I’ve ignored the Padres number 11 ranked prospect long enough, Jedd Gyorko (3B). Do keep in mind he’s playing in the California League (High-A), yet his numbers are still impressive. In 332 at-bats, he is slashing .367/.433/.642 with 53 XBH (18 Hr, 35 2B), 11 steals and a 60:38 K:BB ratio. His swing is a short stroke with good balance and he utilizes the whole field. Defensively, he has a strong arm but limited mobility in his squat frame (5’10” 210 lbs). Projects to be a .290 hitter with plus bat speed. Power ceiling in the majors, due to hitting personality, a bat-wrap before swinging and home park is 12 to 15 home runs. Has been compared to Brett Wallace – a bad bodied hitter who projects to hit for average with more gap power than home run power. Could be a solid third basemen, but not expected to be a star. Double-A will be a real test to his abilities.
Jason Kipnis | CLE | 2B: The Indians number three prospect has continued his strong season. In the last 10 games, he’s 14 for 38 with 5 XBH (3 Hr) and a 12:7 K:BB ratio. At 78 games played, he has hit 11 home runs, stole 10 bases, has hit lefties (.333/.409/.594 in 98 at-bats) and depending on how the Indians play through July, could be up by early August.
Shelby Miller | St.L | RHP (SP): Since being promoted to Double-A, Miller has thrown 38 innings with 38 strikeouts, eight (8) walks, 32 hits allowed and 9 runs allowed. His total innings are up to 91 innings this year. After throwing only 104 1/3 innings last year, I wouldn’t expect more than another seven to nine starts (total of 130 innings), which is disappointing, because I would like to see a September call up. May get promoted to Triple-A. To start the 2012 season, he’ll be just 21 years old and worth the hype.
Brad Peacock | WAS | RHP (SP): Last two starts: 12 1/3 IP, 12 Ks, 10 baserunners (4 walks) and zero runs. Two years in a row he has thrown over 140 innings, currently only at 92 2/3. I would fully expect a September call-up.
Matt Moore | TB | LHP (SP): Last two starts: 12 IP, 12 Ks, 10 baserunners (2 walks), 1 run, and more questions of why he’s slowly getting pushed through the minors. The Rays make every fan and fantasy manager just wanna bash-em on the head with a cricket bat.
Paul Goldschmidt | ARI | 1B: Average has been on a slide. What did you expect from a free-swinging country boy? Up to 25 home runs on the season in 285 at-bats. Hitting equally as well at home (.313/.420/.620, 150 at-bats and 13 home runs) as on the road (.319/.450/.677 135 at-bats with 12 home runs). Rumor is he and Cowgill are getting called-up after the All-Star break. Speaking of which …
Collin Cowgill | ARI | OF: Keep your expectations tempered with this one. He projects as a fourth outfielder with gap-power. Over a full season, if given all the at-bats could put up a .275/12/20 season.
Jose Altuve | HOU | 2B: Has continued raking at Double-A since his promotion with 42 hits (3 HR) and a .365/.383/.565 slash line in 115 at-bats. He’s the epitome of a Sparky Anklebiter; much of his value is in his speed and contingent on a higher average. Personally, looks like a Placido Polanco.
Kyle Blanks | SD | 1B/LF: Has been excellent in the minors this year rehabbing from surgery. Currently has clubbed 6 home runs with a slash line of .390/.462/.780 at Triple-A in 89 at-bats. Between Double-A and Triple-A: .317/.388/.571 with 41 XBH (10 HR) in 259 at-bats. With Anthony Rizzo manning first base, the defensively challenged Blanks will be regulated to the outfield if given the opportunity to play in the majors this year. His stick has definitely proved that he deserves the opportunity again.
Mike Montgomery | LHP (SP): Had a start skipped, with the assumption of limiting his innings as he is currently at 85 1/3 innings and his career high is 110 innings in 2009. Made start on 7/1/11 and had one of his best outings of the year: 6 2/3 IP, 7 Ks, 5 baserunners (3 walks), zero runs allowed. Command has been an issue all year as he has issued 49 walks. Consequently due to the innings and command issues, I don’t think we are going to see Montgomery in the majors this year.
Jesus Montero | NYY | C: The suddenly Mauer-esque hitting Montero hit a home run this past week. His ability to hit isn’t in question, but since playing at Triple-A, his power has dried up. At this point, I think he’s either traded at the deadline, or we don’t see him until September when the rosters expand.
