Jason Castro Promoted

The Houston Astros have promoted one of their very few young prospects, Jason Castro. Castro, who will catch Roy Oswalt in his debut, will bat seventh and look to get on base. His overall game resembles AJ Pierzeinski in that both are physically tall, left-handed, intelligent, and good team leaders. To say the least, the Moabs are excited with Castro's future as one of the game's best catching prospects.

Jose, can you sing?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have attempted to sell some tickets by exploring the potential lineup of young hitters. Following the footsteps of burgeoning star Andrew McCutchen, the Pirates promoted Brooklyn Moab Jose Tabata. The outfielder has been an instant sparkplug in the lineup with six runs scored in ten games. Although his average is bordering the infamous Mendoza Line, Tabata has been getting on-base setting the table for McCutchen.

The Moabs have very few plans for Tabata this season joining McCutchen and Victorino in the outfield, but are delighted to see him getting an opportunity. "We expect him to step in and get some doubles and use his speed to turn singles into doubles by stealing second base. And it's because of that speed that we are so intrigued with his potential as he will get his base hits, extra-base hits and steals culminating in runs scored," commented a Moab official. "This is especially exciting considering that A-Mc will be the one driving him in."

Say it isn't Tulo!

What all die-hard Brooklyn Moab fan's feared most has occurred, a long-term injury to the Moab's team leader, Troy Tulowitzki. Tulowitzki who was batting fifth for most of the year while playing Gold Glove caliber defense was hit with a high heater on the backside of his wrist. The pitch effectively ended Tulo's summer with some optimism that he may return come post-season. The issue for management is that the post-season seems an awful distant hope considering the lack of run support with Tulo in the lineup. Now take out one of its best, seems bleak from the bleachers.

King Julio?

The Atlanta Braves have promoted their most impressive young prospect, Julio Teheran. The Moabs' fifth round pick in this season's 2010 draft, Teheran has been almost unhittable in low A ball. But with seven starts under his belt, the Braves felt it was past his time to be promoted to high class A ball. He had an ERA of 1.14, 41 K in 35.1 IP. Most impressively, JT surrendered only 23 hits and walked on 10 resulting in a WHIP of .84. Teheran's progressed will be closely monitored by the Brooklyn organization that will dictate when JT will be promoted to Double A Flint.

Free Agents to Compliment

Brooklyn added organizational depth on the first day of free agent signings. Two of the team's seven additions will be on the team's 25 man roster, if they have a good, healthy spring. Lefty Billy Wagner will add strike out potential and consistency along with Francisco Rodriguez in stabilizing a young pen. Many believe that its the organization's hope that Wagner will mentor Jose Mijares, who had rubbed management the wrong way after reporting late to camp after missing a flight. "Well missing a flight is certainly not professional behavior," commented manager Mike Scioscia. "I sat him down to have a quick talk. I got the point, which the media does not need to know. We're good though."

The Moabs added another character guy in Mike Cameron. Although the outfield appears stacked, rumors have it that the team may be shopping Shane Victorino. Another hope is that Cameron will mentor the fantastic rookie, Andrew McCutchen. "Young Cam's game resembles that of Andrew's. Both men have wheels, defensive awareness, power, and ability to hit for strong average," stated GM Caskey.

Filling out the organization's roster is UTL Brandon Inge, C Dioner Navarro, OF Melky Cabrera, and RHPs JJ Putz and Jeremy Accardo. Clearly the Moabs are suited for a serious run at October: "Now we have two backup catchers (Inge and Navarro), utility player (Inge), an outfielder who can play all three positions (Melk man) and two power arms who have low cost but potentially pennant changing rewards in Putz and Accardo."

What doesn't need to be stated is that the team now has the depth to move a package of players to acquire a player to fill a hole in the lineup, bullpen, or rotation.

Draft 2010

The Brooklyn front office came away ecstatic with the results of the draft. The organization came away with a sure-fire ace in Justin Verlander. In exchange for staple Roy Oswalt, catching prospect JP Arencibia, and a couple of eighth round picks, Brooklyn added a frontline pitcher that has a manageable salary over the next few seasons. He will immediately team up with Jon Lester, Scott Baker, James Shields, and Ubaldo Jimenez to form a very talented, young, experienced, rotation.

The Moabs drafted several key members moving forward and added to its organizational depth.
1) Casey Kelly, RHP
2) Sean Rodriguez, 2B/UTL
3) Francisco Liriano, SP
4) Compensated to Frostbite Falls for loss of Liriano
5) Julio Teheran, RHP
6) Jose Iglesias, SS
7) Alex Avila, C
8) Traded to St. Francis
8) Acquired via Worcester (loss of Saltalamacchia) Traded to St. Francis
Comp) Madison Youninger, RHP
Comp) Edward Salcedo, SS/3B

Clearly the organizational scouting spent time on hard throwing, high potential arms and toolsy, but gritty position players. Madison Youninger is described as extremely raw and unique for his powerful arm, good offspeed curve, and good feel despite relative inexperience. The organization is extremely high on Youninger and expect him to be a key in a couple of years. It is likely that the organization will take it slow with him. However, Kelly could impact the roster as early as September or next season, which is amazing considering his age and relative inexperience after giving up shortstop. One reason Kelly gave up playing everyday was Cuban Defector Jose Iglesias, who's glove is absolutely major league ready. He may not hit enough to be everyday BARB leaguer but simply can catch the ball enough to be extremely valuable. Potentially in Triple A Flint, Iglesias' double play partner may be Sean Rodriguez. If Rodriguez does not make the big league Brooklyn squad as a "super sub," his powerful bat should be an asset in Brooklyn soon enough.

Joining Kelly in the Flint rotation will be Julio Teheran. The organization has made it known that they try to avoid drafting Atlanta Braves prospects due to the management's deep feelings for the deep South's club, but Teheran was a Panamanian arm that could not be resisted. He has possibly the highest upside of any arm in the organization and to get him in the fifth round was an absolute steal. Fellow Brave, Edward Salcedo will compete to man the hot corner in Flint, but more likely will be reassigned to Double A Syracuse. He is a young powerful man who is expected to hit for serious power. Scouts have likened him similarly to a young Alex Rodriguez or Manny Ramirez for his lanky frame, quick bat speed from quick wrists and strong hands. Although drafted as a shortstop, he is likely to slide over to play 3B.

Alex Avila is another bulldog character type that will fit nicely in the system. He has tremendous upside after converting to catcher. He will be in competition along with non-roster invitees to be Brian McCann's primary backup. Lastly, the Moabs selected Liriano from the Frostbite organization. Although his stats do not stand out alone, he is a fierce competitor that can be truly filthy. He had a great winter and spring, and his value could not be ignored.