Another two weeks, another prospect list. This week we have added something new, we are ranking the graduates of the list on their projected rank on this list. Obviously it is not an exact science, but ranking them will help simmer the discussion on the format of the lists and focus more on the content of the lists (risers and fallers). Please note that the list was completed before the recent signings of draftees (a la Zuninio), so they will be included in next listing! Without further ado, enjoy!
Rank. Name - POS, Team (Change) Comment
1. Jurickson Profar – SS, TEX
2. Trevor Bauer – SP, ARI (+1)
-Major league debut this past week gives him the slight edge over the younger Bundy
3. Dylan Bundy – SP, BAL (-1)
4. Wil Myers – OF, KC
5. Gerrit Cole – SP, PIT
6. Oscar Taveras – OF, STL (+2)
7. Travis d’Arnaud – C, TOR
-Recently injured and out 6-8 weeks, if there is a setback he will be removed from the list and onto the INJ section
8. Taijuan Walker – SP, SEA (-2)
9. Jameson Taillon – SP, PIT
10. Danny Hultzen – SP, SEA
11. Zack Wheeler – SP, NYM
12. Billy Hamilton – 2B/SS, CIN (+6)
-Continues to hit, and combined with his 96 SB this season just makes people wonder, where’s the ceiling?
13. Shelby Miller – SP, STL (-3)
-Rumors are that the industry is more worried than originally thought. Cause for serious concern?
14. Francisco Lindor – SS, CLE (-5)
-His hitting has cooled a bit and he’s started falling because of that
15. Julio Teheran – SP, ATL
16. Manny Machado – SS, BAL
17. Anthony Rizzo – 1B, CHC
18. Jose Fernandez – SP, MIA
19. Anthony Rendon – 3B, WAS
20. Nick Castellanos – 3B, DET
21. Tyler Skaggs - SP, ARI
22. Xander Bogaerts – SS, BOS (+8)
-Starting to climb once again. Could begin next season top 5. Tip of the cap to MHz.
23. Carlos Correa – SS, HOU
24. George Springer – OF, HOU
25. Christian Yelich – OF, MIA
26. Jake Odorizzi – SP, KC
-When will he get the call?
27. Nolan Arenado – 3B, COL (-5)
-Will he or Story be the better prospect in Colorado’s system by the end of the year?
28. Carlos Martinez – SP, STL
29. Miguel Sano – 3B, MIN
30. Jonathan Singleton – 1B, HOU
-His power is his biggest question mark. Will he be a 25 HR guy or a 35 HR guy?
31. Archie Bradley – SP, ARI
32. Byron Buxton – OF, MIN
-Started off pretty bad so far. Will the hit tool and power come around to complete him as a player?
33. Nick Franklin – SS, SEA
34. Gary Sanchez - C, NYY
35. Jacob Turner – SP, DET
36. Matt Barnes – SP, BOS
-When does the “polish” from college stop mattering and talent/skill kick in?
37. Bubba Starling – OF, KC
38. Jake Marisnick – OF, TOR (-9)
-Begs the question of Gose’s “tools” vs. Marisnick’s “skills”. Which one is better long term?
39. Kolten Wong – 2B, STL
40. Javier Baez – SS, CHC
41. Noah Syndergaard – SP, TOR
42. Trevor Story – SS, COL
43. Jean Segura – 2B/SS, LAA
44. Yasmani Grandal – C, SD
45. Mike Olt – 3B, TEX
46. James Paxton – SP, SEA
47. Anthony Gose – OF, TOR (+5)
48. Aaron Sanchez – SP, TOR
49. Max Fried – SP, SD
50. Eddie Rosario – 2B/3B, MIN
51. Daniel Norris – SP, TOR
52. Matt Harvey – SP, NYM
53. Tyler Austin – 3B, NYY (+18)
-Promoted to Advanced-A a few days ago
54. Kyle Zimmer – SP, KC
55. Starling Marte – OF, PIT (+8)
56. Jedd Gyorko – 2B/3B, SD (+8)
-Can he play 2B if the Padres decide to keep 3B Chase Headley?
