Got this email recently from Tony, in LA:

If you’re going to review the Mariners, Rangers and Athletics farm systems, why aren’t you doing the Angels just to finish up the division?

Good question.  With a good answer.

No one gave two shits about the Angels’ farm system.  In fact, you are the first to request it.

But he does have a point.

So, for the sake of completion, here are the Angels…

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Prospect Report

The Angels farm system is long since lauded as one of the best in baseball and was near the top of all baseball’s systems in 2004.

One problem.

It’s not 2004.

Since then, the Angels’ system has taken a hit from numerous fronts.  Graduations have thinned out some of the top talent, as well as a great deal of busts. It is said you could construct a team out of Angels prospects that never panned out.  Combined with the losses of several high draft choices over the past few years thanks to free agent signings and what you get is a system that is weaker than in past years, but still pretty good overall.

Angels Top 15

1 – Nick Adenhart (RHP)

• DOB: 8/24/86
• Drafted:  14th Round, 2004, Maryland High School
• 2008 Club:  Salt Lake City Bees (Triple A)
• Height/Weight: 6-4/190
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:  Adenhart was regarded to be one of the top pitching talents in the 2004 draft, but injury and subsequent Tommy John Surgery hurt his standing.  However, the Angels loved what they saw from Adenhart from before the draft and took a flyer on him in the 14th.  The result was that Adenhart bounced back well and dominated the minors and this year reached Double A at the tender age of 20.  However, he wasn’t nearly as good as expected. 
• The Good: Adenhart has the stuff to be a front of the line starter, as he’’s got a good fastball that sits in the low to mid 90's with great movement and his changeup is the best in the system.  His curveball has the potential to be a plus pitch in time.  He’s got good size and his mechanics are good.  For the most part, his command and control are solid.
• The Bad:  Adenhart was finally hit hard for the first time in his minor league career.  He tends to overthrow his fastball and his curve can flatten out at times, leading to the long ball.  When he’s under pressure, he tends to nibble at the corners, which leads to him falling behind in the count.  According to Kevin Goldstein, he’s also a very slow starter, and doesn’t get really into the game until the second or third inning.
• Projection: Average.  Though Adenhart did struggle at times in Double A, he is one of of the best right handed prospects in the minors.  Plus, keep in mind that he's still only 20 and could benefit from some more development time.
• What He Can Be:  A Number Two Starter
• 2008 Course Of Action:  Adenhart will likely be given an invite to Major League Spring Training to be looked at by the more advanced Angels brass to take stock in him before he’s sent back down, this time to Triple A (and I’ll be able to scout him personally in Albuquerque).  He’ll likely make his major league debut at some point during the season before reaching Anaheim for good in 2009. 

2 – Brandon Wood (3B/SS)

• DOB: 3/2/85
• Drafted: 1st round, 2003, Arizona High School
• 2008 Club:  Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
• Height/Weight: 6-3/185
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:  Probably the most overhyped prospect in the system, Wood’s stock has tumbled in each of the last two seasons.  He’s still very good and would be a first round pick if he had gone to college, but he’s not the superstar people projected him to be.
• The Good: Wood may be a bit of a noodle, but he's got great power potential in his frame and he should hit for plenty of power.  He’s got a quick bat and strong wrists, which allow him to hit to all fields.  He's got a strong arm and looked good at third base, though he could still move back to shortstop if needed. 
• The Bad:  Wood long swing has resulted in a great deal of strikeouts.  While this wasn’t such a big issue before, the massive amount of strikeouts Wood put up last year is now officially a cause of concern, making one wonder if he might have trouble hitting for average in the majors.  He also isn’t very athletic, and will degrade as he gets older.
• Projection:  Low. The Angels should just go ahead and turn over the job to Wood, as he's clearly a better option that Chone Figgins and the other numerous busts they've run out there.  
• What He Can Be: An Solid Third Baseman That Hits in the middle of the lineup.
• 2008 Course Of Action:  Wood should finally get the chance to play everyday at third base  .If the Angels don't give him the job, it's a mistake.

