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. Wil Myers – OF, KC (+2)
-On a tear, hit 3 HR in the last two nights
3. Dylan Bundy – SP, BAL
4. Gerrit Cole – SP, PIT (+1)
5. Trevor Bauer – SP, ARI (-2)
-A rocky MLB debut and few starts has sent him back to Reno to refine his stuff
6. Travis d’Arnaud – C, TOR (+1)
7. Oscar Taveras – OF, STL (-1)
8. Taijuan Walker – SP, SEA (-2)
9. Danny Hultzen – SP, SEA
10. Zack Wheeler – SP, NYM
11. Francisco Lindor – SS, CLE (-5)
12. Nick Castellanos – 3B, DET (+8)
-How long until the power comes around?
13. Jameson Taillon – SP, PIT
14. Manny Machado – SS, BAL
15. Billy Hamilton – 2B/SS, CIN
-Billy Hamilton SB Tracker: 116 (12 in AA)
16. Xander Bogaerts – SS, BOS (+6)
-I was very wrong about him starting the year, has really shown a ton of talent and is a hitter beyond his years
17. Tyler Skaggs - SP, ARI
18. Jose Fernandez – SP, MIA
19. Shelby Miller – SP, STL (-6)
-Never a good sign when you’re “more available than ever” at the trade deadline
20. Anthony Rendon – 3B, WAS
21. Jonathan Singleton – 1B, HOU (+9)
-Reminding everyone why he was such an elite talent in the Pence deal
22. George Springer – OF, HOU
-First 20HR/20SB player in professional baseball this season. Rumor is AA in August
23. Christian Yelich – OF, MIA
24. Julio Teheran – SP, ATL (-9)
-Many mixed reports on his off speed stuff have come back
25. Byron Buxton – OF, MIN
26. Carlos Martinez – SP, STL
-Since returning from injury, he has looked awfully much like a GB pitcher, the K’s are yet to return
27. Nick Franklin – SS, SEA
-Would you rather have Franklin/Hultzen or Bogaerts and Barnes?
28. Miguel Sano – 3B, MIN
29. Carlos Correa – SS, HOU
30. Archie Bradley – SP, ARI
31. Jake Odorizzi – SP, KC
-Awaiting the Royals FO to make a move to pull him up
32. Gary Sanchez - C, NYY
-Started off pretty bad so far. Will the hit tool and power come around to complete him as a player?
33. Bubba Starling – OF, KC
34. Javier Baez – SS, CHC (+6)
-Aside from the walk rate, he’s clearly ready to move up a level
35. Mike Olt – 3B, TEX (+10)
-Rumors were swirling about him going everywhere, but looks to stay put until the off-season at minimum
36. Matt Barnes – SP, BOS
-When does the “polish” from college stop mattering and talent/skill kick in?
37. Kolten Wong – 2B, STL
38. Noah Syndergaard – SP, TOR
39. Nolan Arenado – 3B, COL (-12)
-Has been very mediocre this year in AA, average has dropped nearly 40 points from last year
40. Jake Marisnick – OF, TOR
41. Jacob Turner – SP, MIA (-6)
-Moved in the Anibal Sanchez trade to Miami, where hopefully he can re-ignite his TOR potential
42. Jean Segura – 2B/SS, LAA
43. Anthony Gose – OF, TOR
44. Trevor Story – SS, COL
45. David Dahl – OF, COL (+14)
-Pretty clearly the most impressive player from the 2012 class to date
46. Max Fried – SP, SD
47. Starling Marte – OF, PIT (+8)
-I don’t remember anybody’s prospect status jumping so high on the first pitch of their MLB career
48. Yasmani Grandal – C, SD
49. Aaron Sanchez – SP, TOR
50. Matt Harvey – SP, NYM
-Had a fantastic debut, recording 11 K’s and setting a Mets record
51. Jedd Gyorko – 2B/3B, SD
-With no Headley deal, when will Gyorko come up?
