BA - 2004 Top 20 Prospects: Pacific Coast League - 美國職棒

FIVE YEARS AGO
1. *Rick Ankiel, lhp, Memphis (Cardinals)
2. *Ruben Mateo, of, Oklahoma (Rangers)
3. *Aramis Ramirez, 3b, Nashville (Pirates)
4. *Chad Hermansen, of, Nashville (Pirates)
5. *Ben Davis, c, Las Vegas (Padres)
6. *Ben Petrick, c, Colorado Springs (Rockies)
7. *Tim Hudson, rhp, Vancouver (Athletics)
8. *Mark Mulder, lhp, Vancouver (Athletics)
9. *Ramon Ortiz, rhp, Edmonton (Angels)
10. *Daryle Ward, 1b, New Orleans (Astros)
* Played in the majors

4. NICK SWISHER, of, Sacramento RiverCats (Athletics)
Age: 23 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 190 B-T: B-L Drafted/Signed: Athletics '02 (1)

Swisher couldn't be a more perfect fit for the Athletics, who emphasize power
and plate discipline. He had the best plate discipline in the PCL, leading the
minors with 103 walks, including a remarkable 43 in June. Called up in
September to fill in for the injured Jermaine Dye, he reached base in seven of
his first nine plate appearances.

After hitting just 21 homers in his first 1 1/2 pro seasons, Swisher hit 29 in
Triple-A. Eighteen of those homers came in the second half, when he became
more aggressive at working counts to find a pitch to drive rather than just
taking a walk.

That power surge is a key to his future, because his future is on an outfield
corner. Swisher played center field well enough in Sacramento, but his speed
and range aren't up to major league standards. He'd be a Gold Glove candidate
if Oakland moved him to first base. He's very competitive, along the lines of
a Paul O'Neill, and did a better job channeling his intensity this year.

AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
443 109 119 28 2 29 92 103 109 3 3 .269 .406 .537


8. JOE BLANTON, rhp, Sacramento RiverCats (Athletics)
Age: 23 Ht: 6-3 Wt: 225 B-T: R-R Drafted/Signed: Athletics '02 (1)

Scouts say that Blanton's makeup might be better than his stuff, and they mean
that as a compliment. He's a bulldog who throws strikes and eats innings, and
they see his ceiling as a No. 3 starter, possibly a No. 2.

"If I had to win a game right now, and I could take any pitcher in the PCL, I'd
take him," one scout said. "He has a great feel for pitching, and his stuff is
just solid."

Blanton came to the PCL with the reputation of having a plus fastball and nasty
breaking stuff. He pitched mostly at 88-91 mph, with the life on his heater
more notable than its velocity. Observers preferred his curveball to his slider
but weren't overwhelmed by either.

W L ERA G SV IP H HR BB SO AVG
11 8 4.19 28 0 176.1 199 13 34 143 .284


13. DAN JOHNSON, 1b, Sacramento RiverCats (Athletics)
Age: 25 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 220 B-T: L-R Drafted/Signed: Athletics '01 (7)

Johnson's 225 RBIs over the last two seasons are more than any minor leaguer,
and he captured the PCL MVP award after driving in 111 this year. He also was
the top hitter in the playoffs, batting .468 as the RiverCats won their second
straight title.

He's similar to Oakland DH Erubiel Durazo and may take his job in 2005. Both
are big guys who hit for average, get on base and post respectable but not outs
tanding home run totals. Johnson can hit quality fastballs and batted .302
against lefthanders in 2004, though just one of his 29 homers came against
them.

Unlike Durazo and to his advantage, Johnson isn't clumsy and can play a
position. He's not the smoothest of first basemen, but he has worked very hard
to get himself into better shape and become an adequate fielder.

AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
535 95 160 29 5 29 111 89 93 0 1 .299 .403 .535


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