I got in a bit of a tiff in one of my dynasty leagues over a trade offer involving Erick Fedde. I’m one of the types that pretty much negs every first offer or counter I get below market value. IMO you’re crazy not to. I also refuse to give up multiple MLB pieces for single prospects unless the talent level is a significant potential increase. The offer was Erick Fedde for Brandon McCarthy and Mike Leake. It’s a 10 team NL only dynasty, he’s competing, I’m a prospect kennel full of young pups with big paws. In other words I’m in dead last and I’m selling all MLB players that are over 32 or below star level (McCarthy and Leake). With that said mid-rotation starters are more valuable in AL/NL only formats. Long story short I snapped back, spelled Fedde incorrectly 3-4 times, and we ended negotiations. Thought I had to share if I planned on writing about him. So random league mate, here you go an ode to Erick Fedde.
Erick Fedde, RHP National (hi-A Potomac): It’s been a long road for the former first round pick. After a legendary collegiate career with UNLV, an elbow injury struck, and he had Tommy John just weeks before the 2014 draft. After beginning his professional career late last June with the Nationals short season NY-Penn affiliate, he entered 2016 ready for his first full season with hi-A Potomac. The first few months did not go well. However, starting on May 23rd Fedde got hot, going 3-0 with a .69 ERA, .90 Whip, 8.31 K/9, 1.85 Bb/9, and a .197 BAA. He’s due for a call to AA, though his name has come up in trade rumors involving Aroldis Chapman, so it’s worth keeping an eye on that. He’s worth an add, or as a potential trade target even if my actions have said otherwise.
Andrew Benintendi, OF Red Sox (Portland AA): Friday night the news broke that the 2015 first round pick would start his first game in left field for the Sea Dogs. Between this and Dombrowski’s comments around the all-star break saying he’d consider promoting players directly from AA, there’s a chance we see him within a few weeks. With Brock Holt currently manning left for the Bo-Sox it’s not like the position is locked up, and a Benintendi promotion might mean a return to the super-sub role that Holt thrived in previously. I wouldn’t rule out a promotion prior to the second week of August, you know, as long as he’s not dealt for Sale.
Raimel Tapia, OF Rockies (Hartford AA): These Yardgoats man, I’ll tell you. First it was David Dahl setting the world on fire prior to his promotion now it’s Tapia. Truth be told that’s not entirely true, Tapia’s been good. Following a disappointing April the 22 year old outfielder has raked. Starting on May 1st Tapia has slashed .365/.404/.493 with 5 homers and 14 steals. Things I like about Tapia are his obviously advanced hit tool and ability to avoid strikeouts, the later if which is exemplified by his preposterous 10.7% K rate. Things I don’t like are his lack of power, which could still develop, and his overrated base stealing ability. Sure he has 16 steals but he’s also been caught 14 times, that’s no bueno vs AA catchers. Tapia remains a divisive prospect, albeit one with huge upside if he makes it to Coors. I find my own self conflicted with him, but lean toward the positive side in the end.
Dan Vogelbach, 1B Mariners (AAA Tacoma): Not sure if you guys are aware of this but I’m a fan of Dan Vogelbach. Not sure where you might of heard that before? In his first game in the Mariners organization following Wednesday’s trade with the Cubs, the Jelly Donut of Swat went 3 for 3 with a double, 2 rbis, and a walk. I was on record when the trade happened that Vogelbach will hit the majors soon and should supplant Adam Lind at first and rotate at bats at DH with Nelson Cruz.
Isan Diaz, 2B/SS Brewers (A Wisconsin): Since June 1st Diaz has slashed .314/.392/.593 with 10 homers. He was just outside my top 100, but he’s a player I mentioned in honorable mention. May turn out to be the jewel of the Jean Segura deal. I love middle infielders with power.
Sean Reid Foley, RHP Blue Jays (hi-A Dunedin): Upon promotion to hi-A Dunedin Foley has continued to roll going 5-0 with 1.88 ERA, 11.3 K/9, and a 1.88 Bb/9 in 7 starts. I had him pegged as a pen arm coming out of the draft two years ago but It’s hard to say that now. He’s gone less than 6 innings just twice in his time in Dunedin. Worth a flier in leagues where you need pitching.
Rookie Ball Sightings
Cody Thomas, OF Dodgers: I have to give a nod to J-Foh here on this one. The former Oklahoma quarterback has been en fuego since joining Ogden after going in the 13th round of this years draft to the Dodgers. Quick aside the Dodgers are excellent at getting these steals outside the first round lately. So far he’s destroyed the Pioneer League, after seeing promotion from the Arizona League after raking there in a short stint. He’s hitting a ho-hum .427/.495/.866 with 8 homers and 5 steals across the two stops. He’s an athletic specimen, and is focusing on baseball exclusively for the first time. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Jordan Zimmerman, 2B Angels: The former Michigan State star, went to the Halos in the 7th round of the draft, and has been golden since entering pro ball, slashing .347/.411/.524. Full disclosure almost all of those numbers came in rookie ball, and prior to his promotion to class A Burlington of the Midwest League. It’s only been 11 games in class A, and any potentially productive middle infielder is always worth your attention. Whether or not you add him comes down to league size. He’s feels like a top 500 prospect at the moment but he could cut that number in half quite quickly.
Meibrys Viloria, C Royals: The Columbian catcher has been brought along slowly thus far, playing just 91 games of rookie ball prior to this season. So far in 2016 Viloria is slashing .449/.500/.806 through 25 games with Pioneer League Idaho Falls. Once again a fringe top 500 prospect, but someone to keep on your radar.
Bo Bichette, 2B/SS Blue Jays: The Jays just love the sons of former major league players. Between Bichette, Guerrero, and even the failed Drabeck thing the Jays have a history. So far this one is paying off. Fresh out of Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, FL, Bichette is slashing .421/.440/.724 with 4 knocks, and three steals. Not a bad second round choice.
Troy Montgomery, OF Angels: Another college hitter taken in the mid rounds by the Angels. Much like Zimmerman, Montgomery has recently joined the Angels class A affiliate Burlington of the Midwest League. The former Ohio State player slashed .341/.453/.557 with 4 homers and 1o steals in 26 games prior to promotion. Will be interesting to see how the power/speed translates as he progresses.
Ryan Vega, OF Angels: Somebody check the Angels minor league bats for super balls? Vega was a 14th round pick out of El Paso Community College in 2015 and initially struggled. So far in his second crack at Rookie ball he seems to be getting the hang of it, sashing .426/.474/.647. He’s very young at just 19 and is still years away form being on most dynasty owners radars, if he gets that far.
Follow me on Twitter @RalphLifshitzBB and subscribe to my Fantasy Gold Rush Podcast on iTunes.
