Building 2012 Rosters Prospects First - Picks 81-85

81 – OF Javier Rodriguez – J-Rod was a 2nd round draft pick in 2008 that just hasn’t gotten out of the box. He reported late but hit first gear in 2010 with Kingsport. Rodriguez started the 2011 season with Savannah, hit poorly, and then something happened. He was gone. It’s hard to find out scoops on discipline stuff, and I think there was something here, but I don’t know. What I do know is he wound up in Brooklyn where he has done, well, just okay. There’s a good chance he won’t be around in the spring, but I have him back in Savannah as a fourth outfielder. – ETA – OOS 2015

82 – OF/1B – Joe Bonfe – Bonfe is a smart dude. He was a 2009 21st round pick that played third base and was basically going nowhere in the organization. He then decided to add the positions of first base and corner outfielder with an obvious eventually goal to snag a future utility position in Queens. Right now, he’s hitting .259 and will have to step it up both hit and power wise if this plan is to work. I’ll send him to St. Lucie to continue the journey. ETA: - TBD





photo by Allan Greene

 83 – RP Adam Kolarek – Kolarek has been a real pleasant surprise this year. The 6-3 LHP started slow in Kingsport (7.36), but has been spot on (7-0, 2.09, 20-G, 53-K, 17-BB, 51.2-IP) for Savannah. I have him back in Savannah next spring and probably moving on to St. Lucie at the break, but if Brant Rustich doesn’t come back, don’t be surprised if he’s not in the Lucy pen in April. ETA: - TBD

84 – P Chris Hilliard – Chris is getting passed over. He had a banner year in 2010 (9-1, 3.74) for Brooklyn, but started the season dinged up. There was no room for him in Savannah so it was back to Brooklyn (3-1, 3.48, 8-starts). Now, there are just more draft picks ahead of him. Remember, there are only 20 slots in the four rotations for full season teams. I have him coming to camp as part of a Sand Gnat piggyback, but he’s destined for the pen. – ETA: TBD

85 – RP Mike Hebert – Hebert is a 2008 preppy that’s beginning to find his way after four years in the system. He’s finishing this seen with Savannah, where he will probably start next season with. He’s still young but Rule V is lurking. ETA – TBD





Rosters So Far:


Buffalo: (17) –SP Chris Schwinden, Collin McHugh, Brandon Moore, RP Daniel Herrera, Robert Carson, Rhiner Cruz, Eric Beaulac, Jose De La Torre, IF Kai Gronauer, Alan Dykstra, Reese Havens, Jordany Valdespin, Zach Lutz, OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Fernando Martinez, Mike Baxter, Juan Lagarus


Binghamton: (20) – SP: Mike Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Jeurys Familia, Darin Gorski, Armondo Rodriguez, RP Mike Powers, Brandon Sage, Jeff Kaplan, Nick Carr, Josh Edgin, Brad Holt, IF Juan Centeno, Stefan Welsh, Rylan Sandoval, Wilfredo Tovar, Jefry Marte, OF Matt den Dekker, Cesar Puello, Pedro Zapata, Travis Ozga


St. Lucie: (21) – SP Greg Peavey, Taylor Whitenton, Angel Cuan, Tyler Pill, Ryan Fraser, RP Hamilton Bennett, Cory Mazzoni, Jack Leathersich, Yohan Almonte, Adam Kolarek, Gonzalez Germen, Chase Huchingson, IF Albert Cordero, Alonzo Harris, Wilmer Flores, Robbie Shields, Aderlin Rodriguez, OF Cory Vaughn, Gilbert Gomez, Darrell Cecilliani, Joe Bonfe


Savannah: (13) – SP Akeel Morris, Alex Panteliodis, Erik Goeddel, Logan Verrett, Marcos Camerena, RP John Church, Chris Hilliard, Mike Hebert, T.J. Chism, IF Cam Maron, Brandon Brown, Richard Lucas, OF Javier Rodriguez,


Brooklyn: (5) – SP: Michael Fulmer, Juan Urbina, Domingo Tapia, IF Phillip Evans, OF: Brandon Nimmo


Kingsport: (5) – SP Luis Mateo, Christian Montgomery, Steve Matz, OF Vincente Lupo, Eudy Pena


GCL: (0) –


DSL: (1) – IF Elvis Sanchez