So far I have to say, for $70- $80, this is a pretty good box. I mean I already have gotten some prime parallel cards, a Brett Wallace jersey and an Ike Davis autograph. Here is a look at packs 11 and 12.
Kellen Kulbacki – OF – Padres – 2007 – 1st round – Kellen had an awesome short season after being drafted where he went 0.301/8/39. The Padres moved him up to A breifly and then to A+ ball in the California League last season and he rewarded them with a 0.332/20/66 statline. Also he has a good eye around the plate because his strikout to walk ratio is actually around 1. Nice card!
Tyson Ross – P – A’s – 2008 – 2nd round – Played in 6 games after signing last season and struck out 16 in 19 innings. Not a whole lot to examine, let’s see how he does in his first pro season this year.
Daniel Moskos – P – Pirates – 2007 – 1st round – Pitched for Lynchburg last season and did miserably. He put up a 7-7/5.95/1.51 with 111 innings pitched. The Pirates are doing what they always do with young pitching. They are moving him up the ranks too fast. Look for him to return to A+ ball this season. With hopefully a better outcome.
Zach Putnam – P – Indians – 2008 – 5th round – Another late signing pitcher fraom last season who only piched in 3 games. With only 10 innings under his belt it’s tough to tell where this former U of Michigan star is going to fall talent wise. Another wait and see player.
Nick Romero – 3B – Twins – 2008 – 5th round – He had a nice season in rookie ball last year, where in short season Elizabethton he hit 0.274/7/32 in only 197 at bats. He could have the ability to be a 0.280/20/90 guy this season. Look for him in low A with a promotion to high A if he shows promise.
Pack Score – 2.0/5.0 – I like the Romero and the Kulbacki cards.
Here is pack 12:
Buck Britton – 2B – Orioles – 2008 – 35th round – He went 0.289/0/14/3 in just 149 at bats in rookie ball last season. Seems like a throw in player. He is 22 and only heading to A ball this season. Jury is still out.
Adys Portillo – OF – Padres – International Free Agent – He is only 16 and hasn’t pitched in the US yet. I say pitched because that’s what the back of the card listed him as. The front says he is an outfielder. I’m not sure what to believe so if you know let me know.
Corban Joseph – 2B – Yankees – 2008 – 4th round – One of the few early rounders to sign with the Yankees. He had a decent rookie campaign for the GCL Yankees when he went 0.277/2/18/2 in 159 at bats. He is still very young (19) and raw (out of high school). Let’s see what he can do this season.
Alex Hale – P – Red Sox – 30th round – In 7 innings pitched he struck out 7 and walked 5. This was for short season Lowell so don’t read into it too much. He projects as a closer or set up reliever.
Freddie Freeman – 1B – Braves – 2007 – 2nd round – He had a sensational season for A Rome this past season where he went 0.316/18/95/5. He also had 33 doubles so I’m guessing that as he gets older he might be a 25-30 home run guy. Clearly the best player of the pack and one to look out for in 2009.
Pack Score – 1.5/5.0 – Just not thrilled with this one.
Adys Portillo is in fact a pitcher. He was the second highest rated international prospect last year behind Michel Inoa. He is projected to be a stud. Of course, at 16, there is a lot of risk. He is definitely a name to watch.