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2007 American League Youth Watch

AL East

Go to the Orioles Team Page Adam Loewen: SP - Baltimore Orioles
The 23-year old breezed through Double and Triple-A before getting called up to Baltimore, where he posted a .500 record.
What to expect: The Canadian left-hander will likely be the third starter for Baltimore when the season opens. Throughout his stops in the minors, Loewen has always been a high-strikeout pitcher. It might take a season or two in the majors before he can reach his full potential, but he should be a solid starter this season.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Baltimore (MLB)
6
6
0
112.1
98
62
5.37
Ottawa (AAA)
2
0
0
21.1
21
3
1.27
Bowie (AA)
4
2
0
49.2
55
26
2.72

Past Picks: 2006 - Chris Ray, 2005 - Daniel Cabrera, 2004 - Matt Riley, 2003 - Jorge Julio

Go to the Red Sox Team Page Daisuke Matsuzaka: SP - Boston Red Sox
The 26-year old made baseball headlines with the size of the posting fee he commanded and, more importantly, his stellar play at the World Baseball Classic.
What to expect: The pressure will be on the Matsuzaka to produce - not only for the Fenway faithful who want to see another playoff berth - but for the casual fan who has heard what the Sox paid to get him. Matsuzaka could be the Red Sox ace as soon as this season. Fifteen wins and 180 strikeouts aren't out of the question.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Seibu (Japan)
17
5
0
186.1
200
34
2.13

Past Picks: 2006 - Jon Papelbon, 2005 - Hanley Ramirez, 2004 - Kevin Youkilis, 2003 - Casey Fossum

Go to the Yankees Team Page Philip Hughes: SP - New York Yankees
The 20-year old dominated in the minors posting a combined 2.16 ERA with a miniscule .86 WHIP and 168 strikeouts in 146 innings.
What to expect: By all accounts, Hughes is the real deal. The Yankees have already stated that he won't throw more than 180 innings this season. He will likely start the season in Double-A, but will be in the Bronx by August and might even be in the starting rotation. When called up, he will help the Yankees in their playoff drive.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Trenton (AA)
10
3
0
116
138
32
2.25
Tampa (A)
2
3
0
30
30
2
1.80

Past Picks: 2006 - Chien-Ming Wong, 2005 - Robinson Cano, 2004 - Jorge De Paula, 2003 - Juan Rivera

Go to the Devil Rays Team Page Jeff Niemann: SP - Tampa Bay Devil Rays
The 24-year old 2004 first rounder had shoulder problems in the minors, and minor surgery in this off-season.
What to expect: Niemann will likely start the season in Triple-A despite the fact that he would help the lowly Devil Rays starting staff. He will probably make his big league debut in June or July if he's healthy enough to do so. While he won't match his minor numbers, he should post some decent strikeout totals and a mid-four ERA.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Montgomery (AA)
5
5
0
77.1
84
29
2.68

Past Picks: 2006 - Rocco Baldelli, 2005 - Delmon Young, 2004 - B.J. Upton, 2003 - Dewon Brazelton

Go to the Blue Jays Team Page Alex Rios: RF - Toronto Blue Jays
After a few seasons of growing pains, Rios was in the middle of his breakout season when it was derailed by a staph-infection.
What to expect: Before the infection, Rios had 15 home runs. After he returned at the end of July to the end of the season, he only hit two. He did hit for average in the last month though, which pushed him over .300 for the season. With better hitters in front him this year, there is no reason why Rios shouldn't hit 25 home runs with a high average.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Toronto (MLB)
450
17
82
15
.302
.349
.516

Past Picks: 2006 - Aaron Hill, 2005 - Guillermo Quiroz, 2004 - Kevin Cash, 2003 - Josh Phelps

AL Central

Go to the White Sox Team Page Josh Fields: 3B - Chicago White Sox
The 24-year old speed and power threat had a very productive season in Triple-A before making his MLB debut in September.
What to expect: At one point, the White Sox had talked about moving Fields into the outfield to fill in for the injured Scott Podsednik, but with the signing of Darrin Erstad - they are going to keep him at third. Fields' development and Joe Crede's troublesome back make it a possibility that Fields will finish the season as the everyday third baseman.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Chicago (MLB)
20
1
2
0
.150
.320
.400
Charlotte (AAA)
462
19
70
28
.305
.379
.515

Past Picks: 2006 - Brian Anderson, 2005 - Felix Diaz, 2004 - Jon Rauch, 2003 - Joe Crede

Go to the Indians Team Page Jeremy Sowers: SP - Cleveland Indians
The crafty lefty was called up in June last season and didn't disappoint, posting a 3.57 ERA in 14 starts.
What to expect: The 23-year old will start the season in the Indians rotation and should pitch around 200 innings. He doesn't throw hard, and won't rack up a lot of strikeouts, but he's competitive and smart. With a full season, Sowers could rack up 10+ wins along with an ERA in the fours.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Cleveland (MLB)
7
4
0
88
35
20
3.57
Buffalo (AAA)
9
1
0
97
54
29
1.39

Past Picks: 2006 - Fernando Cabrera, 2005 - Jhonny Peralta, 2004 - Victor Martinez, 2003 - Brandon Phillips