57. Rymer Liriano – OF, SD
58. Jesse Biddle — SP, PHI
59. David Dahl – OF, COL (+10)
-I think people were underestimating how good this guy’s tools were and how close he is to Buxton
60. Cory Spangenberg – 3B, SD
61. Jorge Soler – OF, CHC
62. Mason Williams – OF, NYY
63. Cody Buckel — SP, TEX (+7)
64. Brett Jackson – OF, CHC
65. Justin Nicolino – SP, TOR (+7)
66. Robbie Erlin – SP, SD (-18)
67. Gary Brown – OF, SFG
-Starting to heat up again, could we see him in SF for the playoff push?
68. Tony Cingrani – SP, CIN (+6)
-A two pitch pitcher, the biggest key will be if he can establish an average 3rd pitch
69. Michael Choice – OF, OAK
70. Zach Lee – SP, LAD
71. Leonys Martin – OF, TEX
72. Rougned Odor – 2B, TEX (+26)
-Came back from a separated shoulder incredibly quickly
73. Jose Campos – SP, NYY
74. Manny Banuelos – SP, NYY (-24)
-Has not been a good year for Yankees pitchers Banuelos and Betances. Could it be the curse of the Yankees’ pitching development?
75. Taylor Lindsey – 2B, LAA
76. Josh Bell – OF, PIT
-John Sickels noted that he was worried that Bell was not as polished as he was proclaimed to be out of High School
77. Trevor May – SP, PHI (-28)
-Has a 6.34 ERA over his last 10 starts, with 27 BB in 49.2 IP
78. Jackie Bradley Jr. – OF, BOS (+16)
-A bit of a roller coaster ride on him. Potential future leadoff hitter?
79. Hak-Ju Lee – SS, TB
-Which Hak-Ju Lee is real, the .330 BA one or the .250 one?
80. Yordano Ventura – SP, KC (+9)
81. Matt Davidson – 3B , ARI
82. Taylor Jungmann – SP, MIL
83. Brad Peacock – SP, OAK (-18)
84. Wilmer Flores – 3B, NYM (+7)
85. Michael Wacha – SP, STL (+16)
86. Mikie Mahtook – OF, TB
87. Alen Hanson – 2B/SS, PIT (+14)
-Unlikely to stick at SS, but could make a good 2B in the future for the Pirates
88. Derek Norris – C, OAK (+18)
89. Tyrell Jenkins – SP, STL
90. Austin Hedges – C, SD
91. Tyler Thornburg – SP, MIL
92. Taylor Guerrieri – SP, TB (-7)
-Could be a future top 25 player in 2013/2014 on the list
93. Martin Perez – SP, TEX (-17)
94. Robert Stephenson – SP, CIN (+7)
-One of my personal favorites, could be a legit star like the top of the 2011 draft if given the right treatment
95. Daniel Corcino – SP, CIN
96. A.J. Cole – SP, OAK (-9)
-Signs are pointing up for the demoted A.J. Cole, his stats have significantly improved
97. Gavin Cecchini – SS, NYM
98. Jeimer Candelario – 3B, CHC (+3)
99. Joey Gallo – 3B, TEX (+2)
-At one point he had 13 BB and 12 at bats
100. Jonathan Schoop – 3B, BAL (-9)
HM: Alex Meyer, Oswaldo Arcia, Nomar Mazara, Tim Wheeler, Henry Rodriguez, Jose Vinicio, Matt Szczur, Ryan Lavarnaway, Joe Ross, Jorge Bonafacio, Tommy Joseph, Josh Sale, Miles Head
Newcomers on the List
Michael Wacha (85), Alen Hanson (87), Robert Stephenson (94), Jeimer Candelario (98), Joey Gallo (99)
Fallers off the List
Garin Cecchini (93), Jed Bradley (96), Nestor Molina (97), Zack Cox (99), Blake Swihart (100)
Graduates (Projected Ranking in Parenthesis)
Bryce Harper (2), Mike Trout (1), Matt Moore (3), Jesus Montero (10), Devin Mesoraco (20), Drew Pomeranz (30), Jarrod Parker (29), Yonder Alonso (52), Randall Delgado (60), Will Middlebrooks (37), Joe Wieland (92), Wilin Rosario (51), Zack Cozart (81), Drew Smyly (91), Lance Lynn (100), Drew Hutchinson (99), Matt Adams (90), Addison Reed (88), Nathan Eovaldi (UR), Andrelton Simmons (71)
Injuries (must be out for season)
Arodys Vizcaino (projected rank of 68)
Thanks for reading, comment below!
Definitely Baez in that regard, he’s gonna be a fantasy stud, ESPECIALLY if he sticks at SS, which he has looked pretty smooth at to date (according to reports).
