Dirtbags Baseball - Long Beach State 49ers

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Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Tulo, McAnulty, Make Baseball America Top 10 Prospects Lists

Baseball America ranks former Dirtbag Troy Tulowitzki the #2 prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization (no link to story, paid subscription area). BA had this to say about Tulo, who hit .266 in limited action (94 ABs) with a .343 OBP (9 walks) and .457 slugging percentage (6 doubles, 4 HRs) in his pro debut at advanced Class A Modesto (California League):

Background: Tulowitzki has been compared to Bobby Crosby since succeeding him at shortstop for Long Beach State. The seventh overall pick in the 2005 draft, he signed for $2.3 million. He went straight to high Class A, and the only negative in his pro debut was a torn quadriceps that limited him to 22 games.

Strengths: Most scouts think Tulowitzki is slightly ahead of Crosby, the 2004 American League rookie of the year, at the same stage of their careers and a better fit at shortstop. Tulowitzki has the stroke, strength and bat speed to hit 25-30 homers annually. Though he's big, he doesn't sacrifice any athleticism. He has above-average range and arm strength, and his exceptional instincts allow him to extend his range.

Weaknesses: Tulowitzki sometimes can get out of control and too aggressive at the plate. He could control the strike zone a little better. A broken hamate bone in the spring and the torn quad restricted his development in 2005.

The Future: Despite the injury, Tulowitzki should be able to handle the jump to Double-A for his first full season. He could be Colorado's starter by 2007.

Former Dirtbag Paul McAnulty ranks as the #8 prospect in the San Diego Padres organization, according to BA. They have this on Paul, who made his Major League debut in 2005:

Background: Former Padres scout Jason McLeod (now Red Sox scouting director) and West Coast crosschecker Chris Gwynn fell in love with McAnulty's bat at Long Beach State in 2002, when he hit .360-9-55. He won the Rookie-level Pioneer League batting title at .379 in his pro debut and hit his way to the big leagues in three years.

Strengths: McAnulty has a quick bat, quiet swing mechanics and no problem hitting lefties. He shows good patience at the plate and crushes mistakes. He's a gritty player who always gives full effort.

Weaknesses: Though he's a better athlete than his stocky frame suggests, McAnulty offers little more than his bat. He has below-average speed and arm strength. He lacks the power to profile as an everyday first baseman or corner outfielder, and he's no better than an adequate defender at those spots.

The Future: McAnulty has little chance at earning a full-time job in spring training, so he's likely ticketed for a return to Triple-A. He could emerge as a valuable bat off San Diego's bench.

posted on 12/14/2005 by Jeff Agnew

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