3 – Jordan Walden (RHP)

• DOB: 11/16/87
• Drafted: 12th Round, 2006, Grayson County Community College (D&F)
• 2008 Club:  Cedar Rapids Kernals (Low A)
• Height/Weight: 6-4/180
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:  Walden entered the 2006 draft with the tag as the best high school prospect in the draft.  However, signability concerns as well as the fact that Walden lost velocity caused him to fall.  The Angels took a flier on him and drafted him in the 12th and Walden turned down a scholarship from Texas, opting instead to attend Grayson County to keep his status alive.  The Angels paid him $1 million to sign and Walden agreed, giving the Angels yet another talented pitcher in their organization.  ####.
• The Good: Walden has greatly improved since high school, with is fastball sitting at 93-95 mph and touching 99.  His slider and changeup are also greatly improved and offset his fastball well.  He has a classic pitcher’s build and his delivery is looser as well.
• The Bad:  Walden's delivery is still somewhat stiff and command still needs to continue to be refined.  His breaking stuff still needs to be refined.
• Projection:  Average.  Walden is still growing as a player, as seen from his Pioneer League stats, but so far so good, as his peripherals look good.
• What He Can Be:  Potentially, an ace, but there is a huge gap between that and what he is.  A gap largely the size of the state of Rhode Island.
• 2008 Course of Action:  Walden will likely start the season in the Midwestern League, where he’ll likely stay the whole season, but the million the Angels paid for him is looking like a steal.  Still, don’t expect to see him anytime soon. 

4 – Hank Conger (C)

• DOB: 1/29/88
• Drafted: 1st round, 2006, California High School
• 2008 Club:  Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A)
• Height/Weight: 6-0/205
• Bats/Throws: S/R
• The Skinny: The 2006 Draft’s top prep catcher hit fairly well down in the Midwestern League, to the tune of .290/.336/.472 in 84 games.  However, he also missed time due to back problems. 
• The Good: Conger is perhaps the best pure hitting prospect in the Angels’ minors right now.  He has a highly advanced approach to hitting, has the ability to hit for power on both sides of the place and can work the count well.  Many praise his maturity and leadership and he’s said to be a good student of the game. 
• The Bad: Conger’s defense is below average and there are concerns with his back issues that he may not be able to remain behind the plate long term.
• Projection:  High.  He has the potential to be an offensive catcher, similar to Michael Barrett, provided that he stays behind the plate.  He’d also be a good third baseman as well.
• What He Can Be:  A Offensive Minded Catcher
• 2008 Course Of Action: Conger will mead to Rancho Cucamonga for the year and if he does well, it would greatly change the Angels’ plans for Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli. 

5 – Sean O’Sullivan (RHP)

• DOB: 9/1/87
• Drafted: 3rd round, 2005, California High School
• 2008 Club:  Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A)
• Height/Weight: 6-1/220
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:: O’Sullivan had a very good year down in the Midwestern League and posted a 1.77 ERA in 14 starts after the All Star break. 
• The Good: O’Sullivan is a pitcher that doesn’t have good stuff, but he’s got good command and control over it, giving him results.  His fastball clocks in the high 80’s/low 90’s, with plenty of sinking action, allowing him to get groundballs.  His slider and changeup are average pitches and both can get hitters out. 
• The Bad: O’Sullivan lacks any really special pitch and his stuff will limit just how good he can be.  He doesn’t have mutch of a pick off move and is easy to run on.
• Projection: Average.  O’Sullivan should be okay, maybe a Joe Blanton type of pitcher that doesn’t dominate, but does a lot of things well.  I don’t like him as much as other people do, but he’s probably one of the more advanced prospects in the Angels system, which is why he’s here.
• What He Can Be: A Number Four Starter
• 2008 Course of Action: O’Sullivan gets his first real test in the California League, where he’ll join Hank Conger to form one of the more interesting batteries in the circuit.

6 – Sean Rodriguez (SS)

• DOB: 4/26/85
• Drafted: 3rd round, 2003, Florida High School
• 2008 Club:  Salt Lake City Bees (Triple A)
• Height/Weight: 6-0/190
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:  After a breakout season in 2006, Rodriguez came back to earth after disappoint in Double A, hitting  .254/.345/.423.
• The Good: Rodriguez is a well-rounded player who has a patient approach to hitting and has good pop.  He’s a solid defender with soft hands that can also play a pretty good centerfield.
• The Bad: Rodriguez is good at most of the facets of his game, but he doesn’t have any tool that stands out.  His range is below average and would be best off as a second baseman.  His swing is a bit complex and will result in high strikeout totals.
• Projection: Fair.  There’s not a whole lot left for Rodriguez to improve on.  He is what he is, a average shortstop prospect that would be a fairly good second baseman.  He might be best off in a super-utility role, a la Chone Figgins.
• What He Can Be: An average starting shortstop that might have more value as an outstanding utility player.
• 2008 Course Of Action: Rodriguez is slated to start the year at Triple-A, though it’s hard to figure out how he fits into the Angels’ immediate future. 

