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November 14, 2007

Future Shock

Tigers Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Cameron Maybin, OF
2. Rick Porcello, RHP
Four-Star Prospects
None
Three-Star Prospects
3. Casey Crosby, LHP
4. Cale Iorg, SS
5. Brandon Hamilton, RHP
Two-Star Prospects
6. Jeff Larish, 1B
7. Eulogio De La Cruz, RHP
8. Scott Sizemore, 2B/SS
9. Michael Hollimon, 2B/SS
10. Yorman Bazardo, RHP
11. Dallas Trahern, RHP

Just Missing: Matt Joyce, OF; Virgil Vasquez, RHP; Danny Worth, SS

1. Cameron Maybin, OF
DOB: 4/4/87
Height/Weight: 6-4/205
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2005, Roberson HS (NC)
2007 Stats: .571/.667/.571 at Rookie-Level (2 G); .304/.393/.486 at High-A (83 G); .400/.538/1.050 at Double-A (6 G); .143/.208/.265 at MLB (24 G)

Year In Review: When not sidelined with shoulder problems, the elite-level prospect impressed in the Florida State League, hit four home runs in six Double-A games, and spent the last six weeks with the big league squad, where he rarely played, and rarely produced.
The Good: When it comes to tools, Maybin is Home Depot. He has outstanding size and athleticism, projecting to hit for average and power, while also being a total burner. He covers the ground in center field effortlessly, and his arm is outstanding. He’s shown a solid approach at the plate, has great instincts on the base paths, and backs up his natural ability with a strong work ethic.
The Bad: Maybin has accumulated lofty strikeout totals so far in his career, and his swing can get long at times. He understands the strike zone well, but needs to improve his pitch recognition, as he’s prone to chasing breaking balls out of the zone, a weakness that big league pitchers picked up on quickly and exploited.
Fun Fact: During his week at Double-A, Maybin stepped to the plate five times with runners in scoring position, resulting in two walks, two singles, and a home run.
Perfect World Projection: A transcendent star who puts fannies in the seats.
Timetable: Despite his season-ending big league stint, the Tigers are the first to admit that Maybin is not ready yet, and not part of their immediate big league plans. He’ll likely begin 2008 at Triple-A Toledo to put the finishing touches on his game.

2. Rick Porcello, RHP
DOB: 12/27/88
Height/Weight: 6-5/195
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, Seton Hall Prep (NJ)
2007 Stats: Signed late; did not play