Fantasy Baseball Advice

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 off-season 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. See Top 50 Fantasy Prospects for 2012, Part I for the complete list.

26. Trevor Bauer – RHP (SP) – ARI: Considered MLB-ready outta the gate when drafted in June 2011. Keith Law’s pre-draft scouting report indicates, “[His] fastball-curveball combination is [...] big league-caliber … shown he can get deep into games with regularity despite the lack of prototypical physicality. His heavy college workload — topping 130 pitches in the majority of his starts this spring [2011] … [workload] could impact whether he helps the Arizona Diamondbacks this season or what role in which that would come.” He has a plus-fastball sits between 92 to 95 MPH with good life and a 12-to-6 plus-curveball. His changeup needs work. Control and command is spotty and inconsistent, typically derived from overthrowing. Mechanically the only true concern is him locking his left knee upon delivery of the baseball. There is concern of possible knee injuries in the future. Beyond this quibble, his stuff is not in question, it is his combination of control and command, being overworked in college, and possible mechanically driven medical concern.

27. Martin Perez – LHP (SP) – TEX: Texas is loaded at pitcher, but you can never have enough young arms. Perez followed up a poor 2010 in Double-A with improved numbers across the board at Double-A but a regression in production when promoted to Triple-A. I see a midseason call-up. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

28. Garrett Richards – LHP (SP) – ATL: The Angels gave Richards two spot starts in 2011 in which he struggled. Prior to 2011 and before reaching more advanced hitters (read: before Double-A), he was able to produce high strikeout rates. In 2011, at Double-A, Richards strikeout rates plummeted from mid-9 K/9 to 6.5 K/9. Projects as a mid-rotation starter who pitches to contact or a power reliever.

29. Zack Cox – 3B – St.L: David Freese is not the answer for the Cardinals at third base. The 22-year-old Cox had an excellent 2011 season. In 344 Double-A at-bats he slashed .294/.357/.436 with 29 XBH (10 Hr) and a 69:29 K:BB ratio. Is considered a “gifted hitter with strength and strike-zone awareness.” Offensively reminds me of Ryan Zimmerman.

30. Kyle Seager – 2B/3B – SEA: By the end of the season, his rookie eligibility may be void. The Mariners hot-corner hasn’t been the same since Adrian Beltre left. Seager has the flexibility to play multiple positions. Barring an injury, would get the nod over Alex Liddi at this point. Seager has shown to be of average power – gap mostly – produces a decent average and the occasional stolen base.

31. Eric Surkamp – LHP (SP) – SF: Earlier this year, I said, “Surkamp is a soft-tossing lefty … 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.”

32. Bryce Harper – RF – WAS: The hype will start early in April and build to a crescendo in June. I don’t think he’ll be up before August at the earliest. I’d expect Mike Trout-type results upon his first call-up. In his prime, I think he’ll be similar to Ryan Braun in his prime. This is all assuming no major setbacks or injuries in 2012.

33. Jake Odorriz – RHP (SP) – KC: The Royals are loaded with pitching prospects. As exemplified by Danny Duffy, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas Johnny Giavotella, Salvador Perez, Aaron Crow and Tim Collins’ 2011 call-ups, the Royals 2012 roster should see a heavy turnover, especially at pitcher. Will start out of the gate or be a June call up. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

34. Joe Benson – OF – MIN: The Twins best power hitting prospect. Injury prone. When healthy has shown strong plate discipline, above-average power (25 to 30 home run ceiling), and ability to steal the occasional base. He’s a Hunter Pence with a slightly lower average and a few less steals, if/when healthy.