7 – Peter Bourjos (CF)

• DOB: 3/13/87
• Drafted: 6th round, 2005, Arizona High School
• 2008 Club:  Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A)
• Height/Weight: 6-1/175
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny: After missing time due to injuries, Burjos finally put his tools together in the Midwestern League, hitting .274/.335/.426 in the Midwestern League, and showed much promise when he was able to take the field. 
• The Good: Bourjos’ has a good package of tools, among the best in the organization.  He is a burner in the outfield and plays a great centerfield, showing good instincts, hands and range.  He makes good contact with the bat and has a little pop to him.  He also should be a very dangerous stolen base threat in the majors. 
• The Bad: Because his power potential is limited, Bourjos is best off as a leadoff man, so he needs to become more patient at the plate and attempt to up his walk totals in order for him to have value.  He also needs to better utilize his speed, as he has trouble reading pitchers and needs to get a better idea of when to run and when to hang back. 
• Projection: Average.  Borujos could be a very solid player if he continues to improve his skill set and use his tools to the fullest.  A lot of it means him having to accept his weaknesses and work on what he does well.  However, if he does, look for a breakout.
• What He Can Be: An every day centerfielder
• 2008 Course Of Action: Bourjos will be headed to Rancho Cucamonga, which is beginning to shake out to be quite a prospect filled team thus far, joining Conger and O’Sullivan. 

8 – Matt Sweeney (3B)

• DOB: 4/4/88
• Drafted: 8th round, 2006, Maryland High School
• 2008 Club:  Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A)
• Height/Weight: 6-3/210
• Bats/Throws: L/R
• The Skinny: Regarded to be a first round talent, Sweeney fell due to signability issues, but that didn’t stop the angels from signing him.  Since then, he’s been impressive, with his signature moment being his rocket home run off of Dodgers phenom Clayton Kershaw in the Midwest League All-Star game.
• The Good: Sweeney has a lot of power and the ability to make contact with the ball.  He also shows thea bility to hit the ball to all fields and will pounce on mistakes. 
• The Bad: Sweeney isn’t much of an athlete and he’s also a horrible third baseman, with bad range and stone hands.  He’s likely going to be a first baseman and he also is going to strike out a lot thanks to a swing that has several holes in it. 
• Projection:  High.  Because he’s not much of a defender, his bat is going to have to carry him at first base.  Fortunately for him, it looks like the bat can play anywhere.  Sweeney’s power makes his long term outlook very favorable for the Angels, who could use more thunder in what has been one of the worst power hitting lineups in baseball. 
• What He Can Be: A slugging first baseman.
• 2008 Course Of Action: Jesus, can the Quakes get any more prospects.  With Sweeney and Conger batting in the lineup, that’s going to be a lot of thunder in the Number Three and Four Holes. 

9 – Jon Bachanov (RHP)

• DOB: 1/30/89
• Drafted: 1st Round (S), 2007, Florida High School
• 2008 Club:  Arizona Angels (Rookie)
• Height/Weight: 6-4/210
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:  A quick riser near the draft, the Angels were happy to see that he was available in the first round.  However, it should be noted that a much better pitcher in Matt Harvey was available with the same pick and the Angels may have ####ked up by passing him over.
• The Good: A really raw, but really good talent, Bachanov is a classic power pitcher that uses his arsenal well.  He has a low 90’s fastball that clocks as high as 96 and he doesn’t shy away from contact.  He’s also got a good slider as well to compliment the heater.  He’s also got quite a mound presence, almost Clemens-esque.
• The Bad: As I said, Bachanov is still raw – really raw, but he’s got the tools to succeed.  His slider is a plus pitch when it’s on and his tinkering with a changeup and a cutter.  His control is inconsistent and many felt that he had some makeup issues before the draft. 
• Projection: Very High.  Bachanov is a high risk, high reward player, but he could pay big dividends for the Angels in time.  Still, it’s going to take a lot of time, as he’s a major project that needs a lot of attention.
• What He Can Be: A front of the line starter
• 2008 Course Of Action: Bachanov signed too late to pitch, so he’s likely going to begin the year in extended spring training before pitching for the Angels’ complex team in Phoenix. 

