Post by Saitama on May 31, 2013 14:15:24 GMT -5
What's A Glass Ceiling? 12 Guys Who Didn't Listen to Critics
Cubs RF JD Drew is the breakout star of the year so far in the NL
Players seem to come out of no where to stardom sometimes. Most notably Mike Piazza being drafted as a favor in the 62nd round of the 1988 draft, who is headed for the halls of Cooperstown. Here's a look at a dozen players, in no particular order, who made huge leaps in ability, whether in the majors or minors.
Mark Derosa - 25 - NYY - IF/CF
Before: A/G/F/F/A/A
Ceiling: Utility Infielder
After: A/G/F/A/G/G
Ceiling: Starting Infielder
Comments: Mark is enjoying his first season of relative success in the majors as a back up. Maybe it's time to give him a shot starting more often or deal him since he's being underutilized on a team that doesn't need him.
Aron Dardar - 20 - ATL - MR
Before: A/F/G/G/G
Ceiling: Setup Reliever
After: G/F/B/B/B
Ceiling: All-Star Closer
Comments: In 2-3 years Atlanta should have a closer that they can bank on making a franchise star in the role. He should be a top 5 closer in 3-4 years time without question. His groundball percentage makes him even more valuable.
Sam Curbelo - 21 - TEX - 2B
Before: A/A/P/A/A/A
Ceiling: Backup Middle Infielder
After: G/A/P/G/A/B
Ceiling: All Star Second Baseman
Comments: Curbelo went from being a future backup to a future stud. This kid is gonna love Arlington when he makes the bigs. With a little training he's the next Carl Everett or better.
Matt Morris - 25 - STL - SP
Before: A/G/G/G/A
Ceiling: #4 Starter
After: G/G/G/B/B
Ceiling: Ace Starter
Comments: Morris is racing against the clock, because if he wants to have a long successful MLB career and earn big bucks, he needs to be ready for next year. He's getting there, but he's got a little more work to do.
Nate Robertson - 22 - BOS - SP
Before: A/A/A/A/A
Ceiling: Spot Starter
After: G/A/G/G/G
Ceiling: #2/#3 Starter
Comments: Robertson is a solid replacement in a couple years for one of the older members of the aging Red Sox rotation. Keeping him is probably in their best interest. They can't keep a 110 million dollar payroll forever.
Jason Conti - 25 - STL - 1B/LF/CF
Before:A/A/G/F/G/A
Ceiling: Borderline Starting Outfielder
After: G/A/G/F/G/B
Ceiling: Starting Outfielder/First Baseman
Comments: Conti has serious upside as a #2 hitter in a lineup someday now if he develops. He's a bit on the older side, so he needs to hurry up and show continued improvement to make it.
Thomas Rumble - 25 - HOU - C
Before: F/A/P/G/A/F
Ceiling: Backup Catcher
After: A/A/P/B/G/G
Ceiling: All-Star Catcher
Comments: If he develops quickly, as per a lot of the players on this list, he could be a 40 HR threat in Houston for a long time. He needs to have his hit tool worked on though to be truly scary.
William Lee - 20 - STL - MR
Before: A/A/G/A/A
Ceiling: Middle Reliever
After: G/A/G/G/G
Ceiling: Closer
Comments: St. Louis seems to be featured quite a bit in this article. Seems they have a knack for finding gems deep in the draft. Lee should be closer material in a couple years, and that's yet another hole they can fill internally.
J.D. Drew - 24 - CHC - RF
Before: G/G/A/G/G/B
Ceiling: All Star Outfielder
After: G/G/A/B/B/B?
Ceiling: Hall of Fame Outfielder
Comments: Talk about pure talent. This guy is gonna be one of the highest paid players in the league in a few years, and well deservedly so. Only 24 and already heading towards 400 hits in his career.
Tony Torcato - 20 - NYM - 3B
Before: A/A/F/F/A/F
Ceiling: Backup Corner Infielder
After: G/A/F/F/A/G
Ceiling: Starting Third Baseman
Comments: At 20, he's got plenty of time to develop on a rebuilding Mets team. He's got the makings of a great all around Third Baseman, and should make the Mets rethink their plan to go for David Wright in the upcoming draft.
Cory Aldridge - 20 - MON - LF/RF
Before: A/A/P/A/F/A
Ceiling: Backup Outfielder
After: G/A/P/A/F/B
Ceiling: Starting Outfielder
Comments: In a system with ridiculous outfield depth, Cory is a little outmatched. Trading him for a bigger weakness shouldn't be hard. He's got amazing upside as a #2 hitter in most lineups.
Garrett Jones - 18 - HOU - 1B/RF
Before: A/G/P/A/A/A
Ceiling: Backup OF/1B
After: G/G/P/A/A/B
Ceiling: Starting OF/1B
Comments: Garrett Jones was already getting serious looks before his recent developments. He's now on of the premier upcoming 1B/OF prospects who should develop to at least a .280/.330/.450 benchmark at worst, which isn't bad from a corner outfielder.
