Fantasy Baseball Advice

San Diego Padres 2011 Minor League Review

Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:

2012 (8) | 2011 (8) | 2010 (20) | 2009 (29) | 2008 (13) | 2007 (29) | 2006 (29)

2011 Affiliate Records

MLB: [71-91] NL West

AAA: [65-79] Pacific Coast League – Tucson

AA: [94-46] Texas League – San Antonio

A+: [96-71] California League – Lake Elsinore

A: [69-70] Midwest League – Fort Wayne

A(ss): [46-30] Northwest League – Eugene

The Run Down

San Diego’s system is, without a doubt, among the best in baseball, and that holds true regarding fantasy.  Recent trades are looking incredibly smart, as they’ve traded away big league pieces for multiple prospects, all of whom appear to be panning out.  Alonso, Grandal, Wieland, Erlin and Kelly were all acquired from other systems, and they’re all on the verge of breaking through with the Padres. Liriano, Gyorko and Spangenberg headline the homegrown talent, which is a bit further from the majors.  But this system is flush with talent and fantasy owners should familiarize themselves with these names.  And as usual, the Petco effect applies – keep an eye on these pitchers, especially.

Arizona Fall League Players – Salt River Rafters

Anthony Bass (RHP); Jeff Ibarra (LHP); Miles Mikolas (RHP); Jason Hagerty (C); Jedd Gyorko (3B); James Darnell (OF)

Graduated Prospects

Cory Luebke (LHP); Logan Forsythe (2B)

Players of Interest

Hitters

Yonder Alonso | 1B:

After posting a .943 OPS in 98 trips to the plate with the Reds last year, it’s clear that Alonso is ready for a full-time role in the bigs.  He should have that opportunity this season with the Padres.  While his power probably falls short of Rizzo’s, Alonso has better on-base skills and he certainly has the ability to hit for a higher average.  For now, he likely falls in with the rest of the boring NL first basemen, but he has a chance to separate himself from that group as he settles into his role.

Yasmani Grandal | C:

The Reds pushed Grandal aggressively in 2011, playing him at three levels, beginning at High-A and ending at Triple-A.  After slashing .305/.401/.500 across those stages, it seems his bat is ready for a shot at big league pitching.  His defense, however, needs more work.  Barring an outstanding spring, Grandal will open up 2012 with Tucson, but expect to see the 23-year-old behind the plate in San Diego at some point this year.

Pitchers

Joe Wieland | RHP – SP:

Wieland’s been pegged by many as a fourth starter, but supreme command is allowing him to project beyond that profile.  He features a four-pitch repertoire and he’s precise with each offering.  His stuff will be tested versus more seasoned hitters in Triple-A, but if his success continues, Wieland could be starting games at Petco this year.

Robbie Erlin | SHP – SP:

Erlin, along with Wieland, was acquired via Texas in the Mike Adams swap.  Also like Wieland, he doesn’t light up the radar gun, relying on deception and plus command, instead.  While there are some differences in approach, for fantasy purposes, Erlin and Wieldard are extremely similar.

Casey Kelly | RHP – SP:

Kelly, at his point, isn’t quite as complete as either Wieland or Erlin, but with a bit more refinement to his secondary pitches, he could reach the majors before both.  Kelly throws a heavy sinker and induces groundballs often.  I’m still waiting for his production to catch up with his ability, but it’s important to note that he was a fulltime shortstop as recently as 2009.

Honorable Mention

Hitters

Jedd Gyorko | 3B:

Gyorko hit .365 in the California League but regressed somewhat when he reached Double-A, posting a .288 average.  He returned to form during AFL play, though, claiming the batting title with a .437 mark.  Gyorko’s had nice power figures to this point – 30 HR in 2011 – but expect that aspect of his game to dwindle when he steps inside Petco.  With Chase Headley entrenched at third, Gyorko won’t arrive ‘til 2013 at the soonest.

James Darnell | 3B/OF:

Darnell slashed .410/.406/.547 between Double-A and Triple-A in 2011, and earned a September promotion.  His bat is intriguing, as well as his ability to play multiple positions.  He’ll start 2012 in Tucson, but Darnell is ready for big league ball and he’ll be called up if needed.