10 – Mason Tobin (RHP)

• DOB: 7/8/87
• Drafted: 16th round, 2007, Everett Community College
• 2008 Club:  Cedar Rapids Kernals (Low A)
• Height/Weight: 6-3/210
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny: Pitching at Everett Community College in Washington this year, Tobin didn’t get too much attention as he was a draft and follow by the Braves.  Instead, Tobin would re-enter the draft and got a nice $120,000 as a 16th-round pick, making this a scouting coup for the Angels. 
• The Good: Tobin is a good pitcher with nice mechanics and good size.  He has plenty of heat, throwing 90-94 mph with his fastball, and touching 96 at times.  He also has a good changeup and works efficiently. 
• The Bad: Tobin’s slider needs to be refined, as it’s his only weakness of his arsenal.  For the most part, a lot of his flaws are really just because he’s inexperienced. 
• Projection: Moderate.  Tobin is a solid prospect that is a few years away, but should give the Angels some more pitching help in time.
• What He Can Be:  A successful third starter.
• 2008 Course Of Action: Tobin is ready for his full-season debut at Cedar Rapids, but he won’t be anywhere near California for the next three years or so.

11 – Terry Evans (RF)

• DOB: 1/19/82
• Drafted: 47th round, 2001, Middle Georgia JUCO (D&F – Cardinals)
• 2008 Club:  Salt Lake City Bees (Triple A)
• Height/Weight: 6-3/200
• Bats/Throws: R/R
•  What he did in 2006: .After a breakout season, Evans did nothing to disqualify himself, hitting .316/.352/.512 for the Bees with 15 Home Runs and 75 RBI’s. 
• The Good: An athletic player, Evans hits for some power, has good range and has a strong arm in the outfield.  He’s got power to all fields and is quick on the basepaths. 
• The Bad: Evans has a long swing built for power and will strike out a lot, which could hinder his ability to hit for average. 
• Projection: Low. Evans is ready, but the Angels outfield situation is blocked, meaning that we could see him dealt elsewhere for some talented prospects that are farther off.
• What He Can Be: A starting right fielder
• 2008 Course Of Action: Really, I think it’s time for the Angels to do something with Evans, as the longer he stays down in Triple A, the more people are going to think he’s just a backup or career minor leaguer.  The Angels should probably start shopping Evans, or at the very least seeing if there is any interest out there for him.

12 – Stephen Marek (RHP)

• DOB: 9/3/83
• Drafted: 40th round, 2004, San Jacinto (Texas) JUCO - DNF
• 2008 Club:  Arkansas Travelers (Double A)
• Height/Weight: 6-2/200
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny:  After a promising debut last season, Marek did fairly well in the California League and finished the year 8-10, with a 4.30 ERA. 
• The Good: Marek pounds the strikezone with a low 90’s fastball that reaches 95 and can actually touch 97 if he rears back for a bit more veclocity.  His curveball is a plus pitch with late break.  He’s got the ability to log in innings and his mechanics are good. 
• The Bad:  Marek’s yet to get his changeup developed, and as a result it’s far behind his heater and his curve.  He works primarily off of his fastball and he needs to do a better job of mixing his pitches.  Finally, he’s lagging behind in his development, as he’s already 24 and is just barely finishing High A when he already should be in Triple A. 
• Projection: Low.  Marek needs to hurry up and his average showing in the California League means that he needs to take quite a few steps forward if he’s to remain high on the Angels’ prospect lists.
• What He Can Be: Number Three Starter
• 2008 Course Of Action: Marek will be starting for the Travelers, but the Angels may decide to promote him to Salt Lake at mid season in hopes of accelerating his development and getting him near ready as soon as possible.   

