Nick Adenhart, the Los Angeles Angels top prospect, was killed this morning just hours after making his first start of the Major League Baseball season. Adenhart pitched six scoreless innings against the Oakland Athletics last night before the traffic accident.

It is reported that Adenhart was a passenger in a car that was passing through an intersection when a van allegedly ran a red light. Three people in the car, including the 22-year-old pitcher, were killed – two at the scene and one later at the hospital, according to a local TV station. The names of the other people killed in the accident have not been released.

Allegedly, the driver of the van fled the scene but was later captured and charged with felony hit-and-run. Major League Baseball and the Los Angeles Angels organization have yet to comment on the tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Adenhart family, the Angels organization and baseball fans everywhere.

The Prospect Watcher is already evolving and a special thank-you goes out to everyone who has shared their opinions via posting comments, as well as by sending e-mails. To make the Prospect Watcher the most effective and valuable for fantasy owners, I am going to narrow the focus to 10 rookie hitters expected to see significant at-bats over the course of the season. Now, the list of players could change slightly if one of those players is sent down to the minors. It could also be altered if a top rookie threat is promoted from the minors (Matt Wieters, I’m looking at you). As of right now, the Prospect Watcher’s ‘Follow List’ will include: Travis Snider, Elvis Andrus, Chris Getz, Brett Gardner, Chris Dickerson, Dexter Fowler, Jordan Schafer, Colby Rasmus, Cameron Maybin, and Travis Ishikawa.

American League:
Chris Getz | 2B | Chicago
Opponent: Kansas City (RHP Zack Greinke)
Result: 0-for-4, K
Trending: —
Notes: Getz is off to a modest start and is batting .250 in eight at-bats

Elvis Andrus | SS | Texas
Opponent: Cleveland (RHP Fausto Carmona)
Result: 2-for-4, home run (RHP Rafael Betancourt), 2 RBI, 2 K
Trending: —
Notes: Andrus is showing surprising pop and hit his first homer of the season after hitting just four in 482 at-bats last year.

Brett Gardner | CF | New York
Opponent: Baltimore (RHP Koji Uehara)
Result: 0-for-4, R, 5 LOB
Trending: —
Notes: Gardner is off to a slow start, hitting just .143 in seven at-bats with no walks or strikeouts.

Travis Snider | LF | Toronto
Opponent: Detroit (RHP Zach Miner)
Result: 0-for-3, 2 K
Trending: —
Notes: 0-for-6 with two strikeouts in his last two games.

National League:
Travis Ishikawa | 1B | San Francisco
Opponent: Milwaukee (RHP Yovani Gallardo)
Result: 1-for-4, R, 3 LOB
Trending: —
Notes: 3-for-9 with three RBI in two games

Chris Dickerson | OF | Cincinnati
Opponent: New York (RHP Mike Pelfrey)
Result: 0-for-3, R, RBI, BB, K
Trending: —
Notes: Two walks in two games

Dexter Fowler | OF | Colorado
Opponent: Arizona (LHP Doug Davis)
Result: 1-for-4, solo HR (Davis), 2 R, BB, K
Trending: —
Notes: Two walks and a homer in two games

Jordan Schafer | CF | Atlanta
At-Bat 1:

This season I am debuting a new feature that will hopefully catch on and also help fantasy baseball owners. The Prospect Watcher will breakdown one (or two) rookie player’s hitting performance. The format of the feature will likely evolve during the course of the season as I find out what works and doesn’t work. As well, if you have any suggestions just let me know by posting them here or by e-mailing me.

At-Bat 1:

Pitching Performance of Note: St. Louis Cardinals’ rookie Jason Motte, who earned the right to close games to begin the season with a dominating spring, blew his first save opportunity of the year, which ultimately resulted in a loss for the club. In one inning of work, Motte allowed four runs on four hits. The 4-2 game for St. Louis ended 6-4 for Pittsburgh. Freddy Sanchez, Eric Hinske and Jack Wilson all hit doubles off of Motte.

Atlanta Braves rookie Jordan Schafer got the 2009 MLB season going with a bang for his fellow rookies last night with a home run in his first Major League at-bat. One can only hope that the fireworks is a sign of good things to come from the 2009 rookie class.

Texas Rangers prospect Tommy Hunter has a good chance to see significant time in Arlington this season, even though he will begin 2009 in the minors, likely at Triple-A Oklahoma. The right-hander rocketed through the minors in 2008 after being selected in the supplemental first round of the 2007 amateur draft out of the University of Alabama.

