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November 20, 2012

Prospects Will Break Your Heart

Cleveland Indians Top 10 Prospects

State of the Farm: “A crowd of people turned away. But I just had to look. Having read the book.”

Prospect rankings primer

The Top Ten

1. Francisco Lindor
Position: SS
DOB: 11/14/1993
Height/Weight: 5’11’’ 175 lbs.
Bats/Throws: B/R
Drafted/Acquired: First round, 2011 draft, Montverde High School (Montverde, FL)
2012 Stats: .257/.352/.355 at Low-A Lake County (122 games)
The Tools: 6 arm; 7 glove; 6 future hit

What Happened in 2012: The 18-year-old shortstop jumped straight to full-season ball, after only five games of professional experience at the short-season level, and held his own with the bat and wowed onlookers with his impressive defensive skills.

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Related Content: Francisco Lindor, Luigi Rodriguez, Ronny Rodriguez, Dorssys Paulino, Mitch Brown, Danny Salazar, Cody Allen

40 comments have been left for this article.

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Behemoth

Two guys I'd appreciate your thoughts on are Giovanny Urshela and Jesus Aguilar. I thought one or both might sneak into your top ten, especially given the lack of depth here.

Nov 20, 2012 02:53 AM

rating: 0

Mark Anderson

BP staff

I had a lot of parallel conversations to Jason, and outside the organization, the reviews were not strong on either player.

Urshela has some defensive potential and a lot of arm strength, but there was zero confidence in the bat playing. On Aguilar, its a bad profile. He has pop, but its a long, slow swing, and the approach is positively awful. He's not a big leaguer for me.

Nov 20, 2012 06:30 AM

Mtn Jam

JP...great Beatles quote from one of my favorites. You've let it be known that you're not a huge fan of "the list" but when in Rome.....can we get a Beatles Top 10 in the comments?

Nov 20, 2012 05:40 AM

rating: 0

doog7642

Once upon a time in a chat here, Steven Goldman and I had the following exchange about how to whittle the White Album down to produce an even greater masterpiece. Thoughts, Parks?

doog7642 (Blaine, MN): Just for fun... The White Album: Back in the USSR Dear Prudence Glass Onion Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da While My Guitar Gently Weeps Happiness is a Warm Gun I'm So Tired Blackbird Piggies Don't Pass Me By I Will Julia Birthday Yer Blues Mother Nature's Son Everybody's Got Something To Hide Helter Skelter Long, Long, Long White Album -- the Outtakes: Wild Honey Pie Bungalow Bill Martha My Dear Rocky Racoon Why Don't We Do It in the Road Sexy Sadie Revolution 1 Honey PIe Savoy Truffle Cry Baby Cry Revolution 9 Good Night

Steven Goldman: Yeah, I buy that. There's a pretty good cover of "Rocky Raccoon" by Richie Havens, probably better than the original. "Why Don't We Do It In the Road" is funny, just Paul in the studio by himself, playing every instrument, and I find it funny in its false-macho way, but it's not essential. "Sexy Sadie" would have been better with Lennon's original lyrics, which I can't reprint on a family web site. I like the atmospherics of "Cry Baby Cry," though Lennon disavowed the song for some reason. Still, good sorting, Doog.

Nov 20, 2012 06:59 AM

rating: 0

Jason Parks

BP staff

I've whittled the White Album down to one full-length record before. Here's the track list (which has been timed and fits under standard length):

Back in the U.S.S.R
Dear Prudence
Glass Onion
The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Happiness is a Warm Gun
I'm So Tired
Blackbird
Why Don't We Do It In the Road
Everybody'S Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey
Sexy Sadie
Helter Skelter
Revolution 1
Savoy Truffle
Cry Baby Cry

One record. One brilliant record.

Nov 20, 2012 07:14 AM

doog7642

No "Yer Blues?" Tough. Is it cheating to sub Revolution for Revolution 1?

Nov 20, 2012 07:22 AM

rating: 0

Jason Parks

BP staff

When you are trying to make the track list fit under a certain time, you have to make hard choices. And yes, that's cheating.

Nov 20, 2012 07:24 AM

johnorpheus

I would sub Long, Long Time, one of Harrison's all-time best, for Savoy Truffle. Also, Julia should be there at the end. Otherwise, great set of songs.

Nov 20, 2012 07:38 AM

rating: 0

Jason Parks

BP staff

Nope. Savoy Truffle is a cool little jam. I love the feel of that song. Very underrated track. I didn't have enough space on the record to include Julia. I was maxed out. Again, I had to make tough choices based on time, not just preference.

Nov 20, 2012 07:42 AM

Brian Kopec

Thank you. Now you'll have to have them all pulled out.

