Fantasy Baseball Advice

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.

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.

June is an exciting time. Cellar dwellers have a chance to see the “Hope of their future,” trades become relevant and prospects get their chance to prove to the world the hype is legitimate. Truth be told, more often than not, it becomes a game of small sample size paranoia. Is this prospects hot start a mirage? There is no way a top 10 prospect could be this bad!?! How much should I trade/give up to move the prospect? The questions are endless. Rookie nookie starts dreams of all butterflies and daffodils, but being roofie’d is swift kick in the groin to reminding you that you’re still a man.

Lonnie Chisenhall | CLE | 3B: Jack Hannahan was removed due to hamstring tightness, but was stated just as a precautionary measure. Just in case; it should be noted that Chisenhall has slowed down and has lost some if that early season luster. Or that managers realize he’s hitting .194 in 62 at-bats versus left handed pitching and .309 against righties. I still like Chisenhall and believe he’ll be a .275, 20-25 HR and 90 RBI boring third basemen, just not this year. If used right in the majors (read: platooned), he could post a .280 average with 10-15 home runs in 275 at-bats.

Mike Moustakas | KC | 3B: Chisenhall has lost and slipped behind Moustakas for fantasy relevancy this June. After a horrid April, the Moose has started to turn into the prospect everyone thought he’d be. Better late than never.

Brett Lawrie | TOR | 3B: Had a pitch strike his wrist, causing a delay in his MLB arrival. The damage was just a bruise but is still day-to-day. Once he’s healed, expect the Blue Kays to start him at third.

Anthony Rizzo | SD | 1B: Reports are that the Padres are going to be calling up their top hitting prospect within the next few days.  A must grab in all but the shallowest leagues.

Brandon Allen | ARI | 1B: Allen continues to heat up as the seasons progresses. The strikeouts are a concern (~25 K%) and always have been. With Arizona’s current struggles at first, Allen should get a call-up before before too long.

Paul Goldschmidt | ARI | 1B: Speaking of Arizona first basemen, Goldschmidt continues to dominate Double-A’s Southern League with 19 home runs and an OPS of 1.149 in 202 at-bats. This year he has cut down his strikeout rate considerably from the past two years, from 31% strikeout rate to 19%, and increased his walk rate; current ratio is 38:42 K:BB. With 16 more walks, he’ll pass his career high that was reached in 525 at-bats. He’s quickly rising up scouts prospect boards as the power has proved to be more than just environmentally driven.

Yonder Alonso | CIN | 1B/LF: The sweet swinging Alonso is showing he deserves a chance in the majors slashing .318/.373/.507 with 24 XBH (6 Hr) and with no noticeable split against lefties. Jonny Gomes’ .190 average and Fred Lewis being who-he-is, I would expect Alonso to quietly be promoted to the majors soon.

Kyle Gibson | MIN | RHP (SP): I was watching Friday’s Twins-Royals game with a few friends at a local bar, none of them Twins fans. They directed my attention to the days starting lineup and a little bit of my dinner found its way into my mouth. Even with Alcides Escobar’s sub .500 OPS and without Moustakas, the Royals lineup was better. Although the Twins won 5-2 (much due to Danny Duffy’s poor pitching) and Eric Hosmer was robbed of a 2-run home run by a bogus ground-rule double call, the Twins look terrible. What does this have to do with Mr. Gibson? Good question. Throughout that game, all I could think was that beyond Kyle Gibson’s fantastic upside, the Twins minor league system has nothing good to offer for another two years. At this point in the year, the Twins have nothing to lose by calling up Gibson. He’s proven that the promotion would be warranted.

Devin Mesoraco | CIN | C: It seems that his numbers come in bunches. On Friday, he went 3 for 3 with a home run and 5 RBI. A sixth of his season’s production was on one night. A few weeks ago, it was the same story. Either way, he’s proving that 2010 wasn’t a fluke.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis | NYM | CF: There are rumors of Carlos Beltran being traded. It would be just as likely that he return to the DL. One prospect that should be mentioned if that rumor even has some validity is Kirk. He’s slashing .302/.407/.521 in 169 at-bats with 23 XBH (6 Hr) with a 51:29 K:BB ratio. Sabermetric stats paint a different picture. His .402 BABIP and 30.2 K% would indicate a strong regression towards the mean. He has Colby Rasmus type upside, and should be an exciting prospect, but I do think he’s playing over his head for the time being.

Dustin Ackley | SEA | 2B: The Mariners are still waiting to call him up until he improves defensively. Are they worried that fans wouldn’t come to the game because defensively he struggles? Psh! The Twins start Alexi Casilla every night at short and Target Field still sells tickets.

Matt Moore | TB | LHP (SP): Hard to get excited this year for Moore as the Rays are notoriously slow in promoting their top prospects. Nevertheless, a pitcher with a 5.125 K:BB ratio and 12.6 K/9 rate in 58 2/3 innings is difficult to ignore. He’ll be the Julio Teheran, Jeremy Hellickson, Tommy Hanson of 2012; everyone is going to want to see him come September, if not sooner.

