever.  Here are the rankings of the Top 50 Hitting Prospects:

1. Bryce Parkman, OF – St. Louis

            Was there any question?  At 19, Parkman already possesses the skills to excel at the Major League level.  In fact, had he played at the big league level this year he undoubtedly would have been better than Hamilton and maybe as good as Davenport or Bruce.  The difference is St. Louis wants him ready to dominate which he’s still a year or two away from.  Talking to Robins’ management they expect Parkman to be on the level with the Cobra’s big three.  Realistically, while he has the potential to attain the level of a Chad White or a Keith Lee he’s more likely to be on par with Gerald White Jr or maybe an Alex Maldonado in a few years.  Oh and an unnamed scout says, "Parkman, he's mostly a bunch of hype, but damn he has good hair.  So, you never know."

2. Larry Brooks, 1B – Detroit

            Another 19 year old phenom, a scout said, "Brooks may not be as flashy as the free swinging Parkman, but he’s all business at the plate."  The Detroit future star has more gap power than Parkman (of all balls hit to the gap by both players, Brooks traveled an average of 3.7 feet farther) and strikesout about 1/3 less than Parkman.  Brooks is another one who could have held his own at the big league level this year, but the Devils wanted him to learn to take a few more walks first (very wise).  They are also privately hoping those doubles eventually translate into more homers once he bulks up a bit.  The good news for Detroit is they still have big Marcel patrolling the bag at first next year and have the luxury of waiting.  Brooks’ upside is probably Derek Tufnel but he should at least be a good replacement for the aging Marcel.

3. Aaron Moore, 1B – Boston

            Perhaps the best hitter in the minors, his age (22) is probably the only thing preventing him from being atop this list.  Moore has just as much long ball and gap power you could want, he’s even a hair more disciplined at the plate than either Moore or Brooks.  With Solar’s contract up at the end of the season, there is every reason to believe Moore will be standing at first base for the last place Beaneaters in 2013. Oh and the scout says, "Moore, I hear he likes soup.  There's something to be said for soup and you can trust people who like it."

4. Bubba Donaldson, OF – Hollywood

            Another 19 year old future star, Donaldson is a long way from helping the B’s out of the West basement.  He does a little bit of everything though none of them particularly well.  That being said, why is he the 4^th best prospect in APBA?  Because there’s so much to like.  Need some power? He won’t win a long ball contest, but he can certainly hold his own.  Need some speed?  He’s no Kenny Anderson, but he’s plenty fast.  Want plate discipline?  For a 19 year old he’s got some.  Need an arm?  While not the best arm in the minors, there aren’t too many baserunners foolish enough to test him.  Ok, so he could stand to make a little more contact, but did I mention he’s 19?!  There is no doubt Bubba is a project.  But he’s got just as much potential as anyone on this list except maybe Parkman.  The scout says, "I am sure the B’s fans can’t wait for all of the great possibilities for “Bubba”.  I can see the signs now – “Hollywood Bubbas”."

5. Gromit Peveto, OF – Florida

            The dog on a mission.  He plays like a young Kirby Puckett and should be a mainstay in the Penguins’ outfield for years to come.  He’s got power and speed and really worked on making more contact this season in the minors.  The Penguins lineup could look really good over the next couple of years with Conn, Crom, Gerald Jr, The Dwarf, and The Dog going back to back to back to back to back.  Scout says, "He's got a lot of hair.  Players with a lot of hair have always fared well at the big league level."

6. Jordan Sadler, OF – St. Louis

            It is easy to get caught up in the hype of Parkman and forget all about Sadler.  But the 21 year old is ready to join The Bruce and Bryce in the Robins outfield next season.  Of course, the Robins have the aging Davenport already in place so it wouldn’t surprise us if St. Louis traded Sadler for some much needed pitching help. Scout says, "Jordan.  What kind of first name is Jordan?"

7. Squirrel Nutkin Jr, SS – Green Day

            A non-jawa, Nutkin is fielding wiz with a cannon for an arm.  Offensively he may not be quite ready for the big show but he can’t be any worse than their current shortstops.  That being said, they also have young SS Erik Smith but he’s a step behind Squirrel defensively and a virtual clone offensively and with Eddie Walker entrenched at 2B, it is unlikely to see Smith move where he may be more comfortable.  That being said, it won’t surprise us if Smith begins 2013 as the starting SS and the 20 year old Nutkin gets another year to bake in the minors while Green Day hopes to build a market for Smith and trade him.  It’s not like they are going to compete next year anyway.  Scout says, "Green Day needs a proven veteran not a squirrel."

