Sleeper Pitching Prospects for 2009

Here are some sleeper pitching prospects in 2009.

1) Nick Barnese: He already is ranked above Jeremy Hellickson and could be their #2 prospect entering 2010. He throws in the low 90's with great movement. He also throws a solid sluve and changeup. If Barnese can continue the success that he had in the NYPA league and develope that sluve into a curveball and Improve with his changeup. He could rise into the top 20 prospect range.

2) Jason Knapp: He already throws in the high 90's, but needs some work on his other pitcher. He is very young(will pitch at 18 almost all year). If he developes his other pitches. I see no reason why he couldn't be at least another Lidge or even a #1 starter.

3) Dillion Gee: Keep an eye on this kid. He will be in AA in 2009 and could end up being better than Niese and Holt who are currently ranked above him. Throws in the low 90's and has a strong changeup. Give him some time and he could become another James Shields who is a very solid pitcher.

4) Omar Poveda: He is lost among all the great prospects in Texas but could rise significantly next year if he can stay healthy all year. He throws now reportedly up to the mid 90's and has a very good changeup. If he refines everything, he could become another Volquez.

5) Trey Haley: Didn't pitch much in 2008 but has great potential. 18 years old until June and likely to pitch in the NYPA in 2009. He could make a Nick Barnese impact in the league but has even more upside than Barnese and possibly Knapp. Throws a moving fastball 90-95, a plus curveball, and an average changeup that has the potential to be much more than that. He already is being compared to Clay Buchholz and that's great praise considering Buchholz was a top 5 prospect in 2008.