@Derrick
Polanco has really jumped on the scene as of late, the same way fellow Pirate Hanson did earlier this year. I’ve got him pegged in the 70s for the next update, could be higher but I like to see a stronger sample size for such a young player. Could be a top 50 prospect by year’s end though.
I know these guys are tough to project, but what is your best guesstimate of where Jose Dariel Abreu, Masahito Tanaka, and Alfredo Despaigne would rank on this list?
Another one: Javier Baez or Alen Hanson?
I’d lean Beaz. Thoughts?
What are your thoughts on OF-Gregory Polanco-PIT? He was a bit of an unknown to me until a couple months ago, but I’ve read several articles as well as seen some video recently, and I’m intrigued. Where do you see him as far as overall end of season rankings are concerned?
Full career, gotta be Matt Moore. Expectations disappeared quickly, but the talent is still there that made him the clear #1 prospect pitcher in the minors.
Pick me a winner for fantasy value over entire career:
A: Jarrod Parker
B: Matt Moore
Moore seems like the obvious choice to me, but what do you think?
@ Andrew
What about Josh Rutledge, SS Col? – Yes this would be a very good pickup. He has hit consistently for average and power in his 2 1/2 seasons in the minors. He would be a good pick up. I am not sure what his future is though behind Tulowitzki when he returns from the DL.
Would you trade Travis D’Arnaud for Billy Hamilton in a league where we have five minor league players on the roster? – As “sexy” and tempting Billy Hamilton looks with the super high SB count, I think D’Arnaud has a higher ceiling for Dynasty purposes.
If you are in a 5×5 scoring system, then Hamilton accounts for the SB and R category while is okay in AVG, but will be a negative in RBI and HR for a SS position. D’Arnaud will contribute to HR, RBI, AVG and R while his SB will be a negative…BUT for a C position, you don’t expect SBs.
If you are in a higher scoring system, like a 7×7 (where doubles and triples count in an offensive category) then it is a toss up as Hamilton will turn singles into doubles and will turn doubles into triples on a regular basis. D’Arnaud will contribute to doubles only.
Keep an eye on D’Arnaud’s return from his knee surgery, this could be a major factor when he returns from the DL. If there are complications at the C position, then he might move to 1B as the Jays need one. BUT for now, I would hold onto D’Arnaud over Hamilton.
@Andrew
Do NOT trade d’Arnaud for Hamilton. d’Arnaud projects to be like a Buster Posey or Matt Wieters. Hamilton is a Juan Pierre, Shane Victorino type.
D’Arnaud will get your R, HR, RBI and a solid AVG while Hamilton is probably a R/SB guy. I don’t see Hamilton maintaining that AVG right now at the upper levels. Of course he could always prove me wrong, but I like d’Arnaud way, way more.
Me again. Geo007: What about Josh Rutledge, SS Col?
Question for you all: Would you trade Travis D’Arnaud for Billy Hamilton in a league where we have five minor league players on the roster? I have Carlos Ruiz at C and Jose Reyes at SS and Profar in the minors, but we also have two util spots where we can have any player in the active lineup for the day. Also, what are the chances Hamilton sticks at SS? I’ve heard 2B and CF are possibilities as he climbs to the majors.
Thanks for the info Geo007. I appreciate it. Is there an update in the near future?
Thanks again,
Andrew
Also Andrew,
If your league hasn’t done your 2012 draft year picks, Addison Russell (SS), the 1st pick from Oakland has been absolutely lights out in rookie ball! You might want to angle yourself to get him!
Hello Andrew,
Marwin Gonzalez is less then average as far as a SS go for dynasty numbers. NO history of power or speed, with a low AVG. I would not recommend a pickup.
For your deep league, here are some hidden gems you can consider for SS:
Plus players:
Alen Hanson, Pirates, elite number this season, top 100 at seasons end
Jose Vinicio, Red Sox, solid numbers (but #3 on Sox farm depth)
Jake Hager, TB Rays, solid all around numbers
Christian Lopes, Blue Jays, potential power bat
Gioskar Amaya, Cubs, Average-power-speed, he has it all
Brad Miller, Mariners, Awesome power season and speed to boot
Solid choices
Edward Salcedo, Braves
Zach Walters, Nationals
Orlando Calixte, Royals
Jace Peterson, Padres
Chris Owings, Diamondbacks
Jonathan Villar, Astros
Or you can look at the Indians as they are stacked with SS talent (Rodrigues, Paulino, Walters or Martinez)
Good Luck Andrew…I myself have difficulty finding 2b and SS in my league, so I have done the research for you already!