The 22-year-old hurler threw just 17.2 innings in his pro debut in 2007 but then tossed more than 160 innings at three minor league levels in 2008. He added an additional 11 innings at the MLB level, where he was over-matched and allowed 23 hits (18.8 H/9) and 20 earned runs. In fact, Hunter was hittable at every level that he pitched, allowing 170 hits in 163.2 minor-league innings.

He did, though, show very good command with a 1.84 BB/9 rate. His strikeout rate was not as promising, as it was above 7.00 K/9 at High-A ball and in the Majors, but it was below 5.00 K/9 in Double-A and Triple-A. In total, his minor league strikeout rate was just 5.72 K/9, which is below average for a potential No. 3 starter. With experience, Hunter has room to improve his ‘K’ rate, as his repertoire includes an 89-94 mph fastball, plus curveball, slider and change-up.

Hunter will probably benefit the most if he can remain in Triple-A until at least June or July. Knowing the state of the Rangers’ pitching, though, he could very well be up by the end of April. The big league rotation currently includes Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla, Kris Benson, Brandon McCarthy, and Matt Harrison. If Hunter does appear in the Majors for a significant amount of time in 2009 then he could provide innings and maybe some wins (He also won’t hurt you in the walks department), but there will probably be a fair number of hits allowed, and possibly a low number of strikeouts. Hunter does not have the ceiling of Neftali Feliz or Derek Holland, but he’s probably more MLB ready and of more value to fantasy baseball managers in 2009.

In a bit of a surprising move, Jordan Schafer has been named the opening-day starter in center field for the Atlanta Braves. Now to be fair, this is not the same Atlanta Braves team that dominated during the ’90s and early 2000s. The much younger team is still struggling to find a new identity after a few years of disappointing results and has finished in either third or fourth place in each of the last three seasons. So it’s a great time to take a risk on some youth.

So, why is Schafer such a risk? Isn’t he one of the club’s top prospect? Well, yes he is one of the top young players in the organization, but Schafer also has spent just 84 regular season games above A-ball. He managed a batting average of just .269 in Double-A last year after missing 50 games thanks to an early-season suspension for the use of growth hormones. The talented player with modest home run results also struck out 89 times in 84 games last year (29.6 K%).

On the plus side, though, Schafer’s isolated power has increased each of the last three seasons and topped out at .202 last season, although he hit just 10 homers in 297 at-bats. He also showed the ability to produce 10-20 steals, after nabbing 12 in Double-A, and 19 the previous season (in 30 tries). Schafer is also an excellent defensive outfielder, who should save some runs with the glove.

One other word of caution about the youngster: The left-handed batter hit just .196/.306/.299 against southpaws in 2008 (.236 average lifetime), compared to .309/.416/.565 against right-handers. So that means he should probably be platooned – especially against the better left-handed pitchers. The bad news, though, is that the Atlanta roster is pretty much void of options, save perhaps for… Omar Infante? If Schafer has to play regularly against southpaws, it’s going to drag down his overall numbers and hurt fantasy owners.

If you have Schafer on your fantasy team entering the 2009 season, expect a .270 average, 10 homers and 15 stolen bases. It’s nothing to write home about, but it should be a solid base for a very good baseball career. In other words, at this point, he’s a better investment in keeper leagues.

Right-hander James McDonald earned a spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2009 starting rotation with a modest showing this spring. He allowed 21 hits in and eight walks in 19.2 innings of work. McDonald also struck out 13 batters. The club has good pitching depth and the rookie will slot in behind Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda, Randy Wolf and Clayton Kershaw.

Claudio Vargas dropped out of consideration for the No. 5 spot after allowing 25 hits in 15.1 innings. He also suffered an injury to his arm and will likely begin the year on the DL. Veteran Eric Milton, working his way back from Tommy John surgery, allowed 38 hits in 19.2 innings of work and will start the season in the minors.

McDonald has much more talent than his numbers would suggest. The 24-year-old hurler spent time in Double-A, Triple-A and the Majors in 2008. He spent the majority of the year in Double-A, where he allowed 98 hits in 118.2 innings. He posted rates of 3.49 BB/9 and 8.57 K/9. In six big league innings, McDonald allowed five hits and one walk, to go along with two strikeouts. He also pitched very well in the playoffs. McDonald’s biggest problem in his regular season debut was that he induced groundballs at a clip of just 15%. Thankfully, the Dodgers team plays in a spacious park.

