Saturday, February 2, 2008
New York's Top Prospects
Joba Chamberlain, Pitcher
9/23/85
6'3
230 lbs.
Throws R
Joba Chamberlain burst onto the scene in 2005 when he transfered to the University of Lincoln-Nebraska. He went 10-2 with a 2.81 ERA and 130 strikeouts in only 118.2 innings. He had an injury in 2006 and was only able to pitch in 14 games but still struck out 102 hitters in 89.1 innings. Later that year he was drafted 41st overall by the New York Yankees.
This year Joba received praise from just about every prospect ranking. Kieth Law ranked him #3, MiLB.com ranked him #5, and BaseballProspectus ranked him #4.
Last year Joba received his call up from the Yankees and worked in the bullpen and completely dominated. Pitching to a .38 ERA, 2-0, 34 K's in only 24 innings. He has been a starter all his life ,but it will be interesting to see what the Yank's do with him. I believe he will be a top closer in the league similar to Joe Nathan, but the Yanks might want to move Joba to the rotation in 2008. For a scouting report on him you can check out this web site.
Fernando Martinez, OF
10/10/88
6'1
185
Bats-L/Throws-R
“Martinez looks like a young Ted Williams.” -“ Anonymous scout
"What we saw in [Martinez] was a 16-year-old kid with power, great ability and great character, above everything else.” - Omar Minaya
That's what was wandering through the minds of Met's front office when they signed 16-year outfielder Fernando Martinez to a $1.4 million dollar contract in 2005. Martinez has moved through the Mets organization quickly playing in AA as an 18 year old. He was also the youngest player in the Arizona Fall League last year. His season was cut short when he broke his hamate bone and needed surgery.
Fernando Martinez has been ranked anywhere from 10-17 in prospect ranking lists which is astonishing considering he is only 19 years old. He is a 5-tool player with great projectibility and might surface the major leagues as soon as this year, but more likely next year or the year after.
I am not going to put up his stats cause it would be un fair seeing as he was an injured 18 year old playing in a league with 20+ year olds. He held is own ,however, and if you are interested in seeing his stats and a good scouting report you can head over to MetsProspectus who did a nice job summing up how could he is and about his 30 homerun potential.
2/12/85
6'2
201 lbs.
Catches - Left
Goaltender Al Montoya was the Ranger's 1st selection and 6th overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft. He was the 1st goalie selected and was coming out of the University of Michigan. He enjoyed success in his final year with a record of 30 wins, 7 loses, and 3 ties. Later that season he went on to lead the 2004 World Junior USA team to a gold medal. His 3 year career at Michigan looked as such 86-29-8 record with a 2.36 GAA and finished ranked among Wolverine leaders in victories (fourth), shutouts (third, with 13) and save percentage (tied for first with a .908 mark). 20 post-season games, 15-5 with a .928 save percentage plus a microscopic 1.88 GAA.(almontoya.net) He is ranked the NHL's 9th best prospect and the 3rd goalie on the list.
Alvaro Montoya is currently stationed in Hartford where he has battled some injuries. He missed 6 weeks in '05-'06 due to a broken finger in his catching hand. Over the past 3 years he has a record of 66-44, and GAA of 2.23 and has 10 shutouts. Montoya has the potential to be a #1 star goaltender, but will most likely be traded this year's trade deadline or next off season.
Kyle Okposo, Right Wing
195 lbs
4/16/88
Shoots - Right
Okposo was drafted 7th overall in the 2006th NHL draft by the New York Islanders. He was coming from the Des Moines Buccaneers from the United States Hockey League, who had won the Clark Cup that year. During that season Okposo had 27 goals and 31 assists for 58 points and was a crucial part of the team's success.
After being drafted Okposo decided to go play in college instead of the AHL and is currently attending the University of Minnesota. Minnesota, one of the top hockey colleges, already has an abundance of wingers forcing Okposo to play a lot of center. He has put up good stats regardless of the position change. He had 19 goals, 21 assists, and 40 points in his freshman season. He was named the team's rookie of the year and played in the World Juniors. He is currently ranked #12 out of all NHL prospects and projects to be a top scoring threat for many years.
