Developing pitching prospects hasn't been a major strength of the Snakes' farm system in recent seasons, although Max Scherzer has been pretty much plug-and-play since getting the call last season. What do the D-Backs have to look forward to in the future?
Trades have depleted the system's biggest strength in the outfield as Carlos Quentin, Carlos Gonzalez and Aaron Cunningham have been sent packing in trades and gone on to make major league debuts elsewhere. Still, can't-miss prospect Justin Upton is breaking out as a superstar in 2009 and Gerardo Parra has made a smooth transition from Double-A after an impressive stint in winter ball.
Of the hitters who entered the season ranked among Arizona's best prospects, none are producing at their respective minor league levels. Mark Hallberg is struggling mightily as a 23-year-old at Double-A (.209/.297/.276). Yes, that's a .276 slugging percentage. 19-year-old Reynaldo Navarro is currently manning the shortstop spot at Low-A, but his bat still needs a lot of time (.230, no homers) to develop before he's on the big league radar. Pedro Ciriaco might be the best of the bunch, but he hasn't shown signs of being a young Edgar Renteria thus far -- something former D-Backs manager Bob Melvin suggested during spring training.
The lack of depth at the corner infield spots will almost certainly be addressed in this year's draft, as Chad Tracy's time in the desert appears to be nearing an end and Mark Reynolds is the only sure thing right now, although his future appears to be shifting toward first base.
Top 15 Prospects
1. Jarrod Parker, 20, RHP, Double-A
2. Dan Schlereth, 23, LHP, MLB
3. Trevor Harden, 21, RHP, High-A
4. Kevin Eichhorn, 19, RHP, Rookie Ball
5. Bryan Augenstein, 22, RHP, Triple-A
6. Wes Roemer, 22, RHP, Double-A
7. Wade Miley, 22, LHP, High-A
8. Cesar Valdez, 24, RHP, Triple-A
9. Daniel Stange, 23, RHP, Double-A
10. Bryan Shaw, 21, RHP, High-A
11. Collin Cowgill, 23, OF, High-A
12. Pedro Ciriaco, 23, SS, Double-A
13. Patrick McAnaney, 23, LHP, High-A
14. Barry Enright, 23, RHP, Double-A
15. Josh Collmenter, 23, RHP, High-A
Top 5 Rundown
Parker's currently adjusting to life at Double-A Mobile, where he's been able to maintain strikeout-per-inning stuff while continuing to induce plenty of outs on the ground (2.06 G/F ratio) At 20, he's very advanced for his age and all indications are that he's a rare first-round high school talent with the makeup to succeed at the big league level as early as age 21. It wouldn't be all that surprising to see him in the big league rotation within three years of being selected at No. 9 overall by the D-Backs in 2007. It's early, but Jon Garland has done little to encourage Arizona to bring him back in 2010 and Parker should be given a fair shake to earn a spot in the rotation during spring training.
The D-Backs intended for Schlereth to move quickly through the minors after making him a first-round pick last summer, while his arrival last week could become permanent if his command holds up. Schlereth profiles as a potential closer down the road, but right now Arizona's getting consistently productive ninth-inning work from Chad Qualls, so there's no need to rush the rookie into high-leverage situations. Schlereth will likely emerge as a top set-up option in front of Qualls before getting serious consideration as his replacement in 2010 or 2011.
Harden is turning into a very nice surprise for Arizona after being picked up in the 14th-round of the 2008 draft. A fast start at Low-A South Bend earned him a promotion to Visalia in May. Relying on a three-pitch arsenal, Harden appears to have the making of a mid-rotation starter at the big league level if he continues to progress, despite struggling in a very small sample size (four starts) at High-A thus far.
Eichhorn is the son of former big leaguer Mark Eichhorn, while his full season pro debut hasn't happened yet at age 19. Many of the D-Backs' selections in the last few drafts have been from the college ranks, but like top prospect Jarrod Parker, Eichhorn could move quickly through the system on the strength of his makeup and work ethic. It should be easier to get a read on how fast he'll move once the D-Backs get him on the full-season track.
Augenstein got the call to the big club earlier this season when injuries opened up a spot in the rotation. While his success at Double-A didn't immediately translate to the top level, he's had excellent command and an improved strikeout rate between Mobile and Triple-A Reno this season (41:7 K:BB ratio in 46.2 combined innings). At 22, he's ahead of the curve in terms of development given his current level, while his three-pitch arsenal includes an 89-92 mph fastball, 78-80 mph changeup and a high-70's slider, each with good movement. Look for him to get another look with the D-Backs this season if injuries strike the rotation again at some point.
Outlook
Cowgill is the best hitting prospect in the minors for Arizona right now, but he's a 5-9 right-handed hitting outfielder, so it remains to be seen how much pop he'll have beyond his current level (High-A). There are a number of other lower-tier prospects scattered throughout the system (including Ryne White and Justin Parker) that can hit for average, but the overall lack of power is staggering.
With seven of the first 60 picks in this year's draft, including back-to-back selections at No. 16 and No. 17 overall, the Snakes are in a good position to restock the cupboard after depleting their system with trades and promotions over the last few seasons. An emphasis on bats would make a great deal of sense, as Upton, Parra, Stephen Drew and Reynolds appears to be the only four position players locked in for the long haul (despite Chris Young's lengthy contract). Look for the lack of corner infield depth to be addressed, and don't be surprised if a couple of high-ceiling high school pitchers are targeted as well.