He’s not overpowering, but the starter-turned-hitter-turned-starter-again has a solid repertoire, which includes a fastball that sits between 89-91 mph and can touch 94 mph. McDonald also has a plus curveball and a good change-up. His control is improving, as is his command.

The right-hander is not as flashy as 2008 rookie Kershaw, but McDonald should be a little more consistent at this point. He probably shouldn’t top 170 innings pitched in 2009, after throwing fewer than 150 innings last season (not including the playoffs). McDonald has a good shot at providing 10 wins for a solid LA club, as well as 120-130 strikeouts. Last season, the club got six wins and a 6.27 ERA out of its No. 5 starter (Brad Penny).

The transactions involving minor league prospects continue to fly across the wire. A number of players received good news: That they had earned starting jobs for opening day.

James McDonald won a starting gig in Los Angeles (NL). Scott Richmond won the fifth spot in the rotation in Toronto; veterans Wade Miller and Matt Clement will continue to follow the comeback trail from serious injuries by pitching in Triple-A. Rick Porcello, who has not pitched above High-A ball, will go every fifth day in Detroit, while former starter Nate Robertson has been banished to the bullpen. Robertson can hang out with 2008 first-round pick Ryan Perry, who made the team despite questionable control.

Rookies Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill will make up two-fifths of the rotation in Oakland. In Atlanta, Jordan Schafer won the center field job, which caused the club to trade his competition – Josh Anderson – to the Tigers. Dexter Fowler received the go-ahead to patrol center field for Colorado on opening day. An injury to Joe Mauer has allowed Jose Morales to claim the back-up catcher’s role, beating out Drew Butera.

The Florida Marlins organization has been busy. Along with picking up veteran Ross Gload from Kansas City, the club traded infielder Robert Andino to Baltimore for left-handed prospect Hayden Penn. Both players were out of options and would have had to pass through waivers if they had been demoted.

The Marlins also surprisingly released Dallas McPherson, who hit 42 homers in Triple-A last season. Gaby Sanchez, the favorite entering spring to be the club’s first baseman, was demoted to the minors after struggling all spring. The club will move Jorge Cantu across the diamond and play speedy second baseman Emilio Bonifacio (who has zero power) at third base.

The New York Yankees demoted pitcher Alfredo Aceves, who was a surprise contributor in 2008. The club also sent down Dan Giese, who saw some time in the Majors last year. The division-rival Boston Red Sox announced that Chris Carter had won a roster spot as a bench player (It’s about time he got a chance).

The Colorado Rockies finally set first baseman Joe Koshansky free on waivers but he was picked up by Texas, a club that really doesn’t need a first baseman or designated hitter, although things could clear up a bit for him if, as expected, veteran Frank Catalanotto is let go.

Despite smoking the ball and hitting more than .400, Jesus Guzman was sent to the minors by San Francisco. Cleveland reliever Edward Mujica, out of options, was dealt to San Diego.

Prospects can really try your patience at times… especially if you draft a player based on his overall athletic ability and pray that he can translate that to the ball diamond. Such was the case with the Cincinnati Reds organization and Chris Dickerson, who was drafted out of the University of Nevada in the 16th round of the 2003 draft.

He showed signs of life in 2007 and fully emerged from his cocoon in 2008 when he hit .287/.384/.479 with 11 home runs and 26 stolen bases in 349 at-bats at Triple-A. Dickerson earned a promotion to the Majors and hit .304 with six homers and five steals in 102 at-bats. If his power is for real, he has the potential to be an above-average defensive outfielder who can hit 15 homers and steal 30 bases in 500 at-bats.

The knock on Dickerson, though, is that the left-handed hitter cannot hit southpaws. In his last four minor-league seasons, he hit .223/.328/.319 against left-handed pitching, compared to .272/.364/.464 against right-handers. In 2008, though, he improved to hit .258 against southpaws, which could allow him to play regularly in the Majors if he can keep that up. If not, he could be a solid platoon player.

Dickerson, 26, could form an impressive left-field platoon with powerful Tampa Bay cast-off Jonny Gomes (currently a non-roster player having a good spring with four homers and 12 RBI). For Dickerson, spring training has had its ups and downs. He’s hitting .300 but he’s also struck out 21 times in 23 games and he’s been caught stealing five times in 11 chances.

There are still rough edges to Dickerson’s game, but he has the potential to add a little excitement to a young roster that includes second-year players Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Edinson Volquez, and Johnny Cueto. If he plays everyday, expect a healthy number of steals, some home runs, good defense and a ton of strikeouts.

