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.