Nov 20, 2012 10:25 AM

rating: 0

John Carter

The White Album is certainly one of my all-time favorite albums - up there with Yes's Close to the Edge, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, Led Zeppelin's unnamed fourth album and Houses of the Holy, and, perhaps, Radiohead's The Bends and OK Computer, well, along with a good recording of Vivaldi's Quattro Stagioni and Dvorak's Symph. #9 (New World). I'd probably throw in the original Broadway cast recording of West Side Story, but we all have our peculiarities.

Hence, I am surprised to see many of my favorite White Album songs missing at the expense of, for example, the worse song on the album: " . . . Bungalow Bill". For humor and musicality, it pales next to "Honey Pie" and "Pggies". "Mother Nature's Son" is the most egregious omission - not that I'm miffed or anything - this is fun to discuss. One of the most beautiful songs ever "Mother Nature's Son" was my favorite lullaby to sing to my kids. "Good Night" was, of course, written as a lullaby and it is beautifully done. (My son's favorite was my version of Harry Nilsson's "Remember"). "Martha, My Dear" is under-ratedly brilliant - when did Paul McCartney have time to master rag time piano playing? I agree "Yer Blues" is a must - another fine example of Beatles musicianship. "Long, Long, Long" holds up after hearing it a couple hundred times. I would love to have a version of Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti distilled down to one album - and you can leave off "Kashmir". You can get rid of the carnival calls and vaudevillian fill surrounding the great tracks on Pink Floyd's The Wall to make that one all-time great album, but I wouldn't touch The Beatles self named album. I am in the camp that cherishes "Revolution No. 9" as a mini masterpiece.

Nov 20, 2012 10:27 AM

rating: -1

Jason Parks

BP staff

Again, a lot of it comes down to time issues rather than personal taste. Decisions have to be made. Revolution #9 is a major time chewer; Bungalow Bill is over before it begins, so it doesn't clog the bases.

For me, "Mother Nature's Son" is a sleeping pill. I love McCartney, but I can do without some of his more mawkish romps that just don't have enough thorns to stand up. That's just a personal take. "Martha My Dear" is another one of his tracks that just leaves me flat. I can appreciate the composition and execution of the piece, but I just don't want to listen to it very often. When he drifts into sentimentality, I often drift away.

Nov 20, 2012 10:48 AM

John Carter

From the dings, I know should let you have the last word right here, but I would rather continue. You only live once and I can't let this conversation die without explaining my love for the "sentimental" McCartney further.

Yes, it is subjective, but I get so much love out of "Mother Nature's Son" that makes me smile every time. The words are nearly haiku. The rhythm has a touch of syncopation to it and the melody mixes wistfulness and defiance, then ends with Paul's effortlessly joyful scat.

You hear sentimentality. I don't doubt it's there, but that would spoil the song if I focused on it.

The same could be said of "Martha, My Dear". You are much more of a wordsmith than I, Jason, so it is natural for you to dwell on the sentimentality of words, if that's a problem with them. This song is about a dog, actually, so . . . that may explain things. For me, the melodies of "Martha, My Dear" overpower my brain from looking for things to criticize about the lyrics or sweetness of voice. McCartney sets the bar by echoing his rag time rhythm, then leaps into the more majestic "Hold your head up, you silly girl, see what you've duh-ah-un." Nobody does it better.

Nov 20, 2012 18:40 PM

rating: 1

David Jackson

You'd have to find a way to include "Don't Pass Me By" to cover the album's requisite Ringo song. Probably instead of Bungalow Bill.

Jan 05, 2013 12:30 PM

rating: 0

straymond

Any thoughts on Felix Sterling? I think once upon a time he was (or maybe it was KG) "your guy"?

Nov 20, 2012 08:09 AM

rating: 0

Jason Parks

BP staff

Tough year for him; most likely a reliever, and a high risk type. Hard to sneak into the top 10 with that profile, even in a system that is in the back half.

Nov 20, 2012 08:17 AM

Gotribe31

Can the lefthanded TJs (McFarland and House) fill out the back end of a major league rotation someday?

Nov 20, 2012 08:26 AM

rating: 0

Jason Parks

BP staff

Yep. I think its possible. Low ceilings, of course, but a chance to stick around.

Nov 20, 2012 08:58 AM

Gotribe31

Also, if LeVon Washington can manage to finally stay healthy, are you a believer in the underlying tools or no?

Nov 20, 2012 08:28 AM

rating: 0

Jason Parks

BP staff

I am a believer in the sense that I recognize that he has raw tools. I've never seen those tools translate to on-the-diamond skills, though. I'm not a believer. He never looked like a baseball player to me. You can't learn feel.

Nov 20, 2012 09:00 AM

APV2600

I know he has holes galore, but I have to ask about personal favorite Carlos Moncrief...

Nov 20, 2012 08:46 AM

rating: 1

Jason Parks

BP staff

His swing isn't going to cut it at higher levels. Nice raw pop, but Double-A will be a brick wall for this guy.