35. John Lamb – LHP (SP) – KC: See half-inch above in the Odorizzi blurb. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

36. Chris Marrero – 1B – WAS: With Mike Morse coming into his own in 2011, the Nationals will not have to rush Marrero into the starting lineup. He’s proven himself at each level. In his prime, projects as a mid-20 home run hitter. Currently, I would expect a Freddie Freeman-type rookie season: .291/.352/.461 and high-teen home runs over a full season. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

37. Dellin Betances – RHP (SP) – NYY: As the Yankees best pitching prospect, high expectations will be placed on him, especially with the recent back-end rotation woes for the Bronx Bombers. June call-up looks to be in place. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

38. Liam Hendriks – RHP (SP) – MIN: With Kyle Gibson’s injury concern, Hendriks becomes the next best pitching prospect ready for the show in Minnesota. Not that the Twins will rush him, but their rotation is easily trumped by the Braves Triple-A rotation. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

39. Mike Montgomery – LHP (SP) – KC: Will need to improve command, limit walks and gain more consistency to be more than an AL-Only add. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

40. Kirk Nieuwenhuis – RF – NYM: To quote my Scouting article, “possesses good all-around, broad skill-set played at a balls-to-the-wall approach. Meaning, he has all tools ranging from fringe-average to average tools that make him a solid player but unspectacular at any specific skill. Hitting approach is strong, attempting to utilize all fields and working the count. Still projects as a .270 hitter with gap power within his line-drive swing.” Strikeouts will always be a concern. He’s one Angel Pagan injury away from seeing significant playing time in 2012. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

41. Steve Lombardozzi – 2B/IF – WAS: The Nationals were unwilling to give him up in a trade for Denard Span. Of course they did, they are the same player but at different positions.

42. Robbie Erlin – LHP (SP) – SD: Good strikeout potential, excellent future home ballpark, and amazing control. Yes, please. Listed lower than my praise because I don’t see the Padres rushing him to the majors.

43. Neil Ramirez – RHP (SP) – TEX: Similar to Erlin, I see the Rangers allow him to accumulate more experience at Triple-A. He started the 2011 season at High-A and was promoted to Triple-A and then demoted to Double-A. Needs to improve command. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

44. Andrew Oliver – LHP (SP) – DET: I think he gets pushed to the bullpen due to inconsistency and command concerns. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

45. Matt Dominguez – 3B – FLA: A strong NL-only and deep league play. He’ll sustain his major league career through his excellent defensive skills not his average-at-best bat. Projects to be a .260 hitter with average power (15 home runs). So David Freese.

46. Jaff Decker – LF – SD: At some point, his old-player skill-set (power and walks with poor defense) will catch up to his prospect value. Currently, I see him being a similar type of player as Jack Cust. That’s both a compliment and a red flag. May need to traded to an AL team to play DH. See Scouting the Unknown article for further.

47. Casey Kelly – RHP (SP) – SD: Similar predicament to Robbie Erlin, but without strikeout potential – not even close. His home park causes his value to rise. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

48. Grant Green – SS – OAK: Cliff Pennington is keeping the spot warm for the future A’s shortstop. Better gap power than home run power (projects as average power), strong average, an occasional steal. Defensively, question marks are raise about his efficiency. Think a .300 hitter with 12 to 15 home runs and 10 steals from shortstop over the course of the season. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

49. Nick Franklin – SS – SEA: Injuries slowed his 2011 season down. Projects for a .280, 12 to 15 home run and 10 steal player. He plays good defense, has a smooth swing and average speed. His 2010 season was bolstered by his environment (California League). With Dustin Ackley manning second, Franklin appears to remain at shortstop. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

50. Travis d’Arnaud – C – TOR: Won the Eastern League MVP with the following slash line: .311/.371/.542 with 55 XBH (21 Hr) and a 100:33 K:BB ratio. Is blocked by J.P. Arencibia at the major league level. Travis d’Arnaud plays much better defense and makes better contact than Arencibia. The power potential is not the same with d’Arnaud, but he could easily hit between 15 and 20 home runs in his rookie year given a full seasons of at-bats (~400). However, that number of at-bats is highly unlikely, more likely to receive 250 at-bats. In that time frame, he could have 5 to 8 home runs with a digestible average.

