Fantasy Baseball Prospects

Scott Evans

Washington Nationals 2011 Minor League Review

| Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 10 Comments

by:

Washington Nationals 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (14) | 2010 (24) | 2009 (21) | 2008 (10) | 2007 (30) | 2006 (24)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [80-81] NL East

AAA: [66-74] International League – Syracuse

AA: [80-62] Eastern League – Harrisburg

A+: [68-71] Carolina League – Potomac

A: [75-64] South Atlantic League – Hagerstown

A(ss): [45-30] New York-Penn League – Auburn

The Run Down

There would’ve been a few more guys to discuss here, had the Nationals not gutted their system in acquiring Gio Gonzalez.  Their top two pitching prospects (Brad Peacock & A.J.

Please, blog, may I have some more?
Scott Evans

Texas Rangers 2011 Minor League Review

| Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 3 Comments

by:

Texas Rangers 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (15) | 2010 (2) | 2009 (1) | 2008 (4) | 2007 (28) | 2006 (16)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [96-66] AL West

AAA: [87-57] Pacific Coast League – Round Rock

AA: [79-61] Texas League – Frisco

A+: [72-67] Carolina League – Myrtle Beach

A: [79-58] South Atlantic League – Hickory

A(ss): [35-41] Northwest League – Spokane

The Run Down

Being that we’re discussing fantasy baseball here, I feel compelled to focus on the measurables of the players I highlight, and justifiably so; the game we’re playing is based entirely on these calculable elements, after all.  This group of Rangers prospects, however, is difficult to calculate.  We’re dealing with a first-year guy out of Japan, a second-year guy out of Cuba, an 18-year-old, and a handful of promising arms who’ve yet to pan out, production-wise.  There are, of course, some exceptions.  Both Mike Olt and Jurickson Profar impressed in A-ball.  Neil Ramirez had nice marks, too, and De Los Santos struck out, like, everyone.  But for the most part, the numbers here aren’t the attraction.  The potential is the attraction.  That’s not to suggest that I’m not excited about these Texas Rangers prospects.  Actually, I really look forward to tracking this system and I believe it’ll produce significant fantasy value in years to come – 2012 included.

Please, blog, may I have some more?
Scott Evans

Los Angeles Angels 2011 Minor League Review

| Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 1 Comment

by:

Los Angeles Angels 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (15) | 2010 (26) | 2009 (25) | 2008 (11) | 2007 (4) | 2006 (4)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [86-76] AL West

AAA: [62-82] Pacific Coast League – Salt Lake

AA: [68-69] Texas League – Arkansas

A+: [69-71] California League – Inland Empire

A: [61-68] Midwest League – Cedar Rapids

R: [46-30] Pioneer League – Orem

The Run Down

Unfortunately for the likes of Mike Trout and Garret Richards, the Angels spent big this offseason, and in turn, they seem to have clogged up any prospect throughways.  Barring injury, I don’t see much opportunity in 2012 for this Los Angeles farm system.  Trout is a top overall prospect and anyone drafting in keepers should definitely consider him.  Richards will compete for the fifth starter role, and there are a handful of arms who could get a chance in the bullpen, but beyond that, there isn’t much fantasy relevance just yet.  Looking a little further ahead, the Angels’ system could yield quite a bit of fantasy production, as Trout and Richards settle into regular roles along with Jean Segura and 2010 first-rounder, Kaleb Cowart.

Please, blog, may I have some more?
Scott Evans

Chicago Cubs 2011 Minor League Review

| Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 4 Comments

by:

Chicago Cubs 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (16) | 2010 (14) | 2009 (27) | 2008 (18) | 2007 (18) | 2006 (15)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [71-91] NL Central

AAA: [66-77] Pacific Coast League – Iowa

AA: [83-57] Southern League – Tennessee

A+: [76-61] Florida State League – Daytona

A: [60-79] Midwest League – Peoria

A(ss): [36-40] Northwest League – Boise

The Run Down

The Cubs’ MLB-ready talent doesn’t extend too far beyond Anthony Rizzo and Brett Jackson.  A few relief prospects and a backup catcher could crack the big league roster, but there aren’t a slew of guys here who are ready to contribute in the majors.  Even so, Rizzo and Jackson alone are sufficient to generate fantasy buzz.  And behind them, the Cubs have youthful types like Matt Szczur, Javier Baez and Dillon Maples.

Please, blog, may I have some more?
Scott Evans

Boston Red Sox 2011 Minor League Review

| Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 5 Comments

by:

Boston Red Sox 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (17) | 2010 (5) | 2009 (13) | 2008 (2) | 2007 (9) | 2006 (8)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [90-72] AL East

AAA: [81-61] International League – Pawtucket

AA: [59-83] Eastern League – Portland

A+: [64-75] Carolina League – Salem

A: [78-62] South Atlantic League – Greenville

A(ss): [29-45] New York Penn League – Lowell

The Run Down

The Red Sox pipeline, as usual, is flush with talent.  And although its most exciting prospects (see Middlebrooks & Barnes) are probably a year away from arriving at Fenway, the system features a decent amount of MLB-ready talent.  Unfortunately for those ready to make their marks with the big club, Boston’s MLB roster doesn’t seem primed for much turnover:  The opening in right field will most certainly be filled with a free agent, and I’m thinking they’ll do the same to round out the rotation.

