Reality Check

With all the talk of the "untouchables" in our farm system, I thought this cautionary tale was worth a read. Remember Todd Van Poppel? As sure thing pitchers go, he was about as big a disappointment as you can get. For position players, I'd rank Steve Balboni at the top of the list of major league busts. 

Two years ago, all the hot stove talk here was about the Trinity: Joba, Hughes and IPK. It's still possible that they could all put it together and anchor a dreadnought rotation for the next decade. Joba and Hughes have demonstrated that they can play a role at the major league level, but so far, neither has proven they're anything more than a # 4 starter or an 8th inning guy. And Kennedy got shellacked in his last winter league outing.

It's a big jump from AAA to MLB. You hate to trade away a prospect that turns into Mike Lowell. But the chances of that happening are less than trading away a sure thing that becomes a journeyman.

To create a little reality check, I thought I'd see who everybody thought was the biggest bust as a prospect, as well as who you think turned into the one who got away. For the one who got away nominees, consistency is key. (Last year, I would have put Dioner Navarro in the one who got away category. This year, not so much.)