Nov 20, 2012 09:02 AM

APV2600

No "long, long time" and now this!

Just kidding. What do you think of the catchers in the Tribe's system? Roberto Perez always has gotten raves about his defense and he seems to have a decent plate approach (though little in the way of hit ability), which makes me wonder why he isn't already a major league back up catcher. Alex Monsalve and Alex Lavisky both seemed to take babysteps forward last year. And then there were some younger guys in the short-season leagues last year. Any of these guys have a major league future?

Nov 20, 2012 09:12 AM

rating: 1

adam30

How do you feel about Giovanny Soto, LHP? Solid numbers for a 21-year old in AA, but many feel he'll end up as a reliever similar to Raffy Perez. Think he can stick in the rotation?

Nov 20, 2012 09:24 AM

rating: 0

Mark Anderson

BP staff

Soto is somewhat interesting. I have a lot of exposure to him both with the Indians and Tigers. I don't see a starter profile but he could be a really nice lefty reliever. He has some deception and is a great competitor.

Nov 20, 2012 10:41 AM

Ryno23

Thanks for including Anthony Santander. I'm a little ashamed to admit, but I was looking over my deep minor-league roster and I went blank on why he was on my roster. LOL. And I couldn't find much on-line about him.

So I was counting on you to back me up on that day that I decided to take a shot and pick him up. Thanks! :)

Nov 20, 2012 09:27 AM

rating: -1

mattb2485

Thoughts on Giovanni Soto??

Nov 20, 2012 09:39 AM

rating: -1

mattb2485

Also, what are your thoughts on Nick Hagadone? Guess he probably lost his prospect status but do you like him as a dominate backend reliever or no? Think he can contribute in 2013?

Nov 20, 2012 15:47 PM

rating: -1

sportspopery

So if Lindor meets expectations, what album is a good computer for his career?

Nov 20, 2012 15:58 PM

rating: -1

Jason Parks

BP staff

Great question. I'm going to say "Mezzanine" by Massive Attack. It's not ubiquitous, but those lucky enough to know it praise it. It's as good today as it was 15 years ago. That will be Lindor if he hits his ceiling. He's going to be worth listening to for 15+ years and the production will be slick. He might not have any blockbuster singles (awards), but people won't complain when he gets a spin and he will be a quiet influence on a world of music that gains more popularity.

Nov 20, 2012 16:10 PM

John Carter

Yep, another great album. The masses might know at least one song from it ("Teardrop") as the theme to the television show House.

Nov 20, 2012 17:58 PM

rating: -2

Pat Folz

That Mitch Brown picture... I'm not sure if the proper response is "???" or "!!!"

...

Nov 20, 2012 18:15 PM

rating: 0

Jason Parks

BP staff

The proper response is: #want

Nov 20, 2012 18:25 PM

Dave Pease

BP staff

(2)

Its an action shot!

Nov 20, 2012 19:06 PM

Gotribe31

For what it's worth, I believe his dad is a South Korean power lifter. Show me your war face!

Nov 21, 2012 08:26 AM

rating: -1

Randy Brown

I've noticed that through 5 teams and 50 players, only 16 of the players have been pitchers. Is that a function of these farm systems in particular, or more of a general philosophy about risk (I'm not going to use the acronym)?

Nov 20, 2012 18:31 PM

rating: 1

Jason Parks

BP staff

The systems just haven't been pitching heavy. It doesn't have anything to do with the acronym behind the curtain. I think this is a study that needs to be done after every team has been profiled. While its entirely possible that a pitching bias exists. It's impossible to make that determination after only five teams and 50 players. I don't think it will be a 50/50 split, but more pitchers will represent in arm-heavy systems like Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Toronto, while systems like Texas will be very hitter friendly.

Nov 20, 2012 18:40 PM

adam30

There seems to be talk around the Indians that over the course of the next few years they may try to move either Ronny Rodriguez or Paulino off short, probably to left field. What would you guys think of such a move? The Indians believe both are athletic enough to make the move and have strong enough arms for the OF. How would their bats play there?

Nov 21, 2012 06:23 AM

rating: 0

Jason Parks

BP staff

Rodriguez has already been playing a lot of 2B, and I think he has the athleticism to handle the OF; Paulino will be a 2B/3B in the end. These issues were addressed in the player evaluations above.

Nov 21, 2012 08:06 AM

DougieG20

More time spent talking Beatles in the Indians prospect columns than their actual prospects...story checks out.

Nov 27, 2012 23:40 PM

rating: -2

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<< Previous Article

Overthinking It: Why J... (11/20)

<< Previous Column

Prospects Will Break Y... (11/15)

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Prospects Will Break Y... (11/26)

Next Article >>

Sobsequy: Why We Need ... (11/21)

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