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| | Wednesday, April 19 Indians minor-league report | |||||
| By John Sickels Special to ESPN.com System overview The Indians have tremendous offensive talent on the major league level, but the farm system is in a down spell, especially at the higher levels. Cleveland's recent draft classes have been rather disappointing, perhaps a result of frequent turnover in the player development and scouting operations. The best prospect in the system a year ago, third baseman Russ Branyan, had terrible trouble making contact against Triple-A pitching in 1999 (187 strikeouts in 395 at-bats), and there are few position players behind him with top-drawer potential. Mound hopefuls like C.C. Sabathia and Tim Drew have excellent potential, but aren't polished products, and won't be in the majors soon. Fellow pitchers Alberto Garza and Willie Martinez, meanwhile, have stagnated. The Latin American operation hasn't been especially productive of late, though the Indians hope that Cuban signee Danys Baez will make the rotation in 2000. Overall, the Indians farm system ranks about the middle of the pack. They have the proven ability to recharge quickly, but it hasn't happened yet, and the 1999 draft looks weak right now. 1999 Minor League W-L Percentage: .500 (ranked 14th) 1999 amateur draft The Indians gave up their first-round pick to sign Roberto Alomar as a free agent. This puts extra pressure on second-rounder Will Hartley, a high school catcher from Florida. Hartley has power potential, but hit just .159 in his debut. Most teams thought he was overdrafted. Third-rounder Eric Johnson, an outfielder from Western Carolina, is an athlete in the Brian Jordan mold, but is not polished for a college player. The fourth-round pick, a high school shortstop, didn't sign. Fifth-rounder Curtis Gay, a first baseman from Oklahoma City University, hit just .231 in the New York-Penn League. Ninth-rounder Stephen Cowie, a pitcher from Duke, doesn't throw that hard, but has the command to move quickly up the ladder if his stuff holds up. This is not an impressive draft class on paper. Hartley and Johnson will have to develop to avoid making this effort a failure. Top prospects 1) Danys Baez, RHP: A very impressive pitcher, at least according to the scouting reports. The Cuban right-hander throws hard, throws strikes, and could be in the rotation in 2000. That's what they said about Orlando Hernandez, but it is also what they said about Ariel Prieto. 2) Tim Drew, RHP: J.D.'s brother, Tim is a strong-legged right-hander with a 93-mph fastball and a big-breaking curve. His command still needs work, and he won't be in the majors soon. 3) C. C. Sabathia, LHP: 1998 first-rounder, missed much of 1999 with minor arm trouble, but was healthy to finish the season. Looks like a taller, fatter version of Vida Blue. 4) Jamie Brown, RHP: Throws 93 mph and has a good breaking pitch, but mediocre Double-A numbers. 5) Russell Branyan, 3B: Basically a third base version of Rob Deer. Lots of power, but tons and tons of strikeouts. Others of note Sean DePaula, RHP: Surprise bullpen contributor down the stretch, should continue to pitch well in middle relief. Scott Pratt, 2B: Good athlete with solid fundamentals. Didn't hit as well as expected, but still has a chance. Zach Sorensen, SS: Better athlete than Pratt, but also disappointing in his full-season debut. Maicer Isturiz, SS: Hit .300 in the Sally League and has a great glove. Willie Martinez, RHP: Second straight disappointing season. Bothered by nagging arm trouble, but still young and still throws hard. Other names to know: Mike Bacsik, LHP; Ryan Drese, RHP; Mike Edwards, 3B; Oscar Garcia, SS; Alberto Garza, RHP; Jon Hamilton, OF; Jesus Hernandez, OF; John McDonald, SS; Scott Morgan, OF; Danny Peoples, 1B; Rob Pugmire, RHP; Alex Ramirez, OF; Paul Rigdon, RHP; David Riske, RHP; Marcos Scutaro, 2B. John Sickels is the author of the 2000 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. You can email your questions to him at JASickels@AOL.com. | ALSO SEE Hot Stove Heaters: Indians ESPN.com's Hot Stove Heaters  | |||||