Rymer Liriano | OF:

Lirano’s still a long way from the bigs, but it seems something clicked for him last year at Low-A, and he’s poised to post some gaudy numbers in the California League this year.  The 20-year-old is a genuine five-tool-type and he’ll be a guy to watch as he pushes through the system.  Expect a 2014 arrival, but he could pan out more quickly.

Cory Spangenberg | 2B:

Spangenberg is among the best second base prospects in the minors.  He projects to hit for average and be on base often.  Elite speed will allow him to do some work on those basepaths, too.  He’ll begin 2012 in High-A along with Lirano, but being that he’s a bit more polished, San Diego might promote Spangeberg more aggressively.

The top 50 fantasy baseball prospects list aims to provide a list solely for fantasy baseball purposes. Due to fantasy baseball’s immediacy of statistical production, players are not necessarily ranked based on tools or projections far into the future, but instead, current production. Aspects taken into consideration are fantasy baseball’s positional scarcity, Razzball philosophies, scouting reports and personal biases. Please keep in mind that this is published before the end of the 2011 season. Therefore, it is highly possible that some rookies on this list may lose their rookie eligibility (e.g. Kyle Seager), others who were expected to continue to acquire enough experience by the end of the season who may not (e.g. Brett Lawrie). Revision in the late offseason shall occur. There are highly touted names omitted from the Top 50 list that some might believe warrant a ranking that don’t fall into the prior caveat(s). Before lamenting, please check the Honorable Mention section. The most notable omissions are either blocked, provide more real world baseball value, need to repeat performance because of their pedigree, have GM’s avoiding Super-2 status or are rebounding from injuries. The signings in the upcoming weeks of the offseason and Spring Training could cause many players to rise or fall. Disputes, inquiries and general feedback is welcomed and encouraged. To be included, I used MLB eligibility requirements — less than 130 ABs or 50 IP, though I’ve made a few exceptions where I felt it was warranted. To see the other half of the Top 50 Fantasy Baseball Prospects for 2012, go there.

1. Matt Moore – LHP (SP) – TB: Two straight seasons of 200-plus strikeouts. A career 12.7 K/9 ratio. Yearly improvement on command. High of 155 innings pitching in 2011 projects for near 180 innings in 2012. Mid 90s fastball, a plus-curveball and a plus changeup make him my number one fantasy baseball prospect for 2012. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

2. Mike Trout – CF – LAA: Has shown power in the majors in 2011. Could quickly become a 20/40 hitter with a .290-plus average. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

3. Jesus Montero – C – NYY: So much has been written on him and I also wrote a Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

4. Shelby Miller – RHP (SP) – St.L: Top right-handed pitching prospect in the game. Throws a mid to upper 90s fastball and a plus 12-to-6 curveball. I see a 2011 Michael Pineda type season for Miller in 2012. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

5. Julio Teheran – RHP (SP) – ATL: Will be the 2012 version of Jeremy Hellickson. Good control, fair strikeout rate and decent ratios. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

6. Jacob Turner – RHP (SP) – DET: Historically, the Tigers promote their pitchers aggressively. Could compete for a mid-rotation position in Spring Training and provide good value in AL-Only and deep leagues. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

7. Anthony Rizzo – 1B – SD: Struggled upon his first taste of the majors in 2011. The added experience will better prepare him in the future. Should be the Padres 2012 starting first basemen barring any major off-season acquisitions, an injury or management mismanagement. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

8. Wil Myers – C/LF – KC: Injuries slowed his 2011 season. Has shown patience at the plate. Defensively has adjusted well to the outfield. Projects above-average power, who pulls the ball often. Better deep league play than shallow leagues. Could be a .280 hitter with 20 home runs. I’d expect numbers similar to Eric Hosmer’s 2011 campaign if call-up in June.

9. Brett Jackson – CF – CHC: The Cubs could use an offensively-adept center fielder. Able to play all three outfield spots and sport a .290/20/20 line for fantasy. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

10. Zack Cozart – SS/2B – CIN: Injuries derailed his pleasant start in the majors. He hit .324 in 37 AB with two home runs. Over a full season, could be a sufficient source of both power and steals in the middle infield position(s). Think 15 to 20 home runs – especially at Great American Ball Park – and 20 to 30 steals with a poor average. So were talking Drew Stubbs at shortstop.

