Article:Los Angeles Angels 2008 Top Ten Prospects

After a brief hiatus to attend to outside issues, the Minor League Prospect Reports continue with the last division remaining, the American League West


 * 1) Brandon Wood, 22, righthanded hitting shortstop/third baseman, first round, 2003

For the past three seasons, Wood has been the top power prospect in all the minor leagues. Wood hits from an upright stance and combined with plus bat speed and a slight uppercut can hit the ball out of any park in any direction. His weakness at the dish comes from lack of discipline and pitch selection although he improved substantially in both areas in 2007. Defensively, the Angels moved him to third base last season in an attempt to get him to the majors quicker but with the trading of Orlando Cabrera have moved him back to shortstop. He has good body control and hands with a plus arm with improving range and would play as average at either third or short. It won't be clear the Angels intent with Wood position wise until the spring, and his performance in the field will determine if he is the opening day third baseman or shortstop in LA.


 * 2) Nick Adenhart, 21, RHP, 14th round, 2004

Average fastball with good movement, good slider with a plus changeup. Struggles with command at times with the Angels working on bringing his arm slot more overhand than three quarters in an attempt to give him more consistency with his stuff, especially the slider. Likely will spend the entire season in Triple A although in a  pinch could get a call to LA for a start or two.


 * 3) Jordan Walden, 20, RHP, 12th round draft and follow, 2006

Best fastball in system, averages 96-97 and has touched 100 mph. Average slider projecting to plus, has a good, consistent delivery although there is a bit too much movement. Still learning how to pitch and also developing a change up. Angels won't rush him and he remains the top pitching prospect overall in the organization with a likely assignment to Low Class A.


 * 4) Hank Conger, 20, switchhitting catcher, first round, 2006

Missed most of 2006 with a broken hand and 2007 with back and hamstring problems. Good instincts at the plate from both sides which is unusual for a young player, has plus power as well from both sides. Good bat speed and recognizes pitches well and is adept at using the entire field from both sides. Needs some improvement from the rightside, mostly with shortening his swing. Has a plus arm and catching skills and is a below average runner. Class A in 2008


 * 5) Sean O'Sullivan, 20, RHP, draft and follow, third round, 2005

League ERA champ in each of his two pro seasons, 2007 organizational pitcher of the year. Throws four pitches all grading average with plus control and command. Good mechanics and delivery, learning more how to pitch and stay ahead of hitters as he moves up considering an average repetoire. Class A in '08


 * 6) Stephen Marek, 24, RHP, 40th round draft and follow, 2004

Three average pitches, fastball, curve and change. Good control and command although biggest weakness is mechanics which throws everything off, location, control and concentration. Will move to Double A as a starter with a bullpen move possible if the mechanical issues don't improve.


 * 7) Sean Rodriguez, 22, righthanded hitting shortstop, third round, 2003

Solid tools across the board, some play to average/plus because of a dedicated work ethic and game knowledge. Good, quick swing with plus power, working on improvements to plate discipline and pitch recognition. Good hands with a plus arm, doesn't run well and has below average range for a ML shortstop. Angels are moving him to second base this season where he will play everyday at Triple A.


 * 8) Nick Green, 23, RHP, 35th round, 2004

Showed biggest improvement in organization in '07, earning All-Star honors in Double A. Average fastball and curve with a plus (70) change on the scale with movement reminiscent of a screwball. A quick worker who pitches to contact and can use both sides of the plate with confidence. Has not missed a start in two seasons, so durability is a strength. Angels would like him to add a throwaway pitch to offset his otherwise average stuff, will spend the season at Triple A.


 * 9) Peter Bourjos, 20, righthanded hitting and throwing outfielder, 10th round, 2005

Missed two months after having surgery to repair broken bones and torn ligaments in his left hand suffered while swinging at a pitch. Above average runner with good speed, covers both gaps well and has a good arm. Has good power potential with good bat speed but has yet to show he can hit consistently enough to play everyday. His approach is inconsistent, he has too much movement in his setup, and has trouble keeping his hands back, especially with breaking stuff. Will repeat Low Class A in '08.


 * 10) Angel de los Santos, 19, righthanded hitting catcher, free agent, 2005

Originally signed as a third baseman, moved behind the plate in '06. Tools-wise can be a top flight defensive catcher, has good athleticism, good arm and hands and setsup well with minimal movement. Threw out 35 percent of attempted basestealers. Has a good swing when he's on but it doesn't repeat, has problems with breaking stuff and has shown an inability to use the opposite field to this point. Future projectability is as a defensive specialist and any production at the plate will be considered a bonus, will report to Low Class A.


 * Kelsdad provides the Minor League Prospect Reports exclusively for ArmchairGM

Rankings by Baseball America, contributing text by Alan Mathews

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