2. 21% - Madison Bumgarner, SF
3. 17% - Neftali Feliz, TEX
4. 17% - Chris Tillman, BAL
5. 7% - Tommy Hanson, ATL
6. 3% - Michael Bowden, BOS
Chacin finished the 2008 season with a 18-3, 2.03 ERA over two levels with 160 strikeouts in 177 2/3 inning pitched. The eye-popping win total seems to have earned him a few extra votes as Bum, Feliz, and Tillman were better known commodities coming into the season, but just as deserving. And while the three aforementioned players have higher ceilings, Chacin may be the surest bet to wind up a 200+ innings pitched workhorse with both success and longevity.
Showing fastball location beyond his years, Bumgarner, the 6'4" lefty, racked up an impressive 164/21 K/BB ratio in 141 2/3 innings pitched. Add to that a 1.46 ERA and 15 wins, and you have the makings of a untouchable prospect. Even more impressive was his 1.10 ERA and an 11/1 K/BB ratio over his final 10 starts of the 2008 season.
Few pitchers can move from A- to AA ball and barely miss a beat. Neftali Feliz did just that on his way to 10 wins, a 2.69 ERA and 153 strikeouts in 127 1/3 innings. His 53 walks leave room for improvement, but Feliz adjusts quickly and a fastball approaching triple digits is a great equalizer on nights Feliz isn't his dominant best. Feliz could reach the bigs as early as next season and is the best bet on this list to become a true ace.
The player who makes the Erik Bedard deal laughable, Chris Tillman posted a 11-4 record with an ERA just over 3. He struck out 154 batters in 135 2/3 innings pitched and gave up twenty less hits than innings pitched. With 65 walks, Tillman still has room for polish, but his ceiling is comparable to any pitcher in minor league baseball.
Tommy Hanson is featured in a "Don't Believe the Hype" piece on this very blog. During the 2008 season, he went 11-5 with a 2.41 ERA and gaudy peripherals including just 85 hits allowed in 138 innings pitched. He also chipped in 163 strikeouts and saw his stock rise significantly throughout the season. With that said, he still projects as a middle of the rotation starter even though Hanson fans have bought into his having ace potential.
Michael Bowden followed up a good, but not great 2007 season with a 2008 which saw him dominate AA before having enough success at the AAA level to get the call to Boston in the midst of a pennant race. With a 2.62 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 144 1/3 innings pitched, his numbers are awfully impressive. Add to that his allowing only 29 walks and 112 hits and you have a potential #3 who should find success quickly at the major league level.
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2 comments:
Derek Holland should be on that list somewhere.
You are probably right. While I don't think he would have won, his rise has been pretty phenomenal.
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