Shelby Miller | St.L | RHP (SP): Promoted to Double-A last Sunday. Much like Moore, Miller has a 13.6 K/9 and nearly 4:1 K:BB ratio. Start getting excited for Summer 2012.

Don’t look now, but GMs around the league are nearing the unwritten rule of the June 1st prospect call up. Vast majority of GMs, to save a few million if the prospects pans out, wait for the arbitration service time clock to strike midnight before calling their best names up. Speaking of which, Grey’s Buy/Sell article on Friday targets several top prospects and their recent fantasy baseball prospectus. Other names to note, and maybe a few repeated too:

Andy Oliver | DET | LHP (SP): Love his mid 90s fastball and repertoire, but drew the short straw facing the Red Sox in his spot start. I’m still riding his prospect-wagon.

Yonder Alonso | CIN | 1B/LF: Requested by frequent commentator, Racehorse, and justifiably so, Alonso is slashing .297/.359/.483 in 172 at-bats with 21 XBH (5 Hr) and a 25:18 K:BB ratio at Triple-A. His smooth swing, ability to hit to all fields, strong grasp of strike zone, and has started a transition to left field since Joey Votto isn’t going anywhere. Currently in a oh-fer 19 slump, if or when the Reds tire of Johnny Gomes’ streaky tendencies, they’ll justify calling up Alonso.

Brett Lawrie | TOR | 2B/3B: What is there to say at this point? Oh, go grab him!

Brandon Belt | SF | 1B/LF: Since Grey went over him, Bochy announced that Belt would be a bench bat.

Anthony Rizzo | SD | 1B: Petco will limit his power and the Padres limit his ability to alleviate their Quad-A lineup status.

Mike Moustakas | KC | 3B: Continues to tug and tease on our nerdy hearts. Ever step forward is met with another setback. His excellent swing and power potential just isn’t making enough solid contact (.264 average in 174 at-bats and 35 strikeouts) to translate production. Still fully expect him to be given the opportunity, it is, after all, the Royals.

Desmond Jennings | TB | CF: Sam Fuld’s .230 average in leftfield should be on the bench come June 1st. Jennings has been the expected hitting call up for the Rays over the last 18 months.

Dustin Ackley | SEA | 2B: Defensively needs to improve at second, but what are the Mariners waiting for? Ken Griffey, Jr. Jr.?

Jesus Montero | NYY | C: Monitoring the Yankees ability to call up the Montero is awfully difficult. Unless the Posada struggle becomes more petty, Montero will need an injury to be promoted. His power has been lacking (.419 slugging) and his plate discipline has slipped too (39:9 in 160 at-bats). At catcher, with Posey going down, there are few solid options. Here’s to hoping.

Kyle Gibson | MIN | RHP (SP): My coworkers, who don’t even follow baseball, know the Twins entire roster has been inept. No time like the present, and his 49:10 K:BB in 47 1/3 innings with a 1.56 GO/AO sure beat what the Twins are throwing out each night.

Dee Gordon | LAD | SS: Continues to hit (.333/.390/.417 in last ten game and .311/.349/.378 in 164 at-bats) and steal bases (18 on the year). His early career potential is another Elvis Andrus. Now we just wait for Furcal to re-injure himself.

Mike Trout | LAA | CF: Has simply been nothing short of brilliant living up to one of the top hitting prospects in the game. Hitting .301/.410/.523 in 153 at-bats with a 30:26 K:BB ratio at Double-A, this young 19 year old could see the majors shortly after his 20th birthday (i.e. September).

Shelby Miller | St.L | RHP (SP): Currently annihilating High-A hitters with his 81 strikeouts in 53 innings. Sports a 4:1 K:BB ratio and has limited batters to a .204 average. Miller should be promoted to Double-A soon.

Jason Kipnis | CLE | 2B: Offensively doing everything he can to be called up. He’s hitting .333/.375/.667 in his last 10 games and .292/.368/.500 on the year. Kipnis most likely won’t be called up unless there’s an injury to Orlando Cabrera.

Devin Mesoraco | CIN | C: There isn’t much room for another hitting backstop in Cincinnati, however, Mesoraco has been making his case. His 18 XBH (5 Hr) and .296/.383/.489 slash line in 152 at-bats and 33:20 K:BB ratio are enticing to many deep league managers who are currently spotting Wilson Ramos too many at-bats. Maybe that is just me.

Jordan Lyles | HOU | RHP (SP): He’s not going to strikeout many batters in the majors and most likely will be a low-tier fantasy option for 12 team leagues. His value, especially this year, is limited due to his home park and strikeout potential. Long term, his ability locate his pitches (fastball, plus changeup, slider and cutter), mature pitching approach and his durability project as a solid middle rotation pitcher you can count on.

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.