In the small blurbs it’s tough to factor in all the different variables. I will try and do better from here on out. San Antonio is one of the worst parks to hit for sure, along with Wilmington (KC High-A). It’s just practice for the Padres hitters going to Petco [/sarcasm]. Darnell gets overlooked because his ceiling isn’t as high. Beyond that, his talent is worthy of an everyday MLB third basemen. Which is nothing to scoff at.

That’s great and all, but you don’t mention that San Antonio is a horrendous park for hitting home runs, especially for right handed hitters. I’d be willing to bet it is the worst, and definitely one of the worst in regards to hitting home runs.

Who cares if Smoak is a better prospect or Havens is hurt? The point is Darnell more than held his own with some tremendous SEC talent, and gets overlooked. He gets overlooked again because San Diego has a lot of depth at 3B.

Here is my current squad
Jacob Turner – P
Danny Espinosa 2B/SS WAS
Gary Sanchez C NYY
Jordan Lyles P HOU

@thorbs: Thanks.

@AL KOHOLIC: Thanks. I love when ltf comments, his added opinions and helpful insights too. Keeps the sight more informal and lets everyone know that I’m not perfect nor the only person that knows about prospects.

@Bruce: I wrote about Brown last week. Most people know about him, so the insistent information on him is slightly redundant. As for being called-up, I wouldn’t expect it to happen any time soon. Maybe June or when there’s another injury in the Phillies outfield.

@Lopes: Joyce.

I love Jaff Decker, too. He reminds me a bit of Matt Stairs, except that he’s apparently making a serious effort to get in and stay in shape. I think he sees the majors in September, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it was a couple of months earlier.

re:Duffy: I’ve liked Duffy for a while.

re: Darnell: He’s rated as only the #12 prospect in the Padres farm system (SD’s overall farm ranking is #9). Pre-2010 season he was number three and pre-2009 season he was number ten. Reese Havens has been slowed by injuries and Smoak was always the better prospect. Darnell does have a great swing, has a solid hitting approach and average power (at best according to Baseball America) but plays poor defense. He has 24 errors last year, BA states most were throwing errors and he struggles with accuracy. For fantasy purposes, which this website is dedicated towards, Darnell doesn’t have great value. In real life baseball, Darnell will be an average third basemen. As for Jaff Decker, I’ve always loved him, always will. He is also the perfect example of having the skill set that doesn’t age well either. However, Decker has more upside because his power has a higher ceiling.

Sands got more hype because he was playing at Triple-A, has tremendous power when Power doesn’t really grow out of needles like they used to. Sand’s comparisons, that I gave was Pedro Alvarez. Grey stated the doodes ceiling as Mike Stanton now. I don’t think the Alvarez comparison is unfair or overly hyped. I’m also not the only one who is excited about his power potential.

My definition of prospecting for my Sunday articles is to find prospects that are going to be called up in the near future who could provide fantasy value. My articles on Wednesday is focused far more long-term with more analysis and scouting reports galore. As of walk and strikeout rates, a lot can be told from those two states. The Slash line is to provide current success and the steals/power help find value for fantasy baseball too.

@Eddie: Duffy.

Duffy looks like one of the best bets to contribute fantasy-wise this year.

There are plenty of great players who get sent down, Belt will have a productive year, and won’t play OF in MLB…

James Darnell is Kevin Kouzmanoff? You’re talking about a guy that outshined Reese Havens and Justin Smoak at South Carolina, and has hit at every level. San Diego is having a great year from their minor leagues so far, and you can find James Darnell and Jaff Decker as OBA leaders. They’re tailor made to play in Petco considering you’re going to have more success getting runners on and moving them along rather than trying to go yard.

Crazy, Darnell has a very sound swing, has great patience and should be at worst an average third baseman. Jerry Sands can barely stay on the field at LF or 1B, and he gets great comps in these articles. I forget hat your definition of prospecting was, but if you are just going to go off their slash numbers, K rates, and walk rates, then I’d emphasize that and articles you read. It’s pretty obvious you haven’t seen or have an opinion after seeing some of these guys play.

@Joel: No. In a perfect world Hosmer will be great right away. Is there another option?

@JG_ism: I like the Stanton side.

@Oak: I think Fulchino would have value if Melancon struggles. I’d go Boggs, Melancon, Franklin, Fulchino/

@Eddie: Chisenhall by a smidge.

I give Brett Anderson ($2) and Mike Stanton ($27)
I get Ellsbury (15) and Marcum (9)

3 year keeper

@dhaab: re:Shelby Miller: Concur. I was getting request for him during the last few weeks. He could go more than two levels though. He’s pitched fantastic. re:Carlos Martinez: I probably wont touch on Low Single-A players until late summer.

Also, keep an eye out for Carlos Martinez as well. He’s only 19, but he is already rated the 3rd best Cardinals prospect and he is reportedly wowing people in low-A ball with his 95+ fastball and a fairly advanced curve ball for someone so young. Expect him to be promoted to high-A in the next few months.

@trick dad: He has played 2B for most of his career but his defense is poor there. 3B is better but needs work. 3B/LF is his long term outlook.

@EK: I’d ask Grey.

@Giant JJ: Thanks for the compliment. re:Kotchman for Stauffer: Keep Stauffer.

@yank4life: Ask Grey.

@AL KOHOLIC: His defense is rated a 70 on the 20-80 scale. To quote a bit from BA, “Athleticism is off the charts … He rushes plays at time and makes some ill-advised, off-balanced throws … Gordon is a flashy defender whose range allows him to reach balls few can, and he has an above-average arm … he can get out of control at times … Most of Gordon’s deficiencies should be correctable with experience … [skills/tools to be an] above-average major league short-stop and leadoff hitter.”

@Eddy: Moustakas ceiling is higher. I have to Moustakas if I remove my bias.