mikeyjay21:I found these interesting, especially with Gamel. Brewer fans seem to have launched Gamel into the same upper tier status as LaPorta. But I think his big season in AA is causing him to be a bit overrated. Not only is defense a problem, but consider that scouts initially felt he had a lower ceiling than LaPorta for a reason, and the fact that he's only in AA so he can work with Don Money. There is a chance that these AA stats are a bit misleading and that he might not be able to adjust as well to major league pitching, and all things being equal, I'd say he's still a step below the top prospects in the league. I am not at all as comfortable with writing Gamel into the future lineups as others seem to be.
Anyone who has questioned Gamel's status as a prospect is only concerned about his defense.
He has a lower ceiling than LaPorta in terms of power, not with his bat overall. LaPorta is projected to be about a .260 hitter with 35-40 home runs. Gamel is projected to be a .290-.300 hitter with 20-25 home runs. I will take Gamel's bat any day of the week...especially one who can spray it to all sides of the field.
I understand the concern about his defense. He is below-average at third, but he is getting better...even if it is slowly. There are places to hide his defense if he cannot figure out third base -- and the Brewers are pretty committed to keeping him there. The Crew can stick him in left and move Braun or Hart to center. They can put him at first base if Doug decides to move Prince in the coming years.
With that said, Gamel is the best prospect in Milwaukee's system. His bat is special. Just because you cannot hit 40 homers a year does not mean you have a lower ceiling than someone who can. It's easy to forget that Gamel is hitting .370+ in a pitcher-friendly league. Scouts say the ball absolutely jumps off his bat and have heard comparables to hitters like Joe Mauer and Adrian Gonzalez. They don't have 40 homer a year power, but I'm pretty sure they would be welcome additions to the team...