TSN TV Schedule TSN2 TV Schedule

2007 National League Youth Watch

NL East

Go to the Braves Team Page Chuck James: SP - Atlanta Braves
Injuries pushed the 25-year old left-hander into the Majors where he fared very well for the Braves, posting an impressive 11-4 record.
What to expect: With the recent injury to Mike Hampton, James will be looked at to continue his success for the Braves, as they try to compete with the Mets and the Phillies. While he doesn't have an overpowering fastball, James keeps hitters off guard with his change up. If he makes 30 starts, he could post a sub-4.00 ERA with around 12 wins.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Atlanta (MLB)
11
4
0
119
91
47
3.78
Richmond (AAA)
6
1
0
33
25
6
2.67

Past Picks: 2006 - Brian McCann, 2005 - Jeff Francouer, 2004 -Adam LaRoche, 2003 - Marcus Giles

Go to the Marlins Team Page Anibal Sanchez: SP - Florida Marlins
Sanchez put a perfect punctuation on his rookie season in the bigs when he threw a no-hitter on September 6 against Arizona.
What to expect: Sanchez, who was acquired from Boston with Hanley Ramirez and two other prospects in the Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell trade, posted much better numbers than Beckett at a much better price. The 23-year old will start every fifth day and could help the Marlins with double-digit wins and an ERA in the 3.50 range.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Florida (MLB)
10
2
0
114
72
46
2.83
Carolina (AA)
3
6
0
85
92
27
3.15

Past Picks: 2006 - Jeremy Hermida, 2005 - Jason Stokes, 2004 - Dontrelle Willis, 2003 - Josh Beckett

Go to the Mets Team Page Mike Pelfrey: SP - New York Mets
The 2005 first round pick only signed his contract in January 2006 - he then blew through three levels in the minors on the fast track to The Show.
What to expect: The 23-year old has pitched well enough so far in spring training that he is pushing Chan Ho Park for the fifth starters job. Even if Pelfrey is sent down, with the Mets' pitching woes and age of their starters, he'll likely be back before long. While he has the potential to be ace, he could post good strikeouts and a mid-4.00 ERA.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
New York (MLB)
2
1
0
21
13
12
5.48
Norfolk (AAA)
1
0
0
8
6
5
2.25
Binghamton (AA)
4
2
0
66
77
26
2.71
St. Lucie (A)
2
1
0
22
26
2
2.71

Past Picks: 2006 - Victor Diaz, 2005 - David Wright, 2004 - Orber Moreno, 2003 - Ty Wigginton

Go to the Phillies Team Page Cole Hamels: SP - Philadelphia Phillies
The oft-injured Hamels finally put his potential together in 2006, making a very good showing in his first stint in the Majors.
What to expect: The 180 total innings Hamels threw last season were more than his previous three years combined. Hamels will open the year as the second or third starter and has already said publicaly that he wants to win 20 games this season. If he can make 30 starts he could pile up 180 strikeouts, 15 wins and a mid-to-high 3.00 ERA.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Philadelphia (MLB)
9
8
0
132
145
48
4.08
Scranton/WB (AAA)
2
0
0
23
36
1
0.39
Clearwater (A)
1
1
0
20
29
9
1.77
Lakewood (A)
0
0
0
5
3
2
1.59

Past Picks: 2006 - Ryan Howard, 2005 - Gavin Floyd, 2004 - Brett Myers, 2003 - Marlon Byrd

Go to the Nationals Team Page Felipe Lopez: SS - Washington Nationals
After years of putting up decent numbers, the 26-year old Lopez had a breakout year, despite being moved at the deadline.
What to expect: The switch hitting shortstop more doubled his career steals total by swiping 44 bases. The 1998 Blue Jays first round pick will likely bat leadoff on what is looking to be a fairly woeful Nationals offence. Lopez could very well steal 40+ bases again and, if things go right, could touch 100 runs for the first time.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Cin/Wash (MLB)
617
11
52
44
.274
.358
.381

Past Picks: 2006 - Ryan Zimmerman, 2005 - Nick Johnson, 2004 - Chad Cordero, 2003 - Endy Chavez