Extra
51. Josh Vitters – 3B – CHC: Hitting wise, I consider him similar to Delmon Young: swings early and often, relies on pedigree and natural talent, is inconsistent. Defensively he is superior to Young. Aramis Ramirez has shown to be injury prone two of the last three years. Cub fans may finally see their 2007 first round pick. Keep in mind he is turned only 22 on August 27th. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

Late Scratch
Kyle Gibson – RHP (SP) – MIN: He would be a top 15 fantasy prospect if he wasn’t having Tommy John Surgery after injuring his elbow. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported on September 1, 2011, “Gibson will have reconstructive surgery on his elbow after the initial phase of his rehabilitation program did not go well … surgery [was performed 9/7/11] in New York, … surgery done by Mets team physician, Dr. David Altcheck, who also operated on Joe Nathan’s elbow last year.” I don’t think I’ve ever heard a pitcher who’s pitching elbow hurt significantly successfully complete rehab without TJ Surgery. Twins fans hope that the Mets medical staff doesn’t advise on the healing process either. Then again, Joe Mauer had “bi-lateral leg soreness” for a month. Not sure where Dr. James Andrew (a.k.a Dr. Freeze) was in the whole conversation. Gibson was shutdown early August with elbow tenderness. Statistically, it appeared that his injury may have been lingering since early July. Not relevant until 2013. See Scouting the Unknown article for further details.

Honorable Mentions
In no particular order
Nick Weglarz (RF, CLE); Casey Crosby (LHP, DET); Trevor Bauer (RHP, ARI); LJ Hoes (2B, BAL); Jarred Cosart (RHP, HOU); Jedd Gyorko (3B, SD); Carlos Triunfel (SS, SEA); Adeiny Hechavarria (SS, TOR); Anthony Gose (OF, TOR); Yasmani Grandal (C, CIN); Chris Archer (TB) (RHP, TB); Jeff Locke (LHP, PIT); Tony Sanchez (C, PIT); Austin Hyatt(RHP, PHI), Michael Taylor (RF, OAK); Chris Withrow (LHP, LAD); Lars Anderson (1B, BOS); Brandon Guyer (OF, TB); Deck McGuire (RHP, TOR); Simon Castro (RHP, SD); Trevor May (RHP, PHI); Jake McGee (LHP, TB); Jeurys Familia (RHP, NYM); Christian Friedrich (LHP, COL); David Cooper (1B, TOR); Austin Romine (C, NYY); Tom Milone (LHP, WAS); Clint Robinson (1B, KC); David Lough (OF, KC); Tim Wheeler (LF/RF, COL); Alex Liddi (3B, SEA); Adrian Cardenas (2B/MI, OAK); Alex Torres (RHP, TB); Rudy Owens (LHP, PIT); Tanner Scheppers (RHP, TEX); Starling Marte (CF, PIT); Matt Adams (1B, St.L); Jose Iglesias (SS, BOS); Carlos Peguero (LF, SEA); Chris Parmelee (1B, MIN); Caleb Gindl (RF, MIL); Jarred Cosart (RHP, HOU)

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.

Grey spent a few humorous lines on Friday’s Buy/Sell article recommending outfielder Justin Ruggiano of Tampa Bay. The only thing in the way of Desmond Jennings, is not Sam Fuld or Ruggiano, it’s the Rays avoidance having him acquire Super-Two status; such status is acquired if a player receives more than 128 to 140 days of service time in first year of service acquisition; essentially while they are a rookie. After deep analytical research (read: Googling), Jennings has 33 days of service time in the majors. To avoid the evil Super-Two status, his ETA would be June 28th, 2011.

Paul Goldschmidt | ARI | 1B: Rumors from Kevin Towers – Arizona GM – is that he and Cowgill (See below) could be called up by the All-Star Break.

Collin Cowgill | ARI | OF: Has been hot all year. Currently slashing .369/.438/.604 in 260 at-bats with 32 XBH (12 Hr) with 22 steals and a 35:32 K:BB ratio. Baseball America’s scouting report states he’s a “Versatile [prospect] …can play all three outfield positions … Best outfield arm in the system (average outfielder defensively) … Slightly above-average runner … Increasingly developing more patience at the plate. Profiles as a fourth outfielder. Compares to Cody Ross.” Playing in the PCL and sporting a .392 BABIP inflates his success this year. However you mince the performance, you cannot ignore the positive success. If given a full 250 major league at-bats, his utmost upside could be .280 with 7-9 home runs and 10-15 steals.

