Even after graduating guys like Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and Danny Duffy, the Royals system is still flush with future stars. Ownership has granted baseball development personnel a generous budget over recent years for both the draft and the international markets, and it must be satisfying for Royals fans to see those investments paying off. Still, I doubt we’ll see the same arrival of highly touted prospects in 2012 that we saw in 2011. It seems more likely that this group will reach fantasy relevance from 2013-2015. I suppose Mike Montgomery has a shot to make an impact with KC later this year, but I’m confident that the Royals’ back-end starters will hold up. Realistically, relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera might be the best positioned guy of the group to crack your fantasy roster this year. The kid touches 100 with his heater and could certainly work his way into some save opportunities if Broxton/Holland/Crow aren’t effective.
Eric Hosmer (1B); Mike Moustakas (3B); Danny Duffy (LHP); Aaron Crow (RHP); Tim Collins (LHP); Salvador Perez (C); Johnny Giavotella (2B); Louis Coleman (RHP)
After a disappointing year in Double-A, Myers will return to the Texas League, but he’ll make his Triple-A debut at some point in 2012. And when he arrives in the PCL, expect exciting numbers. Myers has the power and patience at the plate to post monstrous figures and he could certainly blossom into a top-tier outfielder in the bigs. All reasons why he came in at #15 in my Top 25 Prospects for 2013 & Beyond.
Colon will join Myers in Double-A to begin 2012, where he’ll hope to improve on his poor 2011 season at the plate. The 2010 first-rounder makes good contact, and given his .271 BABIP last year, I’m thinking he’s in for much improved 2012 campaign. With Alcides Escobar blocking shortstop, however, Colon will need to make the transition to second base if he’s to be a regular with the Royals any time soon.
Montgomery should arrive in the majors at some point this year, and he’ll be worth owning in most formats when he does, but his real fantasy impact likely won’t happen ’til 2013. A plus fastball and a plus change have him projecting as a number two starter, but if he can work out some command issues, he could be an ace in Kansas City.
With a filthy fastball-curveball combo, Herrera earned a spot in the Royals’ bullpen this spring. And given the uncertainty surrounding the late-inning guys in KC, Herrera might be a sleeper to grab some saves if the others falter. Jeff Zimmerman also thinks highly of him and noted him in his Royals preview for Razzball back in February. Certainly a guy to monitor – Herrera, that is. Although, Zimmerman might be a good guy to monitor too over at Royals Review.
A lousy finish to 2011 marred what could have been an outstanding year in Low-A for Cuthbert. He’ll move up to High-A for 2012 where he’ll look to sustain impressive figures for a full season. Should things go well in Wilmington, Cuthbert could be making his Double-A debut before he turns 20. With plus power potential from third base, he’s certainly a guy to keep an eye on for fantasy purposes.
I normally wouldn’t bother mentioning a guy who hasn’t yet played pro ball, especially a high school draftee. Nonetheless, Starling is worth noting. The Royals will be patient with him – he’s beginning 2012 in extended spring training, but he’ll likely join Low-A Kane County once the weather warms. The ceiling here is enormous, though, which is why I ranked him #12 in my Top 25 Prospects for 2013 & Beyond.
Odorizzi has a deceptive fastball, which sneaks up on hitters thanks to an effortless delivery. His secondary stuff, however, has room for improvement. He’ll head back to Northwest Arkansas for 2012 to refine his repertoire, but he should reach Triple-A this year. He’ll make for a nice number three starter once he’s arrived and settled in.
Dwyer has all sorts of delivery concerns and he’s headed back to Double-A to try to sort those out. After posting a 5.60 ERA over a full season in the Texas League last year, the Royals would like to see him show significantly more command before they test him in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Dwyer relies on his fastball to set up a nice 12-6 breaker, but when he cannot locate the former the effect of the latter is lost entirely. Still, the lefty could fit in as a mid-rotation guy if he can work out some kinks.
I spend most of my time here focusing on prospects who’re nearing their big league debuts. Today, though, I’m gonna be discussing some guys a little further out. In these rankings, talent trumps all – although, I broke that rule a few times based on lack of experience (see Bundy, Sano, Starling). Among all of these names, though, one fact is constant: each has an enormous ceiling. All of these guys have the potential to develop into tremendous fantasy assets. Unless you’re drafting in a dynasty league, however, these are not players you want to be considering on draft day. For the top 25 fantasy baseball prospects for right now, click that link.
1. Jurickson Profar | SS, Rangers: Profar has already put up some exciting numbers, and scouts are drooling over his physical development this offseason. The upside here is preposterously high. More on Profar in my Rangers post. ETA: 2013.
2. Manny Machado | SS, Orioles: The slugging shortstop has drawn comparisons to a young A-Rod. The arrival of Machado and Profar will certainly aid the shortstop scarcity currently plaguing fantasy baseball. ETA: 2013.
3. Gerrit Cole | SP, Pirates: Cole was the #1 overall pick last June and made his pro debut in the Arizona Fall League, where he was clocked as high as 102 MPH. He’ll start at High-A this year, but should move quickly. ETA: 2013.
4. Jameson Taillon | SP, Pirates: Although he’s a year ahead of Cole in terms of experience, Taillon is behind his teammate developmentally. Legitimate ace potential here. The future is bright for the Pittsburgh rotation. ETA: 2014.