11. Brad Peacock – RHP (SP) – WAS: Brad rose from obscurity to relevancy in a few effective months at both Double-A and Triple-A; posted a 10.9 K/9 and a 2.9 BB/9 in 146 2/3 IP across the two levels. Important to note that upon promotion to Triple-A, ratios dropped. Historically consistent pattern within his career. Usually needs additional time – 40+ innings – at each level before thriving. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

12. Randall Delgado – RHP (SP) – ATL: The “other” Braves pitching prospect. A year older than Teheran, they are similar but with Delgado having a lower ceiling – a solid number two starter or above average number three. In the Braves rotation, he’ll be seen as the number four or five starter with Hanson, Tim Hudson, Brandon Beachy, Teheran, Jair Jurrjens, Mike Minor and Delgado, the Braves have strong core a pitchers. There will be no rush in promoting Delgado early. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

13. Arodys Vizcaino – RHP (SP) – ATL: Promoted in 2011 to pitch from the bullpen to save innings and wear. Could easily slide back into similar position to start the 2012 season. With a glut of pitching talent, Vizcaino is the odd-man out of the rotation battles due to injury history and petite frame. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

14. Devin Mesoraco – C – CIN: Nothing better than a good hitting catcher, with decent power (20 home runs) and a fair average (~.290). Should be able to set him and forget him once promotion is secured. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

15. James Paxton – LHP (SP) – SEA: A power throwing lefty with command concerns. The Mariners have shown to promote their stud prospects aggressively. I would expect to see Paxton up before June. Could have command woes and will be a better play in deep mixed-leagues or AL-Only leagues. Dynasty leagues should stash him. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

16. Ryan Lavarnway – C – BOS: There are only so many years Varitek’s production, or lack thereof, can be tolerated. J.P. Arencibia 2.0. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

17. Leonys Martin – CF – TEX: Grey called him a “a poor man’s Desmond Jennings.” John Sickels stated, “[He's a] line drive hitter … good feel for the strike zone … strong contact abilities … not a huge home run hitter … [gap power] will hit plenty of doubles and could hit 10-15 homers a year in time. His running speed isn’t spectacular but rates as above average … throwing arm and outfield defense rate as above average.” I see him more as a Denard Span.

18. Drew Pomeranz – LHP (SP) – COL: Received in the coup for Ubaldo Jimenez, Pomeranz looks to make 2012 his coming out party after dominating in 2011. He posted a 10.7 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, in 98 innings between High-A and Double-A. His season was cut short by two starts after having an emergency appendectomy surgery. Would not be surprised to see him by June, if not before. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

19. James Darnell – 3B/OF – SD: Strong contact skills, gap power – 15 to 20 home run ceiling due to home ballpark – and good command of strike zone. A better Kevin Kouzmanoff.

20. Jarrod Parker – RHP (SP) – ARI: Battled back from Tommy Johns surgery and early season control issues; that should be expect due to injury. Once was a top 15 pitching prospect in the game. Expected to pitch from the bullpen at the end of the 2011 season to prepare for the rotation in 2012. Dominating offering combination of a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and power slider. Changeup is average. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

21. Tyler Skaggs – LHP (SP) – ARI: Throws a 88 to 92 MPH fastball with good sinking action, an above-average low 70s curveball (best pitch) and a changeup. Commands and locates well. Pitches aggressively, is confident and poised on the mound; a ground ball pitcher (1.63 GO/AO in 2010 and 1.19 GO/AO in 2011). Projects as a number two or three starter. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

22. Henderson Alvarez – RHP (SP) – TOR: Quietly had a strong start to his career. Throws a heavy fastball and splitting action changeup. Will not be a strikeout pitcher; relies on ground balls and defense. Could have his ups-and-downs like Zach Britton.

23. Wade Miley – LHP (SP) – ARI: Not a heavy strikeout pitcher. Reminds me of a Mark Buehrle type pitcher – fair command and the occasional strikeout. He mid-August promotion has given him a jump start on the fourth or fifth rotation spot for 2012.

24. Wilin Rosario – C – COL: The last Rookies catcher to draw fantasy hype has been simply disappointing (Chris Iannetta). Rosario’s bat projects for 20 to 30 home runs a year, is able to utilize the whole field but needs improved strike zone judgment. Defensively is average. If he is able to keep strikeouts in check, he could be a .250 average and 20 home run catcher over a full season.

25. Wily Peralta – RHP (SP) – MIL: Is easily the Brewers top prospect. Throws a straight 92 to 94 MPH fastball with a good slider and slightly above-average changeup. Physically able to handle heavy workload, mechanically sound. A right-handed Ted Lilly.