13 – Chris Pettit (OF)

• DOB: 8/15/84
• Drafted: 19th Round, 2006, Loyola Marymount
• 2008 Club:  Arkansas Travelers (Double A)
• Height/Weight: 6-0/193
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny: After a fairly average year at Loyola Marymount, the Angels in the later rounds of the 2006 Draft snapped up Pettit.  There, he hit.336/.445/.566 for Orem in the Pioneer League, but was seen as a college veteran beating up on younger competition.  However, he hit.346/.429/.579 for Low A Cedar Rapids and hit .309/.395/.502 with the Quakes in the second half of the season.  So, his stock has risen from sleeper to legitimate prospect, though he’s a bit hard to make out at this point in time. 
• The Good: A solid hitter, Pettit has good power, solid plate discipline and can defend fairly well.  He’s got some speed on the basepaths   He’s a fairly decent athlete as well.
• The Bad: There’s not a lot to go on, so you’re simply wondering at this point if Pettit is merely beating up on talent younger than him or if he really is this good.  He’s also not going to be an impact player, but merely a solid contributor.
• Projection:  Fair.  It’s hard to gauge Pettit.  He certainly seems like he could be an average regular, or a very good fourth outfielder, but he’s just so hard to gauge.  One comparison that has been thrown around is Rusty Greer, which actually fits him to a certain extent.  To use an Angels reference, I would say he’s a poor man’s Garret Anderson..
• What He Can Be: An everyday left fielder
• 2008 Course Of Action: Pettit is likely headed to Arkansas to begin the year with the Travelers, and will make his major league debut sometime next year.  However, the Angels find it hard to find a spot for him, thanks to a very bad outfield situation with a lot of long term money tied up and not a lot of playing time. 

14 – Hainley Statia (SS)

• DOB: 1/19/86
• Drafted:  9th Round, 2004, Florida High School
• 2008 Club: Arkansas Travelers (Double A)
• Height/Weight: 5-10/160
• Bats/Throws: S/R
• The Skinny:  Finally leaving the lower minors, Statia continued his development from last year, starting slowly, but heating up as the year went on.  Overall, he hit.288/.379/.723 with 3 home runs, 74 RBI’s, 29 stolen bases, though at the cost of his plate discipline.
• The Good:  Statia has a good feel for contact and is a fantatsic defensive palyer with good range, a strong arm, and soft hands.  He has also begun to harness his speed, cutting down on his caught stealing attempts. 
• The Bad: Statia doesn’t hit for much power and the regression on his plate discipline is a concern.  He’s also doesn’t have blazing speed, but he’s got enough to be a threat. 
• Projection:  Average.  Statia is a nice prospect, but not awesome, but he could have a career as a Cesar Izturis type shortstop that is an exceptional defender with a decent bat.  Actually, change that, he might be more similar to Omar Vizquel.  Still, an improvement on his plate discipline should work wonders for him.
• What He Can Be: An exceptional starting shortstop that could hit second in the lineup.
• 2008 Course Of Action: Statia is heading up to Arkansas, where he’ll be the starting shrotstop for the Travelers and should be one of the more exciting players on the circuit.

15 – Rich Thompson (RHP)

• DOB: 7/1/84
• Signed:  2002, Australia
• 2008 Club:  Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
• Height/Weight: 6-1/180
• Bats/Throws: R/R
• The Skinny: After years of mediocrity, Thompson finally proved himself to be a solid potential prospect after posting a 2.01 ERA with a 85/20 K to walk ratio in 78 innings.
• The Good: Thompson has two plus pitches, with a fastball that reaches 84 and a spike curve that is a major league out pitch.  He’s got some deception thanks to his delivery and he is able to get both lefties and righties out with little trouble. 
• The Bad: Thompson tends to work high up in the zone, which was why he gave up 4 dingers in 6.2 innings during a brief big league stint.  His stuff, while good, isn’t closer worthy.
• Projection:  None.  Thompson is a pretty good reliever that could setup for the Angels, maybe even carve a career similar to Luis Viscaino if he’s able to be durable.  
• What He Can Be:  A quality setup man
• 2008 Course Of Action: Thompson will likely make the big league club out of Spring Training.  Where he goes from there is up to him.

Final Notes

All in all, this isn’t the Angels system that was supposed to be churning out superstars, but overall, there are a lot of good players here that can be used to build upon.  The big problem with the Angels is that they’ve lost a great deal of talent due to graduations and attrition, plus the loss of key draft picks has thinned the system out.  However, with time, if any of these guys makes a huge leap forward, the system will be considerably better.