A Kick to the Groin

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to be a prospect on the cusp of making it to the bigs and then your team signs a veteran at your position. Gotta be like a kick to the Groin.

Austin Jackson, OF, Tigers - He was the main piece of the Curtis Granderson trade and was going to be the starting center fielder for the Tigers. That is until the Tigers just signed Johnny Damon. The Tigers no longer need to rush Jackson, and can field a solid outfield with Magglio Ordonez, Johnny Damon, and Carlos Guillen. To add insult to injury, Damon will probably be the leadoff guy, the spot that the Tiger's were looking to put Jackson in. As far as Damon goes, expect similar numbers to last year, with a few less HRs (he is in a pitchers park now as opposed to the New Yankee Launch Pad). Austin Jackson's value takes a hit. His playing time will probably be cut some, and his position in the lineup will probably be in the latter half. You have to keep an eye on him, but his big contributions may not come until next year.

Josh Thole, C, Mets - A double insult here. Thole is one of the best prospects that the Mets have, catcher or otherwise, but with TWO catcher signings, he probably won't sniff the bigs this year. The recent signing of Rod Barajas, and the past signing of Henry Blanco shows that the Mets are clearly not looking for Thole to make an impact this year. Thole is still a good prospect, but don't even look his way until 2011. Barajas is the epitome of average (when it comes to hitting), should hit around .250 with 15-20 HRs, and around 60 RBIs. Nothing here to get too excited about.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)