NL Central

Go to the Cubs Team Page Matt Murton: LF - Chicago Cubs
The 25-year old was an everyday player for the first time in his career in 2006 and adjusted nicely to the Majors.
What to expect: Murton's status as an everyday player for the Cubs is somewhat up in the air in 2007 because of the signing of Cliff Floyd. Murton is a high average, high on-base player with a power stroke that is slowly developing. If he ends up being a full-time player, he could hit 20 home runs with a .300 average.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Chicago (MLB)
455
13
62
5
.297
.365
.444

Past Picks: 2006 - Ronny Cedeno, 2005 - Jason Dubois, 2004 - Todd Wellemeyer, 2003 - Juan Cruz

Go to the Reds Team Page Homer Bailey: SP - Cincinnati Reds
Last season, the Reds resisted the urge to call up the the 20-year old who dominated both levels of the minors last season.
What to expect: The Reds won't make that decision in 2007. The back-end of their rotation is a little shaky and since the division is winnable, Bailey could debut in mid-season. While he has a huge upside, he likely won't reach it all in 2007. Having said that, Bailey could be a difference maker for the Reds in the division.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Chattanooga (AA)
7
1
0
68
77
28
1.59
Sarasota (A)
3
5
0
70
79
22
3.31

Past Picks: 2006 - Edwin Encarnacion, 2005 - Wily Mo Pena, 2004 - Ryan Wagner, 2003 - Austin Kearns

Go to the Astros Team Page Hunter Pence: OF - Houston Astros
The 23-year old Double-A all-star clubbed 28 home runs and swiped 17 bases while hitting .283 in 523 at bats in 2006.
What to expect: Because the Astros don't want to stunt his growth, Pence is slated to start the season in Triple-A. How long he stays there will depend on how Chris Burke plays in centre field and how healthy Craig Biggio can stay. If Pence gets regular playing time in the Majors, he will likely post good power numbers - but also strikeout a lot.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Corpus Christi (AA)
523
28
95
17
.283
.357
.533

Past Picks: 2006 - Willy Taveras, 2005 - Chris Burke, 2004 - Taylor Buchholz, 2003 - Kirk Saarloos

Go to the Brewers Team Page Prince Fielder: 1B - Milwaukee Brewers
The seventh overall pick in the 2002 draft broke out in a big way for the Brewers last season and gave them some pop in middle of the order.
What to expect: The 22-year old son of former home run champion Cecil Fielder has a long way to go to match his dad, but he could be on his way. He'll be hitting in the middle of the Brewers batting order again this season, which will help his RBI chances. A 30+ home run season with a .275 batting average is a real possibility.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Milwaukee (MLB)
569
28
81
7
.271
.347
.483

Past Picks: 2006 - Rickie Weeks, 2005 - Jose Capellan, 2004 - J.J. Hardy, 2003 - Nick Neugebauer

Go to the Pirates Team Page Ian Snell: SP - Pittsburgh Pirates
The 25-year old was finally given his chance to be an everyday starter last season, and he fared well for the lowly Pirates.
What to expect: The right-hander will be looked at to lead a young, but potential-filled pitching staff. Snell throws hard and make hitters miss the ball. Like most young pitchers he gave up a fair share of walks and home runs last season. Snell should repeat his 14 win season, along with 180 strikeouts and a 4.40 ERA.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Pittsburgh (MLB)
14
11
0
186
169
74
4.74

Past Picks: 2006 - Zach Duke, 2005 - Mike Gonzalez, 2004 - Jason Bay, 2003 - Aramis Ramirez

Go to the Cardinals Team Page Chris Duncan: OF - St. Louis Cardinals
Manger Tony LaRussa likes power hitters int the two-hole, and Duncan didn't disappoint by hitting 22 homers in only 280 at-bats.
What to expect: The 25-year old came out of nowhere to be one of the best power hitters in the second half of last season. He's slated to once again hit in front of Albert Pujols, which should greatly help his numbers. Duncan won't likely keep his pace from 2006, but could chip in 30 home runs with a .285 average.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
St. Louis (MLB)
280
22
43
0
.293
.363
.589
Memphis (AAA)
181
7
31
1
.271
.359
.448

Past Picks: 2006 - Anthony Reyes, 2005 - Rick Ankiel, 2004 - Adam Wainwright, 2003 - Mike Crudale