Hi all,
Does anyone know anything about Marwin Gonzalez, SS for Houston? Is he worth an add in a deep 20 team league where I currently don’t have an SS? The only guy on my roster I would consider dropping for him is Travis Wood. Thoughts?
Thanks.
Yes, I do like Hawkins. Has quite a bit of boom-bust to me. Reminds me a bit of Trayce Thompson (CWS OF) in the power speed combo.
@CB
I actually do or pass on that deal depending on the rookie pick. Can you give us an example of who will be available in those picks? If you can get a top 100 guy with the pick, I think I’d pass because I like those three (Rosenthal/Barnes/Pick) over Gyorko and Grandal.
I personally would lean Barnes/Rosenthal straight up over Gyorko and Grandal, due to that I really do like Rosenthal and can see him as a #3 starter. Barnes to me looks like a future #2 guy. Obviously there’s quite a bit to go to get there for both, but I like both of them. Gyorko and Grandal both have to suffer through Petco Park, which I don’t think will help. I would hold Barnes and Rosenthal and dig a gem up in the draft.
Does anyone like him as much as I do? Super athletic. Looks like the top guy in the White Sox system right now.
@Andrew
I’d be more intrigued to see him in a new system. I think maybe a new coach could get him to start hitting above .250. Hopefully he gets moved in a deadline deal, I think that’d be what’s best for him. Overall I think he could be a solid fantasy contributor in SB, but his average will hurt the team. Still adds 10-15 HR, 75 RBI, 40-50 SB, and 100+ runs
What kind of ceiling does Matt Barnes have? I’m in a dynasty and someone offered me Grandal and Gyroko for Barnes, Trevor Rosenthal and a rookie pick next year. I have to take that right?
Any chance Gose stays in the majors when Bautista comes back if he plays well? Rajai Davis has been very cold lately.
Kyle i have to disagree with you just a lil bit on Straily. From what i’ve seen he has an above average fastball with possible plus command of it, and he has 3 other mediocre/average offerings that play up because of his fastball. He has solid control and can change velocity with ease and effectiveness. His pitchability (ability to work a count) is also above average. I see him as a solid #4 SP, which in Oakland isn’t a bad thing at all. But he relies solely on his ability to manipulate his fastball and the velocity of his other pitches. This can lead to some majoe off days if his FB isnt quite right, and MLB hitters will sit on it if that’s all he can show them. I think his ceiling is a #2 starter on a bad team and #3 on a playoff caliber team. but the odds that he reaches that is slim, as it is with most “ceiling” projections. The safe bet for his is solid BOR (back of rotation) guy, but he could be a swing man or up and down guy to start his majors career.
Projects as a mid rotation guy still. Maybe can peak at a #2 IMO. He’s not a pitcher with elite stuff to throw. He’s got a good fastball and a potentially above average curve and change. Could that be enough to make him a starter? Definitely. Will that allow him to dominate hitters like a true #2? Probably not. I personally am thinking of him as a #3 starter with a little better upside than the other Middle of the Rotation (MOR) starters because he’s proven himself statistically in the minors.
Anyone have any thoughts on Dan Straily? He’s kind of come out of nowhere, but is leading the minors in Ks and has dominated since being promoted to AAA. The rumors are that if Bartolo Colon gets traded before July 31 that the A’s will stick him in their rotation instead of Brad Peacock and others.
Does anyone know about this kid and how he projects?
Thanks in advance for any responses.
PITTSBURGH (AP)
The Pittsburgh Pirates optioned outfielder Jose Tabata to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday and recalled outfielder Gorkys Hernandez to plagiarize his district on the bustling roster.
Tabata has been a starter on the Pirates when in the pink since his majors premiere in June 2010. He signed a corrugate extension mould August that choice run via 2016 but struggled this season. Tabata was batting .230 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 72 games.
Tabata also made some mind-set gaffes defensively and while baserunning, and manager Clint Handicap hinted matrix month of a possible demotion. Tuesday, Hurdle said the team wanted to let Tabata looseness out of his depression in the minors.
Hernandez is in his second stint with the Pirates, having gone 2 for 10 with two RBIs in nine games from late May through beginning June.