The Milwaukee Brewers promoted the 24-year-old, unranked third baseman Taylor Green. Has a solid swing, controls strike zone and make consistent sound contact, power is average at best. Defensively is where he stands out, showing above-average skill. This year at Triple-A (Pacific Coast League) he has a dominant slash line .336/.413/.583 in 420 at-bats with 59 XBH (22 Hr) and a 72:55 K:BB ratio. Keep in mind this came with a .359 BABIP and within a very friendly environment for hitters. It’s expected Green will primarily be a part-time third base and pinch-hitter down the stretch. If he continues to hit in the majors when given the opportunity, could provide a nice spark in H2H leagues.

Travis d’Arnaud | TOR | C: Named to the Eastern League (Double-A) Post-Season All-Star squad and named League MVP. Slashed .315/.376/.543 in 400 at-bats with 52 XBH (19 Hr) and a 93:31 K:BB ratio. Would not be surprised to see him in September. An all-around prospect, plays good defense, has a solid bat (think 15 to 20 home runs in the majors) and a strong arm. Doesn’t have the same power potential as J.P. Arencibia.

Brad Peacock | WAS | RHP (SP): Was also named to the Eastern League postseason All-Star squad, even after getting promoted to Triple-A. Speaking of promotions, Peacock, along with two other teammates (see below), are getting promoted to the Majors come September according to MLB.com. With a power arm and high ceiling, Peacock is the more intriguing pitcher play while …

Tom Milone | WAS | LHP (SP):  Is a soft tossing lefty who relies on the ghost of Jamie Moyer and strong command and control to succeed. Risky play.

Steve Lombardozzi | WAS | 2B: Gap power, decent speed, fair plate discipline (72:37 K:BB) and reliable defense. Sounds like Denard Span at second base, the same player they tried to acquire from the Twins but refused to part with.

Eric Surkamp | SF | LHP (SP): Also a soft-tossing lefty, Surkamp received a promotion to start yesterday. Fastball sits in the upper 80s with heavy sinking action. Changeup and curveball are both plus pitches. Has a three-quarter delivery that creates good deception and he has strong command of all his pitches. I’d monitor in mixed leagues and pick up in NL-only and deep leagues. I’d take him over Milone.

Nick Hagadone | CLE | LHP (RP): Was recalled on Thursday from Triple-A. At one point was a starter, but due to command issues – struggled to repeat mechanics – he was moved to the bullpen. He throws a mid-to-high 90s fastball and a “put away” slider. Could be a reliable source of high-strikeouts if needed.

Ryan Lavarnway | BOS | C: Returned to Triple-A as David Ortiz was removed from the DL. I highly recommend holding onto Lavarnway as he’ll return when the rosters expand in September.

Dayan Vicideo | CHW | OF: Will replace Carlos Quentin’s roster spot as he was placed on the DL. He’s the Cuban Delmon Young.

Drew Pomeranz | COL | LHP (SP): Had an emergency appendectomy 8/20/11. Has likely pitched his last inning of the season. Could see in Arizona Fall League. I don’t expect the Rockies to promote him to the majors.

James Darnell | SD | 3B: The Padres optioned James Darnell back to Triple-A. For every Eric Hosmer, Desmond Jennings, Brett Lawrie and Freddie Freeman this season, there has been a Darnell, Rizzo, Moustakas, or Dee Gordon.

Shelby Miller | St.L | RHP (SP): Returned from his suspension (team alcohol policy violation) Tuesday night and went 4 IP, with 2 ER, 5 baserunners (3 BB) and 3 Ks. One of the top pitching prospects in the game has gone 126 2/3 IP with 155 strikeouts and only 20 walks. His mid-to-high 90s fastball while have to wait in the minors until 2012. I don’t expect him to receive a September call-up.

Tyler Skaggs / Jarrod Parker | ARI | SP: It’s been reported that the Diamondbacks will allow both pitchers to compete for a starting rotation spot in Spring Training of 2012.

Carlos Tocci | PHI | OF: Phillies agreed to terms with Venezuelan outfielder Carlos Tocci. “According to Ben Badler of Baseball America, the 16-year-old outfielder will receive $759,000, which is one of the highest bonuses the organization has ever given an international amateur free agent. Tocci is highly-regarded for his plus-speed and hitting potential.” Yeah, it’s gonna be a while before Tocci will be spoken about again.