Go to the Tigers Team Page Joel Zumaya: RP - Detroit Tigers
The 22-year old flame thrower was a big part of the Tigers bullpen and threw an unbelievable 233 pitches of 100 MPH or more.
What to expect: Zumaya's performance last season has made him the favourite to close games should something happen to Todd Jones. While he has said that he will rely less on his fastball this season, he will still get his share of strikeouts. He could easily finish the season with an ERA in the low-twos and double digits in saves.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Detroit (MLB)
6
3
1
83
97
42
1.94

Past Picks: 2006 - Justin Verlander, 2005 - Wil Ledezma, 2004 - Jeremy Bonderman, 2003 - Carlos Pena

Go to the Royals Team Page Alex Gordon: 3B - Kansas City Royals
The Royals 23-year old top prospect dominated Double-A, and by the looks of things has been handed the third base job by the Royals.
What to expect: While it's hard sometimes to see how Double-A numbers transfer to the majors, Gordon has a real chance to hit over 20 home runs and steal 15 bases or more. While he'll likely start the season near the bottom of the batting order, don't be surprised if, by June, he's in the third, fourth or fifth spot.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Wichita (AA)
486
29
101
22
.325
.427
.588

Past Picks: 2006 - John Buck, 2005 - Mark Teahen, 2004 - David DeJesus, 2003 - Jeremy Affeldt

Go to the Twins Team Page Matt Garza: SP - Minnesota Twins
After breezing through two levels in the minors, Garza really struggled in his first 50 Major League innings.
What to expect: While the Twins signed some older and lesser pitchers in the off-season, the young Garza should be the fifth starter from Day one. He's the Twins best pitching prospect and should be much better in 2007. If he starts every fifth day, he could have 10+ wins with a sub-4.50 ERA.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Minnesota (MLB)
3
6
0
50
38
23
5.76
Rochester (AAA)
3
1
0
34
33
7
1.85
New Britain (AA)
6
2
0
57
68
14
2.51

Past Picks: 2006 - Francisco Liriano, 2005 - Justin Morneau, 2004 - Joe Mauer, 2003 - Michael Cuddyer

AL West

Go to the Angels Team Page Howie Kendrick: 2B - Los Angeles Angels
The Angels top hitting prospect was pushed into duty when injuries hit the big club and adjusted well in his first months in the bigs.
What to expect: With Adam Kennedy now in St. Louis, Kendrick will be the everyday second baseman. Like most young hitters, he doesn't take enough walks, but he's a high average hitter who could easily reach double-digits in both home runs and steals. As good as he could be in 2007, remember that he won't likely reach his full potential for a few seasons.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Los Angeles (MLB)
267
4
30
6
.285
.314
.416
Salt Lake (AAA)
290
13
62
11
.369
.408
.631

Past Picks: 2006 - Jeff Mathis, 2005 - Dallas McPherson, 2004 - Bobby Jenks, 2003 - Francisco Rodriguez

Go to the Athletics Team Page Rich Harden: SP - Oakland Athletics
Injuries limited the 25-year old to only nine starts in 2006, but he averaged more than one strikeout for every inning pitched.
What to expect: Harden's last two seasons have both been cut short due to injuries. With the departure of Barry Zito, the A's need Harden to make 30 starts or more to stay competitive. Harden should post a mid-to-low threes ERA with a strikeout an inning. If he makes 30 starts he could win 14+ games and have a shot at the Cy Young Award.

Team
W
L
S
IP
SO
BB
ERA
Oakland (MLB)
4
0
0
46
49
26
4.24

Past Picks: 2006 - Joe Blanton, 2005 - Nick Swisher, 2004 - Bobby Crosby, 2003 - Mark Ellis

Go to the Mariners Team Page Adam Jones: OF - Seattle Mariners
The converted shortstop had a solid year in the outfield in Triple-A before getting his first taste of Major League action in September.
What to expect: Barring injury, the 21-year old Jones will start 2007 in Tacoma, as the Mariners don't have any room for him. Should injuries strike, Jones will get a chance. He reminds many of a younger Mike Cameron. He'll strikeout a lot, not draw many walks but could have 10+ home runs and steals.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Seattle (MLB)
74
1
8
3
.216
.237
.311
Tacoma (AAA)
380
16
62
13
.287
.345
.484

Past Picks: 2006 - Felix Hernandez, 2005 - Jeremy Reed, 2004 - Clint Nageotte, 2003 - Chris Snelling

Go to the Rangers Team Page Freddy Guzman: OF - Texas Rangers
The Speedy Guzman missed all of 2005, and ran wild in Triple-A last year posting a combined 42 stolen bases in 99 games.
What to expect: The 26-year old was once viewed as the Padres centerfielder of the future. He'll likely start the season in the minors but with the oft-injured Kenny Lofton ahead of him, Guzman could spend a great deal of time in the Majors. If hitting at the top of the order, he'll provide no power, but a lot of steals and runs scored.

Team
AB
HR
RBI
SB
AVG
OBP
SLG
Texas (MLB)
7
0
0
0
.286
.444
.286
Portland (AAA)
124
2
14
11
.274
.348
.411
Oklahoma (AAA)
252
1
14
31
.282
.375
.345

Past Picks: 2006 - Ian Kinsler, 2005 - Chris Young, 2004 - Juan Dominguez, 2003 - Hank Blalock

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


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