It is always fun to look at top tools because they are often the most exciting and awe inspiring part of a game.  Sometimes we lose perspective as to what top major league tools look like in comparison to minor leaguers.  The call on best tools in the minor leagues are often close so I have included honorable mentions.

Hitters

Speed:

Minor League: Quinn (80) – Much has been written on Quinn’s speed which is a legitimate 80 grade tool.  Honorable Mentions: Tocci, Gillies, Hudson

Major League: Revere (70) – A couple of years ago this might have been Jimmy Rollins, but Revere has near elite speed that he uses well in both the field and on the base paths. Continue reading Organizational Best Tools →

The Phillies sent Rodriguez to Baltimore it what is essentially org depth for org depth.

Julio Rodriguez broke out in 2010 when he jumped to Lakewood at age 19 and posted a 14.38 K/9 over 50+ IP, and joined May, Colvin, Pettibone, and Cosart as the “Baby Aces”.  JRod’s fastball tops out around 90 but mostly sits in the hi-80’s, he compliments it with mid-80s cutter, a fringe average changeup, and a big loopy mid-60s curveball.  Going into AA in 2012, JRod had to prove the stuff was for real and that he could possibly get some more velocity out of his big frame.  He continued to miss bats but he was hit hard and walked batters at 5BB/9IP.  He might have some success out of a bullpen but he is somewhere between org depth and 6th starter and is only 22. Continue reading Phillies trade RHP Julio Rodriguez to the Orioles for OF Ronnie Welty →