Watch the exciting content:http://youtu.be/o7Y55tRl2BM
_____________________
Any chance we could get a post draft rankings list of only the recenlty drafted players? With the new CBA, we’re getting an earlier look at them this year then we ever have. Some of us have our rookie drafts coming up in the near future. We could use an updated draft list to help guide us through it. Thanks as always, and keep up the good work.
Gordon
I worry about a few things: I think he’s a bit old for the level (23/24 in AA). He also strikes out a bit much, something that can potentially be an issue if MLB pitchers capitalize. Finally, he’s rather blocked in Texas. Beltre/Andrus/Kinsler in the IF with Profar waiting to play Middle Infield leaves 1B open for Olt (maybe). I’d be thinking of numbers closer to .270-28 HR – 100 RBI
That’s some very good numbers and he might deserve a boost in the rankings because of that, but I don’t foresee him as a top 25 prospect.
@gordon wood
I’d probably go Top 25 overall for fantasy, Top 10-15 if we just ranking fantasy hitting prospects.
IMO there are a couple of factors that will influence his value.
1) Position: He’s a natural 3B, but Texas is trying him out at 1B and RF. I’ve heard people say he loses value if moved to 1B, but I disagree. Look at some of the 1B being rostered right now in fantasy leagues (Moreland, Smoak, Davis, Belt, etc.) 1B is very rich at the top and then very mediocre in the middle.
2) Ballpark: If Texas decides they need another piece this year to win the World Series then Olt is gone. If he gets moved then it significantly hurts his value since Arlington is a hitter’s paradise.
I do agree with your power projections, but I’d probably lower his avg. Maybe .265/35/100? Still a fantasy stud.
My thoughts on Olt – you’re a bit too high on him, but not much. I think he’ll end up at 1B so he has to be a monster to compete with others at the position. I would project more like .265 30 and 100. That’s still very good, but not elite. I’d take Anthony Rizzo over Olt any day, they’ll likely have similar power numbers, but Rizzo will come with a good average, while Olt likely won’t. I would bump him up to the end of the top 30 , but not top 15.
Am in the minority that Olt should be a top 15 guy? I can’t remember if this list is fantasy based or reality based but in fantasy, I’d be falling all over myself to land him. I think he’s going to be a .280, 35HR, 100+RBI guy.
thoughts?
@xxx
Martin Perez is a solid pitcher, but with the drop in KK numbers the higher levels he pitches, gives us concerns for translation to fantasy value. While in the minors this season in AAA, his KK rate dropped to 5.25 so/9, while in previous years it was 9+. A starting pitcher that is going to eat 200+ innings and only give around 100KKs is not good. Again, he’ll be a good player for Texas, but not a Dynasty team which are stat driven!
Perez in the majors has looked adequate, but his debut was a rough one.
How did everybody enjoy the Futures game? I really love watching how the Low-A guys look against top competition head to head.
how does martin perez drop 17 holding his own in the major leagues?
@kpulek – Thanks for the feedback. It’s good to get an outside perspective. I was thinking maybe I would trade some of my prospects to make a run this year since I’m in a good position to win. I like Sanchez, Nicolino, Odor, Austin, Ventura and Guerrieri the best of the remaining players available from this top 100 list. There are also a couple players not listed that I think could be worth a look, eventually.
Just for fun, here are some AL prospects that aren’t on this top 100 list but might come in handy for DEEP LEAGUES!
Garin Cecchini-3B-BOS
Henry Owens-SP-BOS
Ryan Brett-2B-TB
Felipe Rivero-SP-TB
Justin O’Conner-C-TB
Kevin Comer-SP-TOR
Adonys Cardona-SP-TOR
Moises Sierra-OF-TOR
Trayce Thompson-OF-CHW
Erik Johnson-SP-CHW
Simon Castro-SP-CHW
Jared Mitchell-OF-CHW
Andre Rienzo-SP-CHW
Dillon Howard-SP-CLE
Dorssys Paulino-SS-CLE
Jorge Martinez-SS-CLE
Chun Chen-C-CLE
Jesus Aguilar-1B-CLE
Bruce Rondon-RP-DET
Josue Carreno-SP-DET
Tyler Collins-OF-DET
John Lamb-SP-KC
Aaron Hicks-OF-MIN
Kyle Gibson-SP-MIN
Travis Harrison-3B-MIN
Hudson Boyd-SP-MIN
C.J. Cron-1B-LAA
Kaleb Cowart-3B-LAA
Grant Green-3B-OAK
Vicmel de la Cruz-OF-OAK
Renato Nunez-3B-OAK
Brad Miller-SS-SEA
Carter Capps-RP-SEA
Erasmo Ramirez-SP-SEA
Jack Marder-C-SEA
Victor Sanchez-SP-SEA
Jorge Alfaro-C-TEX
Zach Cone-OF-TEX
Barret Loux-SP-TEX
Justin Grimm-SP-TEX
@Michael
You certainly have some great choices to choose from…The fact that your league is only 8 teams with 12 AL minor leaguers, it will allow you to have depth available to your team almost at anytime. At this point, I would pickup players with the highest ceiling, figuring you can always get depth afterwards if they don’t pan out. Taylor Guerrieri, Joey Gallo and Tyler Austin may have the highest ceiling IMO.