8. Thomas Romero, 1B – Toledo

            Toledo’s future DH.  Romero has all the offensive potential of anyone on this list (except for Parkman), but has stone hands and a suspect arm that will likely keep him from wearing anything but a batting glove.  But what potential.  Rumor has it he has been lobbying to completely cease playing the field to focus strictly on his hitting. Could this lead to a big boost in offensive numbers?  Time will tell.  Scout says, "Romero sleeps with his bat."

9. Mike Sandel, 3B – Cleveland

            Though not a certainty, in a couple of years Sandel could be as good as Bobby Barrios.  Trouble is, Cleveland already has someone as good as Bobby Barrios…Barrios himself.  So, Sandel is stuck.  He is stuck behind one of the greatest thirdbasemen in the game.  They could possibly move Sandel to 1^st or trade him.  Either way, he’s likely going to be ready for prime-time in 2013. Scout says, "Little known fact, Sandel's father worked in a coalmine, so you know what that means." 

10. Francisco Ortega, SS – Springfield

            The best 18 year old prospect in APBA.  Ortega is still very raw defensively and offensively.  However, he looks just like Tejawa did when he was 18…or was that 20?  Either way, he is likely a part of the next generation of great shortstops even if it will be a few years for him to arrive.  Scout says, "Why are you ranking an 18 year old this high?  He shouldn't even be on the list yet."

11.	Marks, Jason	Tex
12.	Santor, Gregory	Orl
13.	Escobar, Darren	Cha
14.	Merkich, Todd	ALA
15.	Reed, Dante Jr.	STL
16.	Moore, Reggie	LOU
17.	Rinard, Colby	TOL
18.	Dobbs, Michael	ORL
19.	Springer, Travis	CLE
20.	Quero, Henry	Pho
21.	Keen, Jeremy	Haw
22.	Ramirez, Willy	NYK
23.	Jenkins, Corey	phi
24.	Walls, Sean	TOR
25.	Peterson, Brant	Hol
26.	Soto, Javier	CHI
27.	Mahan, Derek	Bos
28.	Ford, Chevy	Orl
29.	Steinborn, Peter	Haw
30.	Cordero, Orlando	TEX
31.	Frazier, Doug	Bos
32.	Wargo, Shane	Tol
33.	Alcantara, Junior	HOL
34.	Jung, Wu-Hsiung	DET
35.	Sierra, Victor	SPR
36.	Sandford, Tim	Phi
37.	Hanson, Ken	NYK
38.	Pinango, Randy	Haw
39.	Andino, Ramon	Bal
40.	Sucre, Fernando	Bos
41.	Jones, James	LV
42.	Wright, Kyle	Lou
43.	Montgomery,Ubaldo	LA
44.	Wyckoff, Troy	CLE
45.	Stevens, Otto	Cha
46.	McKain, Henry	MAR
47.	Crom, C.J.	FLA
48.	Dawson, Mike	HOL
49.	Treanor, Travis	DEN
50.	Sweeney, Steve	Bal

Big Signing

The Los Angeles Shockers have announced that they have reached a new contract with All-Star 1B Brent Johnson. Johnson will forego free agency, and instead will resign with the club for 7 years and 147 million dollars. Johnson was slated to become one of the most desirable free agents on the open market, but instead, was willing to sign the home tome discount. He will slum it up in LA for the next 7 years.

Trades

Hawaii made a pair of trades to improve their middle infield, trading a second round pick to Detroit for Jason Gonzalez and a 3rd rounder to Boston for Rafael Jimenez.  Hawaii also signs Bubba Lewis, who will serve as a pinch hitter and DH if they make the playoffs and go to the world series.
Florida signs Mitch Oakenshield to a 6 year, 36 million dollar extension.

No-hitter

Juan Francisco Hernandez, all of 24 years old, has thrown his second career no-hitter.  He beat the Utes 2-0, striking out 13 and walking 4.  On the season he is 10-10 with a 4.11 ERA.

As we near the final month of the season, Utah holds a 5 game lead over 2nd place Phoenix, with Las Vegas 11.5 back.

The New York Knights (87-45) are running away with the east, while Charlotte at 65-66 holds a one game lead in the weak central division.