Dayan Viciedo | CHW | 1B/3B/OF: Received a call-up on 6/16/11. All the value is with his bat. As long consistent contact is being made with the balls falling in, there shouldn’t be a problem. However, I think he’s Delmon Young 2.0 and there is no need for a beta test.

Randall Delgado | ATL | RHP (SP): Sent down due to Brandon Beachy planning on being activated for a 6/22/11 start. Still keep an eye on this young arm. His upside is tremendous.

Brett Lawrie | TOR | 2B/3B: Has started fielding and throwing but not hitting – per report on 6/18/11. Will be reexamined in 10 days and being hitting shortly thereafter. I’m worried the hand injury will hamper his performance when he does return.

Yonder Alonso | CIN | LF: Continues to hit Triple-A pitching (.316/.371/.502 in 247 at-bats) while playing “defense” in left field. With how atrocious the Red’s major league left fielders have hit, maybe a bit of poor defense with positive offense could be accepted.

Jason Kipnis | CLE | 2B: Has slashed .366/.413/.756 in the last 10 games and .298/.370/.517 in 242 at-bats on the year. He’ll need an injury on the major league squad to receive a call-up. At this point, I think he gets the call over Lonnie Chisenhall because …

Lonnie Chisenhall | CLE | 3B: … has been simply awful in over the last 16 games going 9-for-61 with 3 XBH (0 hr) and a 12:10 K:BB ratio. His slash line fallen to .250/.342/.392 in 232 at-bats. The peripherals are still solid – good plate discipline being displayed, slightly below-league-average BABIP (.285). Definitely going through a cold-spell. I am just taking a more cautious ETA due to the drought.

David Lough | KC | LF/RF: The youth movement is getting into full swing down in Kansas City. Lough offers above-average speed, a compact swing with gap power, a below-average arm and average defense in the corner outfield. Projects as a third or fourth outfielder. The Royals current outfielders are all playing well, yet Lough has progressed well in the last two years. He slash line in 233 Triple-A at-bats stands at .318/.357/.467 with 25 XBH (4 Hr) and 7 steals. He makes consistent contact (28:16 K:BB ratio). Seems like a Placido Polanco in the outfielder if given a full season of at-bats.

Mike Montgomery | KC | LHP (SP): With every step forward, there seems to be a step to the side. His performance has been wildly inconsistent. Control and command has been bi-polar. He’s pitching like Danny Duffy is in the majors. The talent is there, but I don’t expect success if called-up today. Until he becomes more consistent, would believe he’ll remain at Triple-A.

June 1st is just around the corner. There are many prospects that are just waiting for that deadline for their major league call-up. From Ackley to Moustakas to Rizzo to Belt and Jennings, the fantasy world will clamor at their availability and set grandiose expectations for performance. Remember, ma’ always said rookie-nookie should be ingested in small doses to prevent statistical indigestion. If excitement last more than four hours, offer your fellow league mate a turn, just don’t let your eyes meet.

Eric Thames | TOR | OF: Was called up as of 5/16/11. See Friday’s Buy/Sell post, or read past the link for where I quote Grey, “If I were in an AL-Only league, I’d grab Thames for a little HBI (Hot Bat Injection), but he’ll probably strike out a ton and I’d hold for now in mixed leagues.” I’d concur, especially since his M.O. is power and strikeouts.

Jay Buente | FLA | RHP (AAA): Will start today, Sunday, filling in for the injured Josh Johnson. Has a career 9.4 K/9 with a 3.6 BB/9. At 27 years old, his prospect status isn’t very high, if at all. Throws a low to mid 90s fastball and split-finger that induces a fair amount of groundballs. With a 44:10 K:BB ratio at Triple-A this year, he could be quiet source of strikeouts.

Jordan Lyles | HOU | RHP (AAA): Doesn’t have the ceiling of Julio Teheran, or the sexy appeal of Micheal Pineda. However, Lyles’ ability to control his 88-93 mph fastball, low 80s slider and a strong cutter project him as a number three starter. His strikeout rate has dropped progressively at each level of the minors. Will be more valuable in real baseball than in fantasy-world.

