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January 11, 2008

Future Shock

Diamondbacks Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Jarrod Parker, RHP
Four-Star Prospects
2. Gerardo Parra, OF
3. Max Scherzer, RHP
Three-Star Prospects
4. Brooks Brown, RHP
5. Juan Gutierrez, RHP
6. Billy Buckner, RHP
Two-Star Prospects
7. Ed Easley, C
8. Emilio Bonifacio, 2B/SS
9. Reynoldo Navarro, SS
10. Wes Roemer, RHP
11. Barry Enright, RHP

Just Missing: Hector Ambriz, RHP; Esmerling Vasquez, RHP

1. Jarrod Parker, RHP
DOB: 11/24/88
Height/Weight: 6-1/180
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, Norwell HS (IN)
2007 Stats: Did not pitch--signed late.

Year In Review: The fastest rising high school arm was expected to go No. 3 overall to the Cubs, but last-minute changes at the top of the draft dropped him all the way to nine, where he looks like a steal.
The Good: Parker arguably had the best pure arm of any pitcher in the draft. His arm speed borders on ridiculous, and he sat at 94-96 mph all spring while touching 98 consistently. His curveball is a hard-breaking power pitch that already grades out as plus, and he surprised everyone by also exhibiting a solid changeup. His mechanics are clean, and despite playing against a low level of competition, he's already proven himself on a much bigger stage by pitching for Team USA.
The Bad: Parker doesn't exactly have the ideal size for a pitcher, but it's not a huge concern for scouts because his stuff is so good. His secondary stuff needs improvement, but for his age, it's not especially behind the norm. More than anything, he just needs innings and experience, and protracted negotiations prevented him from making his debut last year.
Fun Fact: Norwell High is located in Ossian, Indiana, a small town in the northeast part of the state that was named after a third century Scottish poet.
Perfect World Projection: It's too early for anything but vague terms like 'elite power arm', but Parker's arm is definitely a special one.
Timetable: Parker will likely begin his career at in Low-A, provided he looks good enough in spring training to warrant a full-season assignment.

2. Gerardo Parra, OF
DOB: 5/6/87
Height/Weight: 5-11/197
Bats/Throws: L/L
Acquired: NDFA, 2004, Venezuela
2007 Stats: .320/.370/.435 at Low-A (110 G); .284/.303/.382 at High-A (24 G)