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Originally Published: May 22, 2003

Phillies smart in how they're handling Floyd

John Sickels answers questions on a number of prospects, including the Phillies' Gavin Floyd.

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By John Sickels
Special to ESPN.com
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Josh from Richmond writes: I was wondering what you have heard about Phillies pitching prospect Gavin Floyd? He had a great year last season, but I noticed that he hasn't done nearly as well (yet) this year at Class A Clearwater.

I know he's young, he should only be a sophomore in college, but have any problems popped up with his mechanics or should we just chalk this up to growing pains? The Phillies have had decent results lately with pitching prospects and it's obvious they aren't rushing the kid by skipping minor-league levels.

Floyd is currently 4-3 with a 3.44 ERA in nine games, seven starts, for Class A Clearwater in the Florida State League. His K/BB is 51/23 in 55 innings. The walk rate is a bit high, but the strikeouts are nice. Last year, Floyd posted a 2.77 ERA and 140/64 K/BB in 166 innings in the Sally League. His performance this year isn't quite as good, but it's still just May, and a 3.44 ERA is nothing to sneeze at. His strikeout rate is actually a bit better than last year.

I don't think there is anything wrong with him; these numbers are still well within the range of expectation. Floyd remains one of the top pitching prospects in the game, no question. You're right about the Phillies taking it easy with young pitchers; they don't promote them too quickly, and it seems likely that Floyd will spend most or all of this season in the FSL. That's as it should be, in my opinion. I think teams get themselves in trouble by promoting young pitchers too quickly. Letting Floyd build a foundation of experience and success is a good idea.

Lionardo asks: Two pitchers in the Braves' pitcher-loaded farm system who do not get mentioned much, but seem to have solid "stuff," are Kyle Davies and Macay McBride. Those guys put up nice numbers last year, and are off to great starts in '03. What is your take on Davies and McBride? How do they project in the big leagues?

McBride emerged as one of the best southpaw prospects in the game last year, and is maintaining strong performance in '03. He is 3-1 with a 2.39 ERA in nine starts for Myrtle Beach in the Class A Carolina League, with a 53/18 K/BB ratio in 49 innings. He was 12-8, with a 2.12 mark last year, with 138 strikeouts in 157 innings, so his numbers are quite comparable this year. He throws hard, throws strikes, changes speeds well, and is likely the second-best pitching prospect in the Braves system behind Adam Wainwright.

Davies has received less attention than McBride, but is a good prospect in his own right. Currently 4-0 in eight starts with a 1.64 ERA, Davies has fanned 52 in 38 innings, allowing just 18 hits. His control needs work, as shown by 19 walks, but he is dominating the Sally League at Rome. His numbers in rookie ball last year were mediocre: 3.50 ERA in 14 starts, so his '03 work represents great improvement. His fastball was usually at 86-88 mph last year, but he threw 90-93 in high school, and it seems like he's getting some of the old zip back. He is certainly worth tracking closely.

White Sox fan writes: What do you think of Neal Cotts, who is pitching for Birmingham, the White Sox's Double-A affiliate? He has an unbelievable ERA. Could he be another Mark Buehrle?

Cotts was originally in the Oakland system, drafted in the second round in 2001 out of Illinois State. He came to Chicago this past winter as part of the Billy Koch/Keith Foulke trade.

Cotts is 6-1, 1.58 through nine starts at Double-A Birmingham. His strikeout rate is exceptional at 67 in 46 innings, though he's also walked 29, and better control will certainly be necessary as he moves up. He doesn't have Buehrle's precision on the mound, but his stuff is certainly good enough to succeed at the major-league level. His fastball is actually average, but he's got a great breaking ball that is basically unhittable when used properly.

We may see him in the Show later this year, but I think improved command will be needed before he'll thrive in the majors. Although he has been used as a starter so far and has had good success in that role, he may eventually end up in the bullpen.

Joseph S. asks: I'm a diehard Indians fan, and despite their poor records the last couple of years, I have found watching their youngsters at Double-A Akron, and now Class A Lake County, interesting. I know they are incredibly deep on the mound, but I just don't see the depth in hitting. I was just wondering if you see anyone capable of growing into the Albert Belle, Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez mold either in the minors or already on the big-league squad.

Rookies Brandon Phillips and Travis Hafner have been disappointing so far, but I retain faith that both will emerge as good players, Phillips especially. Although it's true that the Tribe has a bevy of pitching prospects in the minors, they also have some players with significant offensive potential. Catcher Victor Martinez at Triple-A Buffalo is off to a slow start, but has retained his strike zone judgment, and still projects as a future star in my opinion. Outfielder Coco Crisp is hitting very well and should be a solid player.

Double-A Akron features outfielders Grady Sizemore and Ryan Church. Sizemore has the athleticism to be a star if he can refine his swing, while Church is an underappreciated power/patience player. Middle infielder Maicer Izturis has a slick glove and is hitting .291 with improved patience. Another middle infielder, Rodney Choy Foo, is hitting .321 at Class A Kinston, and has gap power, speed, and some patience. Stanford product Jason Cooper is hitting .290 at Class A Lake County, and has immense power potential.

These are just the highlights. The Indians do have more pitching prospects than hitting prospects, but the system does have some intriguing batsmen, and is clearly one of the strongest farm systems in the game. The future remains bright in Cleveland, despite the struggles of the team so far in '03.

John Sickels is the author of the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book, which can be ordered from his website, JohnSickels.com. His biography of Bob Feller will be published this fall by Brassey's. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com.