Dustin Ackley | SEA | 2B (AAA): Report on May 17 is that Seattle’s brass want him to improve his defense before considering calling him up. GM Jack Zduriencik followed that comment up with an equally vague statement that he wants Ackley up “sooner rather than later.” So June? Has 12/12 potential over the remainder of the year; at second base, you can do much worse.

Brett Lawrie | TOR | 3B (AAA): Continuing on the quoting trend, Yahoo’s Blue Jay report stated, “Asked about possibilities [of] the regular third baseman, manager John Farrell said, ‘We’ve got three options there. (INF Jayson Nix, INF John McDonald and 3B/1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion.) And when Brett Lawrie comes up, there’s another one.’” Here’s hoping that everyone knows Lawrie-salt makes everything better, including fantasy line-ups.

Brandon Belt | SF | 1B/OF (AAA): Since returning to Triple-A, Belt has .373/.509/.602 in 83 at-bats with a 24:26 K:BB ratio and 11 XBH (4 Hr). His scouting report states he makes consistent contact and has good strike zone judgment with ability to make quick adjustments. Appears he just needs some more time to adjust to major league pitching and could provide a .300 average and 20 to 25 home runs.

Anthony Rizzo | SD | 1B (AAA): Continues to hit well (.325/.391/.650 in last 10 days), and looks poised for a June first call up.

Desmond Jennings | TB | CF (AAA): Starting to show power and the strikeout rates that come with it (31 in 152 at-bats). Nothing to be too worried about for the time being. With Sam Fuld continuing to regress and disappoint, look for Jennings to finally get an opportunity soon. Think .275 with 12 to 15 home runs and 15 to 20 steals for the whole year.

Zach McAllister | CLE | RHP (AAA): Josh Todd got the call-up to replace the injured Alex White, but Tood is a reliever. McAllister has been brilliant this year at Triple-A with a 7.3 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9 in 52 innings and a 1.02 WHIP.  That said, his stuff is mediocre and is an end-of-the-rotation starter.

Mike Moustakas | KC | 3B (AAA): Starting to heat up at just the right time. In the last 10 games, he has slashed .333/.413/.718 (39 AB). During this time he has 9 XBH (3 Hr) and is making better contact (5:5 K:B). Be forewarned, his tendency to swing often and frequently making contact should be noted. His swing is solid and is learning to lay-off the breaking pitches. Should be owned when called up.

Mike Montgomery | KC | LHP (AAA): Slowly improving upon a disappointment start of the year. It seems that every step forward is met with another step backwards. Last Saturday, he was rocked 8 ER in 4.1 IP and a 4:3 K:BB. On the 19th, he dazzled with 7 strikeouts and 9 baserunners in 7 innings. Pitches better at home than road, which makes sense as Omaha is a slight-pitchers park. I don’t expect to see him up until mid-to-late summer.

James Darnell | SD | 3B (AA): Continues to lace the ball at Double-A in San Antonio, which is historically a strong-pitchers park. Bolstered by a solid 19:29 K:BB ratio and a .299 ISO, Darnell is pushing hard for the case to be promoted to at least Triple-A. With a career .206 ISO, strong plate discipline and good contact skills, Darnell could be a solid play in deeper mixed leagues by the end of the year, and in the near future.

Paul Goldschmidt | ARI | 1B (AA): Paul Bunyan’s nephew go yard yet again. 15 home runs on the year. Please Arizona, dump Miranda and Branyan so Brandon Allen and Goldschmidt finally get an opportunity.  (Rudy:  Your Branyan wish came true but Miranda and Xavier Nady are still around….)

Exciting news on prospect fronts with the promotions of Julio Teheran and Eric Hosmer. There was also scary news for all Orioles fans as Manny Machado left a game on Thursday with a knee injury. He was later diagnosed with a dislocated knee cap. This puts a damper in his early season success at Single-A and will be placed on the seven-day DL with the expectation that he’ll be off next week.  Other minor league news and highlights:

Clay Mortensen | COL | RHP (SP): Technically not a rookie, but was called up on Saturday to replace Esmil Rogers for today’s start. Personally would avoid even in NL-Only leagues.