Please, blog, may I have some more?
Scott Evans

Seattle Mariners 2011 Minor League Review

| Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 5 Comments

by:

Seattle Mariners 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (18) | 2010 (12) | 2009 (24) | 2008 (12) | 2007 (24) | 2006 (27)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [67-95] AL West

AAA: [70-74] Pacific Coast League – Tacoma

AA: [68-72] Southern League – Jackson

A+: [59-81] California League – High Desert

A: [63-76] Midwest League – Clinton

A(ss): [37-39] Northwest League – Everett

R:  [32-36] Appalachian League – Pulaski

The Run Down

The spacious Safeco Field is a wonderful ballpark in which to begin a pitching career.  The Seattle farm system is deep with pitching, and it’s not difficult to envision a handful of prospects making an impact on the mound this year.  Beyond the names I’ve noted, keep an eye on relief arms like Stephen Pryor and Erasmo Ramirez – both could occupy roles in the M’s pen.  Also, Mauricio Robles will be back from elbow surgery and could be ready for Major League duty before long.  Offensively, the Seattle farm system took a tragic hit with the murder of Greg Halman.  But with youthful infield prospects like Nick Franklin and Francisco Martinez, in addition to some big league-ready talent (Liddi, Catricala, Chiang), Mariners fans have reason for hope in the coming years.

Please, blog, may I have some more?
Scott Evans

Pittsburgh Pirates 2011 Minor League Review

| Fantasy Baseball Prospects |

by:

Pittsburgh Pirates 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (19) | 2010 (15) | 2009 (18) | 2008 (26) | 2007 (19) | 2006 (19)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [72-90] NL Central

AAA: [76-68] International League – Indianapolis

AA: [64-77] Eastern League – Altoona

A+: [74-63] Florida State League – Bradenton

A: [69-69] South Atlantic League – West Virginia

A(ss): [31-44] New York-Penn League – State College

The Run Down

With the first overall pick in the June draft, the Pirates selected Gerrit Cole and gave him $8 million upon signing.  Although I’m partial toward Trevor Bauer – Cole’s teammate at UCLA and third overall pick in June – Cole is probably a safer option, given his projectable frame and mechanics.  And while I doubt he’ll arrive before 2013, it’ll be fun to watch him destroy batters in Double-A (Cole was clocked at 102 MPH a month ago in the Arizona Fall League).  In addition to Cole, the Pirates’ system has quite a few high-ceiling arms:  James Taillon, Luis Heredia, and Stetson Allie all profile as frontline starters.  Unfortunately, though, they’re rather far from arriving in Pittsburgh.  Offensively, the Pirates’ system doesn’t have too much to be excited about for 2012.  Starling Marte has great potential and could yield some fantasy value, but I’m afraid we’re still a year or two away from him being viable option.  Josh Bell is probably Pittsburgh’s most promising offensive prospect, but the 19-year-old switch-hitting outfielder is a long ways off.  Until Cole arrives, there’s no one draft-worthy here.

Please, blog, may I have some more?
Scott Evans

Baltimore Orioles 2011 Minor League Review

| Fantasy Baseball Prospects |

by:

Baltimore Orioles 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (21) | 2010 (8) | 2009 (9) | 2008 (14) | 2007 (17) | 2006 (12)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [69-93] AL East

AAA: [56-87] International League – Norfolk

AA: [75-66] Eastern League – Bowie

A+: [80-59] Carolina League – Frederick

A: [55-85] South Atlantic League – Delmarva

A(ss): [24-51] New York-Penn League – Aberdeen

The Run Down

With guys in their system like Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and Dylan Bundy, Baltimore is not without exciting prospects.  Unfortunately, though, the aforementioned are a bit too far from their MLB debuts to garner fantasy consideration for 2012.  That leaves us with a bunch of fringe-types to discuss.  Sure, a few of these names will blossom into regular roles, but I find it unlikely that any of them will reach significant fantasy value.

Please, blog, may I have some more?
Scott Evans

Arizona Diamondbacks 2011 Minor League Review

| Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 2 Comments

by:

Arizona Diamondbacks 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2011 (23) | 2010 (28) | 2009 (26) | 2008 (20) | 2007 (3) | 2006 (1) | 2005 (13) | 2004 (13)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [94-68] NL West

AAA: [77-67] Pacific Coast League – Reno

AA: [84-54] Southern League – Mobile

A+: [63-77] California League – Visalia

A: [67-72] Midwest League – South Bend

A(ss): [33-43] Northwest League – Yakima

R:  [41-35] Pioneer League – Missoula

The Run Down

Jerry Dipoto’s recent success as Arizona’s GM is well noted by now, as is his new gig with the LA Angels.  Dipoto leaves the Diamondbacks farm system flush with promising pitching talent.  The system that already featured frontline arms like Jarrod Parker and Tyler Skaggs bolstered their starting pitching even further by nabbing both Trevor Bauer and Archie Bradley in the first round of June’s draft.  Bradley is a couple years away from the majors, but Bauer is ready to make an impact in 2012, and should be on your mind come draft day.  The Arizona hitting prospects aren’t nearly as exciting.  Matt Davidson is a quality third base prospect, but he needs more time to develop and likely won’t see any time with the big club for a year or two.  Beyond him, the D-Backs feature a handful of okay-ish outfielders.  I’ll be surprised if any Arizona hitting prospect is fantasy-relevant in 2012.

Please, blog, may I have some more?