NL West

Go to the Diamondbacks Team Page Stephen Drew: SS - Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks 2004-first round pick made his much anticipated MLB debut last season and didn't disappoint.
What to expect: Drew, the 23-year old younger brother of Red Sox outfielder J.D., will be the everyday shortstop and will likely start the season hitting near the bottom the lineup. Drew could reach double-digits in home runs and steal around 15 bases. He should also hit close to .300 and will only get better.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Arizona (MLB)
209
5
23
2
.316
.357
.517
Tucson (AAA)
342
13
51
3
.284
.340
.462

Past Picks: 2006 - Connor Jackson, 2005 - Luis Terrero, 2004 - Jose Valverde, 2003 - Lyle Overbay

Go to the Rockies Team Page Troy Tulowitzki: SS - Colorado Rockies
The 2005-first round pick made the jump from Double-A at the end of last season and played above average defence.
What to expect: The 22-year old is expected to compete for, and win, the starting shortstop job from Clint Barmes. Tulowitzki should post 10+ home runs and might even crack 10+ steals. His average might be in the .260's with a lot of strikeouts because he's basically making the jump from Double-A. He does have long term potential though.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Colorado (MLB)
96
1
6
3
.240
.318
.292
Tulsa (AA)
423
13
61
6
.291
.370
.473

Past Picks: 2006 - Clint Barmes, 2005 - Garrett Atkins, 2004 - Chin-Hui Tsao, 2003 - Juan Uribe

Go to the Dodgers Team Page Russell Martin: C - Los Angeles Dodgers
Martin was among the final training camp cuts last season for the Dodgers, but when he was called up in May he never looked back.
What to expect: The 24-year old Canadian did well for himself as a starter last season, and should continue to do so in 2007. Martin has always taken his share of walks and should be able to surpass last season's 10 home runs and 10 steals. Martin could be a 15/10 player with a .285 average - which is very good for a catcher.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Los Angeles (MLB)
415
10
65
10
.282
.355
.436
Las Vegas (AAA)
74
0
9
0
.297
.389
.419

Past Picks: 2006 - Dioner Navarro, 2005 - Antonio Perez, 2004 - Edwin Jackson, 2003 - Joe Thurston

Go to the Padres Team Page Adrian Gonzalez: 1B - San Diego Padres
After being blocked in Texas by Mark Teixeira, Gonzalez was dealt to the Padres before last season and thrived.
What to expect: Gonzalez showed the Padres and the rest of baseball why he a first round pick in 2000. The big knock on him is that he tends to strike out a lot, but he's young and starting to enter his prime. Gonzalez should continue to develop and he could hit 25-30 home runs and threaten 100 RBI.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Texas (MLB)
570
24
82
0
.304
.362
.500

Past Picks: 2006 - Josh Barfield, 2005 - Sean Burroughs, 2004 - Khalil Greene, 2003 - Oliver Perez & Jake Peavy

Go to the Giants Team Page Jonathan Sanchez: SP - San Francisco Giants
The 24-year old starter was called up last May was a decent left-handed option for the Giants bullpen.
What to expect: Sanchez enters training camp competing with Russ Ortiz for the fifth spot in the Giants pitching rotation. A chance exists that the Giants could keep him in the bullpen to start the season. If given a chance, Sanchez could be a decent back-end starter. If he stays in the bullpen, he could post a sub-4.00 ERA in limited innings.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
San Francisco (MLB)
3
1
0
40
33
23
4.95
Fresno (AAA)
2
2
0
23
28
13
3.80
Connecticut (AA)
2
1
2
31
46
9
1.15

Past Picks: 2006 - Matt Cain, 2005 - Noah Lowry, 2004 - Todd Linden, 2003 - Kurt Ainsworth

Podcasts

TSN 1050 Toronto: The Bryan Hayes Show - Anthony Gose: April 10th

Anthony Gose chats about how he's enjoying Buffalo and continues to work on his game. He also discusses the differences between the majors and minors.

TSN 1050 Toronto: TSN Drive with Dave Naylor - Scott MacArthur: Feb 25th

TSN 1050 Blue Jays beat reporter Scott MacArthur discussed the Jays spring training game against former manager John Farrell and the Red Sox.

TSN 1050 Toronto: Gameday with Mike Hogan: Scott MacArthur

Mike is joined by TSN Blue Jays Insider Scott MacArthur


More Podcasts

Canadians in MLB

Canadians in the Majors

See how homegrown stars like Brett Lawrie, Ryan Dempster, Joey Votto and all the Canadians in the majors are doing in 2013. More...