Paul Goldschmidt | ARI | 1B: The Gold-rush continues as Paul has continued his country-strong campaign. He’s slashing .337/.487/.730 at Double-A with 10 home runs and a 17:27 K:BB ratio. With Brandon Allen still a road block, his promotion to Triple-A will be delayed.

Brandon Belt | SF | 1B/OF: Although it’s a small sample size, his .429/.537/.690 slash-line in 54 AB with 7 XBH (2 Hr) and 14:11 K:BB, ratio brings the excitement back. He’s striking out as much as he was in the majors too. It will only be time before he’s back.

Brett Lawrie | TOR | 3B: Early this week, the Blue Jays brass stated that they have been pleased with Lawrie’s early season. Even his shoddy defense – which has improved since the beginning. I’m starting to believe that come June first, the Jays will promote their top prospect.

James Darnell | SD | 3B: Reviewing his early season numbers (15 XBH (4 Hr) and a 14:23 K:BB ratio in 96 AB (.365/.483/.604) at Double-A) and career numbers (.305/.407/.501 in 1018 AB), I am led to believe that Darnell is another Kevin Kouzmanoff. For fantasy purposes, that’s far from a compliment.

Dee Gordon | LAD | SS: What do you call a strikeout slap hitter? Carlos Gomez? Sure, and they have a lot in common – good defense and strikeouts without good on-base skills. I still really like Gordon. His .303/.355/.364 slash line in 99 AB with 5 XBH (0 Hr) and 12 steals in 14 attempts are enticing. His defense is solid to hold a job, but his 20:7 K:BB ratio at Triple-A and inability to have value without the steals begs the question – Carlos Gomez at SS?

Mike Montgomery | KC | LHP (SP): The Royals are loaded, their fan base skeptical and fantasy players hoping catch the next big prospect. Montgomery has been underwhelming compared to early season expectations. Sans his first start in which he gave up 5 runs, he has pitched better but still struggles with control (24:19 K:BB in33 IP). Even with a positive GO/AO ratio (1.63 GO/AO) he needs to refine his command and control at Triple-A.

Danny Duffy | KC | LHP (SP): As for next Royal pitching prospect to target, Duffy has to be on your radar. With a 33:6 K:BB in 26 innings, he has been their best pitching prospect to date. He’s a flyball pitcher (.63 GO/AO ratio) and will struggle with home runs in the majors. However, his control and strikeout potential could land him as the AL’s Brandon Beachy.

Anthony Rizzo | SD | 1B: Here’s a follow up with a quieter name with as much upside as Hosmer and Belt for this year. At Triple-A, he has hit .308/.364/.615 in the last 10 games (39 AB) with 7 XBH (2 Hr). Overall, he’s slashing .393/.448/.741 with 20 XBH (9 Hr) in 112 AB and a 23:11 K:BB ratio.

Eric Surkamp | SF | LHP (SP): Hard to ignore 41 strikeouts (12 BB) in 26 innings, even if they are at Double-A and from a deceptive delivery. His MLB ETA was delayed due to a hip injury in 2010. If not for that injury he would be at Triple-A, knocking on the door for a MLB rotation spot

Matt Moore | TB | LHP (SP): See 1/8 inch above, remove the injury history and add that Moore is a dominate pitcher with a high ceiling. Currently at Double-A he has a 41:6 K:BB in 29 1/3 innings. Simply, a top two pitching prospect (Teheran is first).

Jean Segura | LAA | SS: Come September, Segura and Trout will be talked about like Moustakas and Hosmer. Just look (at High-A): 9 XBH (2 Hr), 13 steals in 17 attempts, 15:8 K:BB ratio and a .312/.361/.459 slash line in 109 AB. Plus good defense.

Shelby Miller | St.L | RHP (SP): The Cardinals top pitching prospect looks to be growing out of High-A soon. His 42:13 K:BB in 28 innings are exciting. Double-A should be in his near future (late May). A September call up is possible.