Today is the trade deadline so we’ll look at a few of the prospects that have been on the move before jumping into minor league player news.
As of this writing (3 pm CST), the trade of Hunter Pence for right-handed pitchers Jarred Cosart, Josh Zeid, first baseman Jonathan Singleton and a PTBNL between the Phillies and Astros has been the largest trade based primarily on the value of prospects. The rumors were that the Astros wanted another one of the Phillies top pitching prospects (Brody Colvin, Trevor May, or Jesse Biddle). Obviously that wasn’t the case. I’m not going to grade the trade, I’ll save that for others. Instead, I will tell you that Cosart throws a mid-90s fastball with a ceiling of a number one starter, that Singleton has plus-raw power and solid swing, and Zeid throws a 90-94 mph fastball and is a back-end starter. Those are obviously the pluses. When dealing with Single High-A prospects, it’s important to note they all are high-risk, high-reward prospects. We’ll have to wait two-to-three years for a final grade of the trade too.
Other Prospects on the move:
Charlie Furbush |SEA | LHP (SP): Was traded from Detroit to Seattle for Doug Fister and David Pauley. I’ll save the low hanging puns for fun in the comments. This is a slight-plus environmental change for Charlie, not to mention he could be moved into the starting rotation.
Zack Wheeler | NYM | RHP (SP): San Francisco paid a large price for a two-month rental of the aged Carlos Beltran. The Mets’ reward is the Giants second ranked prospect according to Baseball America. The 21 year old has a mid-90s fastball (94-97 mph) and a promising curveball and changeup. Will need to work on control and mechanics to sustain success. Is currently pitching fairly well at Single High-A with a 10.0 K/9, 4.8 BB/9 in 88 innings. Sabermetrically, his .293 BABIP, 70.3 LOB%, and 3.75 FIP support his traditional statistical performance. I’d expect an ETA of 2012.
Yamaico Navarro | KC | 2B/UTL: The Red Sox acquired Mike Aviles for Navarro, the Red Sox 12th ranked prospect per Baseball America. He has played in the majors for the last month (July). His scouting reports reads as follows, “[One] of the best upper-level talents in the system … 2009 season ruined to broken hamate bone … uncommon power for a middle infielder … potential for 15 to 20 home runs … consistent hard contact to all field … average speed … soft hands and a strong arm … could handle everyday duty at second or third base … at the least, he could be a quality utilityman.” I’d expect the Royals to play him everyday. He’s a Felipe Lopez clone.
New York Yankees rumors of acquiring Ubaldo Jimenez: Social media and MLBTR report that the Rockies want Montero, Manny Banuelous, Dellin Betances and Ivan Nova. That is more than the Indians received (Jason Knapp, Lou Marson, Carlos Carrasco, and Jason McDonald), the Phillies received (Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, and Juan Ramirez), and/or Mariners received (Justin Smoak, Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke, and Matt Lawson) when trading Cliff Lee. What the Rockies want is equivalent to the Braves Freddie Freeman, Brandon Beachy, Julio Teheran and Mike Minor/Randal Delgado. Or swapping Beachy for a pre-2011 Craig Kimbrel. It’s quite the asking price for a current one-hit wonder.
Non trade news:
Matt Moore | TB | LHP (SP): His second start at Triple-A, against the Braves farmhands, went spectacularly. 13 strikeouts, 5 baserunners (2 walks) and 0 ER. So far, he has 151 strikeouts in 115 innings and continues to be my favorite minor league pitcher for the 2012 fantasy season.
Trevor May | PHI | RHP (SP): And here is why the Phillies want to keep May and his 91 to 95 mph fastball, 76-79 mph above-average-to-plus curveball, and equally as solid changeup: 159 strikeouts, 59 walks in 119 1/3 innings at High-A (Florida State League). That 12 K/9 is nearly double Cosart’s 6.6 K/9 at the same level. Just sayin’.
Paul Goldschmidt | ARI | 1B: Brandon Allen and Collin Cowgill got the call-up in recent weeks yet Goldschmidt is still raking in the minors. After a brief cold streak in early July, the Golden Ax struck again. In his last ten games he has hit .333/.511/.727 in 33 at-bats with 6 XBH (3 Hr), 12 RBI and a 10:12 K:BB ratio. The home runs have allowed him to keep lead pace atop the leader board. Still debate if he’ll be the next Chris Davis or Carlos Pena.
Brett Lawrie | TOR | 3B: 19 for 42 with 10 XBH in the last ten games. For the sake of the ancient gods, quit playing games Mr. Anthopoulous or you’ll force me to call upon the mighty Zeus.
Joe Wieland | TEX | RHP (SP): On 7/29/11 threw a no-hitter facing the minimum at Double-A versus the Padres farm hands (key, non-injured prospects: Jedd Gyorko and Jeff Decker). Wieland is just another one of the Rangers many pitching prospects. Throws an 88 to 92 mph fastball, an above-average to plus curveball and an average changeup. Ceiling is a mid-rotation starter with the expectation of being at least a back-end starter.