In a week where the Angels surprisingly called up stellar top-prospect Mike Trout and the Reds called up Zack Cozart and his 15/30 potential, the Rays continue to be content leaving their top hitting prospect in the minors. The rumor and report out of St. Petersburg is that Desmond Jennings has a bruised right index finger. He will be missing the next several games and the Triple-A All-Star game. This could explain his recently poor slash line of .235./350/.441 in 34 at-bats. Furthermore, he’s striking out more than ever (23.3 K%) but it’s coming with increased power (.183 ISO is a career high too). Injuries have been an issue in the past, yet he has been fairly healthy this year. At this point, his arrival in Tampa is predicated on something more than his Super-Two status. My last and final guess is once his finger is healed and after the All-Star break.

Dayan Viciedo | CHW | 3B/OF: Has four home runs in his last 10 games and is hitting .325/.374/.535 in 342 at-bats. Currently walking at a career high-rate (6.3 BB%) and is keeping his strikeouts in check (19.5 K%). Statistically buoyed with a .367 BABIP, yet remaining numbers are trending positively with improved discipline and efficiency.

James Darnell | SD | 3B: Promoted to Triple-A on Independence Day. Has started 6 for 17 with home runs in three straight games. The Padres 12th ranked prospect has thrived since the beginning of this year. His average power and average defense will be limited in the spacious Petco Park. Could be a 17 to 25 home run player in his prime. September call up appears in line.

Tom Milone | WAS | LHP (SP): His 85 to 90 MPH fastball, in concert with a slow, “funky” delivery and stellar command continues to deceive hitters. He also throws an above-average changeup an average cutter and a fringe curveball. In his two starts this past week, he went 13.1 innings with 12 strikeoust and 9 baserunners (2 walks). Simply stupendous. With 103 IP, a .302 BABIP, a 68.8 LOB%, 9.4 K/9, .6 BB/9 and a 2.11 FIP, Milone has quietly put together a solid season.

Alex Liddi | SEA | 3B: The Mariners called up Kyle Seager to play third instead of Liddi. He has put together a solid season at Triple-A with 42 XBH (17 Hr) and a .257/.329/.480 slash line (346 AB), but has been hindered by his 110 strikeouts (36 BB). This has been his M.O. at each level. Seager has been hot and Liddi has been consistent.

Ryan Lavarnway | BOS | C: Promoted to Triple-A during early June, he has continued to display his hitting ability. Defensively, Lavarnway will always be a liability. With above-average power to all fields and solid control of the strike zone, Lavarnway has the potential to be the perfect fantasy catcher: 15 to 20 home runs with a poor average – a true start and ignore options without the acid-reflex.

Jason Kipnis | CLE | 2B: Has been in a mini-cold streak since the start of July, going 5 for 21 with 7 strikeouts.

The following three pitchers have received great fanfare from me, and will continue to do so. All three had a good week 15.

Eric Surkamp | SF | LHP (SP): 11 strikeouts in 5.2 innings and 5 baserunners (3 walks) and 0 ER. Does have a 85.3 LOB% which would lead one to expect a regression towards the mean.

Matt Moore | TB | LHP (SP): 14 IP, 18 Ks, 9 baserunners (3 BB) and 2 ER. Triple-A should be in his near future. Please, Andrew Friedman, don’t make this another Hellickson time frame with an evil twist of Jennings.

Brad Peacock | WAS | RHP (SP): 6 IP, 7 baserunners (2 BB), 9 Ks, 0 ER. Continues to flaunt his plumage.

Liam Hendriks | MIN | RHP (SP): The Twins will call up Kyle Gibson before Hendriks who is in Double-A. However, I want to get his bandwagon started. He throws a 90 to 93 MPH fastball with good sinking action. His slider breaks late and is considered best pitch and his changeup and curveball are of near equal quality. Scouts often debate which off-speed pitch is his best. Has easy delivery that is easily repeated and good command of all his pitches. Hendriks current line looks something like: 90 IP, 8.1 K/9, 1.80 BB/9, 2.70 ERA/2.82 FIP and a .310 BABIP.

Brett Jackson | CHC | CF: What’s not to like about a potential 20/20 player? Currently in midst of a 14 for 37 stretch with 4 XBH (3 HR). I would not be surprised to see the Cubs promoted him from Double-A to the majors like they did with Starlin Castro last year.