@MrPadre
Yes Jedd Gyorko is having a good season. At 2B he would certainly be one of the best with the power he has been showing last season and this. But at third, he may not have the fantasy numbers desired as a higher 3B prospect.
@Brad B.
Yelich has been smoking in June and so far in July hitting over .400, as his stock is sure to rise. And Certainly Yelich has the speed element over Taveras and their power may be similar…But Taveras has that X-factor as he is doing what he is doing at a younger age at a higher level. Time will tell as both players are solid!
@Michael
I really like your farm squad, you assembled it really well. I think you are pretty spot on with my strategy in smaller leagues, which is load up on prospects that can make an impact soon and then promote them for guys who are A-ball players. I would tab Austin or Sanchez as the two I would pick up. Each could be top 40 by the end of the year. I am torn on keeping someone like Banuelos over them because I think he ends up a RP. I would give ManBan until the end of this year to see how he finishes, and then if he is still struggling, I would deal him or cut bait and pick up one of the better prospects who are younger.
@MrPadre
What bothers me about Gyorko is he has yet to hit with the same intensity that he does in the CAL league, or the PCL. Both are super hitter friendly, and that is where over half of his career homeruns have come from.
I know this list is largely based on potential, but at some point performance has to factor in. I know I brought up Ryan Wheeler a couple weeks ago and his splits vs. LHP and RHP are very different.
But as of 7/7 the kid is hitting .360 with 87 RBIs. I know he’s in the PCL, but for the record that’s 15 more RBIs than Wil Myers on the season. Is he better than Wil Myers? No, but he’s deserving of being on a Top 100 list in my opinion or at the very least an Honorable Mention.
MrPadre – I like Gyorko too….especially if he sticks at 2b which seems unlikely. But you have to take all SD minor league numbers with a grain of salt. Their AA and AAA parks are a hitters paradise.
I could use some help with deciding who to carry in my minor league system. I play an AL-only league with 8-teams. We can have up to 12 minor leaguers at any time. I’ll list my players and the free agents that are in this top 100 list. I only have 11 players at the moment so I could just add one player or cut a couple guys and add as many as 3 I guess.
My team :
Dylan Bundy-SP-BAL
Wil Myers-OF-KC
Travis d’Arnaud-C-TOR
Danny Hultzen-SP-SEA
Manny Machado-SS-BAL
Jonathan Singleton-1B-HOU
Gary Sanchez-C-NYY
Jake Marisnick-OF-TOR
Cody Buckel-SP-TEX
Manny Banuelos-SP-NYY
Jackie Bradley-OF-BOS
Free Agents :
Aaron Sanchez-SP-TOR
Tyler Austin-OF-NYY
Justin Nicolino-SP-TOR
Rougned Odor-2B-TEX
Taylor Lindsey-2B-LAA
Yordano Ventura-SP-KC
Brad Peacock-SP-OAK
Taylor Guerrieri-SP-TB
A.J. Cole-SP-OAK
Joey Gallo-3B-TEX
Jonathan Schoop-2B-BAL
I know I’m a bit prejudiced but with what Gyorko has done moving to AAA IMO you have him rated too low.
What else can he do?
I’m probably in the minority, but long-term I prefer Yelich over Taveras. I just think that kid is going to be a stud. It will be interesting to see how quickly Taveras adjust the major league pitching….or should I say how quickly they adjust to him.
Rizzo has graduated. Wieland hasn’t (at least not by IP, maybe he has by time, although he’s been on the DL most of the year).
