The 2009 Futures Game had enough potential that even a 4-hour rain delay couldn't spoil it.
We opted not to attend the game this year -- we were credentialed at the 2007 and 2008 games -- largely because we're planning an extended Arizona Fall League stay instead. And this year's rain delay was probably more fun to sit through at home than from the stadium. But like many of our community members, I watched every pitch. Here are my Futures Game thoughts:
Pitch F/X recorded Neftali Feliz's fastball topping out at 100.5 MPH -- average 4-seamer was 97.99 MPH. We could see Feliz in the Rangers' bullpen in the very near future. Given that he's never topped 130 innings during a regular season, he's a guy who may stay there, too.
Kyle Drabek's breaking ball is already a plus pitch. His fastball touched the mid-90s. Coming from a 3/4 arm slot, he appears to have advanced command of his both fastball and his secondary offerings. Add to this that his 2009 numbers are pretty impressive, and you have an extremely elite prospect. If Drabek can continue this pace and top 150 innings pitched this regular season, he'll likely enter 2010 as a top 25 prospect on most lists.
It wouldn't surprise me if Brett Lawrie winds up being one of the best power hitters from the 2008 draft class. He's very close to passing Eric Hosmer on my personal prospect list right now.
Coming from a 3/4 arm slot, Casey Kelly has impressive balance and focus. His breaking ball is wicked. But his changeup looked pretty straight.
Jhoulys Chacin's changeup was one of the most impressive pitches of its kind that I've seen this season. It looked like he was throwing darts with it. He gets a ton of sink on his two-seam fastball. His breaking ball is clearly behind his low to mid-90s fastball, but he's going to be a big leaguer soon.
Brian Matusz had trouble finding his release point. He throws from a high-3/4 arm slot and sat at 93 MPH with his fastball. I like his balanced delivery.
There's no doubt that Tyson Gillies is a plus runner.
Did anyone else think Mat Latos looked a little bit like a zombie when he seperated his hands during his windup? A high-3/4 arm slot guy, he pounded the bottom of the strike zone with his mid to high-90s fastball. Latos could probably be an effective relief pitcher in the bigs right now.
With his size and bat speed, Mike Stanton may generate enough power to energize a small village. In a land of Mike Stantons, Frank Thomas wouldn't look gigantic.
Though he doesn't offer much deception, Danny Duffy repeated his compact mechanics well and showed strong command of his fastball and breaking ball. He comes at hitters from an over-the-top arm slot.
Chris Tillman may have been hit around a little bit, but his breaking ball is definitely an above-average pitch.
Josh Vitters hasn't cut his hair since Spring Training.
I was more impressed with Jason Castro's throw to third when he caught Luis Durango stealing than his home run. The hanging breaking ball that he drove out was one of the most hittable pitches thrown all evening.
I didn't put down much about the hitters in this game because it's hard to judge them based off of just a couple of at-bats. But I'm sure we'll see more than a few of these guys at the AFL.
Contact Adam Foster at adamf@projectprospect.com.