5. Travis D’Arnaud | C, Blue Jays: Projects better than Arencibia both offensively and defensively, so it’s only a matter of time ’til D’Arnaud takes over as Toronto’s regular behind the plate. He should be up late this season and ready for full-time in 2013. ETA: Late 2012.
6. Anthony Rendon | 3B, Nationals: Rendon is a polished hitter and he could be ready for the bigs by late-season. With Ryan Zimmerman at third for the foreseeable future, Rendon might have to arrive as a 2B. More on Rendon in my Nationals post. ETA: 2013.
7. Nolan Arenado | 3B, Rockies: Arenado doesn’t impress scouts quite so much as Rendon, but he’s an impressive all-around talent and the Rockies have no one blocking him at third. He’ll start 2012 at Double-A and try to push his way through to the big club this year. More on Arenado, here. ETA: Late 2012.
8. Dylan Bundy | SP, Orioles: An ace in the making, Bundy is looking forward to his first taste of pro ball in 2012. He should move quickly. Could rank higher if he backs up the hype with on-field production. ETA: 2014.
9. Taijuan Walker | SP, Mariners: Ace potential is even more attractive when you factor the Safeco effect. ETA: 2014.
10. Mike Montgomery | SP, Royals: Montgomery has a chance to gain some big league time this year if the Royals’ staff is injured and/or terrible. More likely, Kansas City remains patient with their prized prospect and he makes his impact in 2013. ETA: Late 2012.
11. Miguel Sano | SS, Twins: Sano will get his first taste of full-season baseball in the Midwest League this year. That means he’ll make a few visits to Kane County, which isn’t too far from me. Can’t wait to watch him live. ETA: 2015.
12. Bubba Starling | OF, Royals: The fifth overall selection last June, Starling is oozing with talent. He could be playing full-time at Kane County this year. OH HELL YEAH – when can I pre-order Beloit at Kane County tix? ETA: 2015.
13. Carlos Martinez | SP, Cardinals: Command seems to be the only thing holding Martinez back at this point. He’ll return to the Florida State League to begin 2012 in order to refine that aspect of his game. Once he can work that out, he’ll push through quickly. ETA: 2013.
14. Archie Bradley | SP, Diamondbacks: Bradley joins Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs as three potential aces in the D’Backs system. He’ll need quite a bit more time than the other two, however. ETA: 2015.
15. Wil Myers | OF, Royals: In terms of pure talent, Myers falls a bit short of Starling. At this point, though, he’s far closer to the bigs. Long shot to arrive late this year. ETA: 2013.
16. Manny Banuelos | SP, Yankees: Banuelos is probably ready now, but the Yankees have nowhere for him. Based on readiness, he’s a good candidate for a late-seasn arrival. More on Banuelos, in my Yankees prospect review. ETA: Late 2012.
17. Jonathan Singleton | 1B/OF, Astros: Singleton joined the Houston system by way of Philadelphia in the Hunter Pence swap. He put up some outstanding post-trade figures in the California League. A beacon of hope for Astros fans. More on him, here. ETA: 2013.
18. Christian Yelich | OF, Marlins: Yelich projects above average in hitting, power and speed. Defensively, he’s just average, though. Good thing we don’t care about defense. ETA: 2013.
19. Mike Olt | 3B, Rangers: He could very well be ready by the second half of 2012, but the opportunity in Texas won’t exist while Beltre is entrenched at third. Could be trade-bait. More on Olt, here. ETA: 2013.
20. Martin Perez | SP, Rangers: Three plus offerings has Perez looking like a frontline starter if he can get his command in order. Read more on him in my Rangers post. ETA: 2013.
21. Zack Wheeler | SP, Mets: Wheeler profiles best as a #2 starter, but he could develop into an ace if he can transform his curveball into a plus offering – his fastball and changeup are already there. Wheeler could reach Triple-A this year. ETA: 2013.
22. Francisco Lindor | SS, Indians: Yet another huge upside talent who’ll be playing in the Midwest League this year. The Cleveland system is horrendous, but Lindor provides some reason for hope. ETA: 2015.
23. Gary Brown | OF, Giants: Brown will begin 2012 trying to prove he can put up big numbers outside the hitter-friendly California League. But his speed and defense will play in the bigs, regardless. Read more on Brown in my Giants post. ETA: 2013.
24. Anthony Gose | OF, Blue Jays: Extremely toolsy centerfielder swiped 70 bags at Double-A. Gose will work on refining his approach at the plate in Triple-A this year. He could push Colby Rasmus out of center in 2013. ETA: 2013.
25. Hak-Ju Lee | SS, Rays: Lee, for now, is a defensive-minded shortstop, but he has all of the tools to develop into an exciting offensive player. Shortstop is a weakness at the top of the Rays’ organization, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see Lee up at some point next year. ETA: 2013.
Ten more, in alphabetical order: Xander Bogaerts (SS, Red Sox); Nick Castellanos (3B, Tigers); Jarred Cosart (SP, Astros); Yasmani Grandal (C, Padres); Billy Hamilton (SS, Reds); Zach Lee (SP, Dodgers); Rymer Liriano (OF, Padres); Wily Peralta (SP, Brewers); Oscar Taveras (OF, Cardinals); Kolten Wong (2B, Cardinals)
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.