What are the chances that Mark Appel signs? And without causing an up stir via Boras?
I am sure Colorado is very happy that the Pirates picked Appel instead of David Dahl! Dahl is hitting like an animal in rookie ball!!
@Slopp
Please let us know what can be improved on? We are all ears. With a statement like yours, we can not improve on what you don’t like or what you want more of?
@Brad
I agree, a closer look would be needed. He looks like a slap hitter to me more than a straight contact line drive hitter. 58 steals to date is nice, and the .276 BA presents an improvement over his .220 last year. However what stands out to me most is the improvement in BB and Ks.
2011: 541 PA, 52 BB, 118 K
2012: 373 PA, 51 BB, 75 K
That’s a pretty significant improvement, I’ve heard good things about him and I’ll definitely look at him for the next list. Good find Brad, we appreciate the feedback!
No Delino Deshields Jr?? Not even as a HM? Ya might wanna take a look at him….
@jhawk
Unfortunately I haven’t done a major amount of research on those guys (int’l signings) just because I haven’t had a ton of time as of late. I tend to shy away from any player until they prove that they can stick in the state-side minors. There’s always an explosion or two (Oscar Hernandez?) each year but until they are hitting in a league where it is easy to compare (say even Rookie Ball) where there are legit prospects, I’ll remain skeptical.
From Scouting Book on Yasiel Puig:
“A sold all-around outfielder with a good line-drive stroke from the right side of the plate and better than average power, Cuban prospect Yasiel Puig was one of the most sought-after international free agents of 2012.
Yaz took big strides forward in his final year with Cienfuegos, raising his average to .330 and his OPS to an all-star 1.011 on his way to raising scouts eyebrows significantly. His ability to work a walk increased substantially, helping the rest of his game as a result. In the field, he’s a bit messy with his routes but shows good instincts and a strong enough arm. He’s an average runner, but won’t be a base-stealing threat.
Still just 21, he’s expected to grow into his body and could provide his future MLB club with a lite version of Yoenis Cespedes by early 2014.”
From what I’m reading there, I really can’t say that I’m overly impressed with a 7y/$42M deal that he signed. When you come into the minors looking like the “LITE” version of a guy who already had some projected holes in his game (Cespedes was rumored to be terrible with CB), I don’t think that upside is so great.
Another source, “ladodgertalk.com”, quoted Ben Badler (of Baseball America):
“Those who have seen Puig seem lukewarm on his talent. He has good bat speed and generates plus raw power, but scouts have expressed concerns about his hitting approach. Some scouts say they have gotten some good running times on him before and he’s shown more athleticism in the past, but others haven’t seen him run well. He projects as a corner outfielder and has drawn question marks from scouts about his defensive instincts. He is an interesting prospect with raw talent, but for several teams, he wouldn’t have even been a first-round pick if he were in the draft.”
With both of those quotes, I’m pretty solidly undersold on the deal and I don’t understand why they would make that jump. I don’t think it’s fair to compare signing bonuses to the talent level of players in the future just because it’s essentially (to me) buying more expensive lottery tickets that let you win a few more times, but you hit the jackpot just as much as the $1 cards.
For example, Puig got $42,000,000 as compared to Rougned Odor (who I see as a top 60 guy) who got $425,000. I’d take Odor every single day of Puig as well.
This site has gone downhill in the past few months…
what about 2 recent international signings?
Yasiel Puig, OF, Dodgers (is the difference b/w Soler and Puig really that large?)
Franklin Barreto, SS/2B/OF, Blue Jays (16 yo, Venezuelan, supposedly dominated ever level of youth ball there)
Great insight an analysis as always. You guys continue to deliver some of the best prospect analysis on a bi-weekly basis on the entire internet.
Kyle,
hopefully we can get something new going to make up for the debacle that was the American Association league. We had an awesome group of league members such as you, and myslef. Unfortunately the LM wasn’t quite up to the task of running such a great league. Hope to see you again in a league in the near future. I’m looking forward to some more good cometition.
Keep up the good work, and thanks again.
Derrick (Jolly)
Jays sign top rated international player Franklin Barreto. I guess we’ll see how good he really is once he joins the minor league systems in a few years.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2012/07/blue-jays-sign-no-1-international-prospect-franklin-barreto/
I’d throw in Jarred Cosart in the snub discussion. I don’t think he has struggled badly enough to fall off the list completely.