Jaff Decker | SD | 1B/LF: He’s the prototypical sabermetric player and fast aging ballplayer due to skill-set. He has plus-power and strong strike zone judgment (94:76 K:BB in 292 AB – 2011). Struggles on defense and hitting for a high average. While Darnell got the promotion to Triple-A will continuing on improving his .243/.404/.455 slash-line and 32 XBH (14 hr).

A big week in prospect news as Anthony Rizzo, Dee Gordon, Jemile Weeks, Charlie Blackmon and Mike Moustakas received their respective invitations to the majors. Not to mention Brett Lawrie and his broken hand causing the the frequent waiver wire add/drop addicts to learn delayed gratification. Then there’s the psychotic mind-tease of the Rays, Diamondbacks, and Twins. Here are some other names to keep an eye on in the up coming weeks and year.

Desmond Jennings | TB | OF: How bad does Sam Fuld have to play before Jennings receives his call-up? He’s on a legitimate tear! Shows more power, continues to play excellent defense and remains a top prospect. Any day now, Rays. You can’t keep a 20/20 type player in them minors forever.

David Cooper | TOR | 1B: What do you call a first base prospect that has a plus .400 BABIP with only three home runs and gap power? A product of the PCL. He’s a .275, 15 home run hitter. So James Loney. There isn’t a place for him in the majors, but his early season call up is not indicative of his talent. Neither are his numbers this year at Triple-A.

Jose Altuve | HOU | 2B: I’ve been keeping a close eye on this young second base prospect for nearly two years. The epitome of a Sparky Anklebiter at a listed 5′ 7″, 166 lbs. Plays great defense, gap power, 10 to 15 home run potential, excellent baserunner and the prototypical number two hitter. He was recently promoted to Double-A after hitting ..408/.451/.606 (.295 BABIP) at High-A Lancaster, a notorious hitting environment. Currently sustaining similar success in a small sample size. Could be a Luis Castillo type player with slightly more power. ETA, 2012.

Jesus Montero | NYY | C: The power and plate discipline has been in remission while his strikeouts have increased. Then combined with the fact the Yankees have to stroke the ego of Posada, I don’t expect Montero to be up until the rosters expand in September.

Kyle Weiland | BOS | RHP (SP): The Red Sox recently called up Michael Bowden, even though he’s been pitching well this year, his history suggests otherwise. Next prospect could be Weiland who projects as a reliever, but has started at each level. Currently at Triple-A, he’s striking out over nine batters per nine-innings. He has a mid-90s sinking fastball and hard biting curve; changeup is still a work-in-progress. The perfect combo for a reliever.

Paul Goldschmidt | ARI | 1B: Another week, another home run. Okay, two more home runs. Blah, blah, blah. Be nice to see him called up but I wouldn’t hold my breath for one in June.

James Darnell | SD | 3B: Speaking of prospects who perform well but aren’t getting promoted. Darnell has done everything (.363/.459/.656, .379 BABIP) to be promoted to Triple-A. There are rumors of the Padres moving Chase Headley for some prospects. If this occurs, I would expect Darnell to see PT in the majors.

The next three prospects most likely won’t see time in the majors this year, at most, in September.

Austin Hyatt | PHI | RHP (SP): Has continued and improved upon his impressive 2010 season. With 9.9 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9, Hyatt has stymied Double-A hitters. Not a top-flight prospect, I do believe he has the ability to be a number four fantasy starter, or number three or four start in a normal rotation.

Eric Surkamp | SF | LHP (SP): I’ll let the numbers speak for themselves: 10.5 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, .4 Hr/9, 2.60 FIP. He has a heavy sinking fastball, a plus curveball and plus changeup. The Giants are breeding pitchers. Not as dynamic as Matt Moore, but equally as intriguing.

Edwar Cabrera | COL | LHP (SP): Slightly old for his level (22 at Single-A), he signed a contract when he was only nearly 21. He’s posting Matt Moore type numbers (11.9 K/9 [101 K's], 1.9 BB/9 in 78 IP) with a 91 to 92 MPH fastball with a deceptive and plus changeup. Scouts praise his ability to pitch and setup his changeup. He’s still refining his breaking pitch. I believe if he continues to pitch this well by year’s end, he’ll be raising sharply up prospect boards.