With incumbent second baseman Alexei Ramirez shifting to shortstop for 2009, the keystone will be home to rookie Chris Getz this season. The 25-year-old prospect will not offer as much power at the position as Ramirez did, but he still brings a lot to the table.

In 2008, Getz hit .302/.366/.448 with 11 homers and 11 stolen bases in 404 Triple-A at-bats. He also posted rates of 9.2 BB% and 13.1 K%. In 10 games with the White Sox, Getz hit .286. Originally selected out of the University of Michigan in the fourth round of the 2005 draft, the left-handed hitter put together a career minor league average of .286. This spring, he held off challenges for the position from Brent Lillibridge (acquired from Atlanta) and Jayson Nix (a former Colorado prospect). Getz has hit well with a line of .317/.388/.433 with six walks, six strikeouts and four stolen bases in 60 at-bats.

The White Sox system does not have a surefire second base prospect coming up behind Getz, so the job should be his for awhile, unless he struggles mightily. Long term, though, he projects as more of a utility player who can play all over the infield and even in the outfield.

Lillibridge could see time at second base as well this season. The White Sox club may also rely on him as a utility player who can fill in all over the field, including the outfield. He’s done OK this spring by hitting .275 but he’s walked just once in 69 at-bats. Lillibridge has also accumulated 23 strikeouts, so his approach does not really work with his skill set, which is based on speed.

Nix had a good shot at the second base job for Chicago, after opening 2008 as the Rockies’ starting second baseman. Unfortunately he hit just .125 in 22 games and was demoted to the minors. Nix signed on with White Sox as a free agent this past off-season and was hitting .462 in 13 at-bats before straining his quad. Once he comes of the DL, he’ll have to work his way back into the picture by playing well in Triple-A.

The transaction wire is going crazy now with Major League Baseball opening day less than a week away. Teams are busy sending down top prospects right now – some of the moves surprising, others… not so much.

Two top catchers received bus tickets to Triple-A this week. Baltimore’s superstar-in-the-making Matt Wieters will begin the year in the minors, which will help delay his arbitration eligibility for the ever-cost-conscious Orioles. He certainly did not hurt his case to begin the year in the Majors with a .333 average. Former Blue Jay Gregg Zaun should be the everyday catcher until Wieters returns, possibly in May. The back-up job will probably go to former Diamondback Robby Hammock.

Seattle demoted Jeff Clement to the minors, as well. The 25-year-old appeared in 66 games for the Mariners last season, so he’s technically no longer a rookie. He really doesn’t have anything left to prove in Triple-A, but the club signed veteran Kenji Johjima to a ridiculous extension so it’s stuck with him for now. The back-up catcher will likely be Rob Johnson, who is hitting .400 this spring and plays good defense. Veterans Ken Griffey, Russell Branyan, and Mike Sweeney are also stealing time from Clement at the designated hitter or first base positions.

Oakland demoted outfielder Aaron Cunningham, who was obtained from Arizona last season in the Dan Haren trade. Cunningham batted .295 with two homers but ultimately fell victim to the club’s impressive outfield depth. Pittsburgh sent its top outfield prospect to the minors. Andrew McCutchen will start his second straight year in Triple-A. He could not have hit much better with a line of .318/.423/.561 in 66 at-bats, but the organization appears to favor veteran Craig Monroe for the opening day roster.

San Francisco demoted John Bowker, who entered spring with a good shot at winning the first-base job. He was significantly out-played by Travis Ishikawa. In Cincinnati, right-handed starter Daryl Thompson will continue to polish his game in Triple-A. Phillies’ starting-pitcher prospect Carlos Carrasco was another victim of the roster crunch. Outfielder John Mayberry Jr., obtained from Texas in the off-season for fellow former first rounder Greg Golson, was also demoted by Philly.

Some prospects also received good news this week, as former sixth-overall draft pick Ricky Romero won the No. 4 spot in the Toronto Blue Jays rotation. He was not even being considered for the role two weeks ago. The fifth spot is now down to either Scott Richmond or Brad Mills.

Brett Gardner won the center field job in in New York and the Yankees are now actively shopping Melky Cabrera. Gardner should be a great source of steals for fantasy owners. He should also score a ton of runs if he stays at the top of the batting order. James McDonald has reportedly won a spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation and could be a real sleeper in the National League Rookie of the Year race.