52. James Paxton – SP, SEA
53. Eddie Rosario – 2B/3B, MIN
54. Mason Williams – OF, NYY (+8)
55. Jackie Bradley Jr. – OF, BOS (+23)
-Looks to be Ellsbury 2.0 in the leadoff spot for the Sox
56. Robert Stephenson – SP, CIN (+38)
-Stuff has been electric, earned a promotion up to Low-A, and has been flat out dominant. For sure has TOR potential
57. Daniel Norris – SP, TOR
58. Kyle Zimmer – SP, KC
59. Jorge Soler – OF, CHC
60. Rymer Liriano – OF, SD
61. Brett Jackson – OF, CHC
62. Cory Spangenberg – 3B, SD
63. Tyler Austin – 3B, NYY (-10)
-Has struggled a bit with the injury bug and a concussion
64. Justin Nicolino – SP, TOR
65. Rougned Odor – 2B, TEX (+7)
-Still very excited about him
66. Zach Lee – SP, LAD
67. Cody Buckel – SP, TEX
68. Jesse Biddle – SP, PHI (-10)
69. Alen Hanson – 2B/SS, PIT (+18)
-Still showing great tools, needs to find a defensive home though
70. Gregory Polanco – OF, PIT (+31)
-The second PIT prospect to “explode” onto the scene this season
71. Michael Wacha – SP, STL (+14)
72. Gary Brown – OF, SFG
73. Lucas Giolito – SP, WAS (+28)
-The biggest risk/reward play IMO, I think he ends up a #2 starter
74. Jose Campos – SP, NYY
75. Taylor Lindsey – 2B, LAA
76. Manny Banuelos – SP, NYY
77. Leonys Martin – OF, TEX
78. Kevin Gausman – SP, BAL (+23)
79. Yordano Ventura – SP, KC
-Many describe him as a future RP, could he stick as a starter?
80. Matt Davidson – 3B , ARI
81. Wilmer Flores – 3B, NYM
82. Mike Zunino – C, SEA (+19)
-Tearing up rookie ball, but that’s what should happen for a college player, right?
83. Joey Gallo – 3B, TEX (+16)
-Continues to impress with the loaded AZL Rangers club
84. Tony Cingrani – SP, CIN (+-16)
85. Austin Hedges – C, SD
86. Albert Almora – OF, CHC (+15)
87. Robbie Erlin – SP, SD (-21)
-On his way back from injury
88. Oswaldo Arcia – OF, MIN (+13)
89. Taylor Guerrieri – SP, TB
90. Hak-Ju Lee – SS, TB (-11)
-Has improved, but still serious doubts linger about his ability to be a fantasy-relevant SS
91. Derek Norris – C, OAK
92. Mikie Mahtook – OF, TB
93. Martin Perez – SP, TEX
94. Alex Meyer – SP, WAS (+7)
-Great height at 6’8, but some project him into the bullpen
95. Jorge Alfaro – C, TEX (+6)
96. Ronald Guzman – 1B, TEX (+5)
-Part of the AZL Rangers club with Gallo, Brinson, Williams, and Mazara among others
97. Tommy Joseph – C, PHI (+4)
-Dealt to PHI in the Pence deal, I think he starts as their best prospect
98. Tyler Thornburg – SP, MIL
99. Trevor Rosenthal – SP/RP, STL (+2)
-Received the call but then was sent back down after a few games, should be interesting with him and Shelby in the same rotation, headed opposite directions this year
100. Trevor May – SP, PHI (-23)
HM: Taylor Jungmann, Josh Bell, Luis Heredia, Daniel Corcino, AJ Cole, Miles Head, Garin Cecchini, Jose Vinicio, Tyrell Jenkins, Matt Szczur, Nomar Mazara, Dan Vogelbach, Joe Ross, Jorge Bonafacio, Allen Webster, Aaron Hicks, Brandon Nimmo, Delino DeShields, Brian Goodwin, Blake Swihart
Newcomers on the List
Lucas Giolito (73), Kevin Gausman (78), Mike Zunino (82), Albert Almora (86), Oswaldo Arcia (88), Alex Meyer (94), Jorge Alfaro (95), Ronald Guzman (96), Tommy Joseph (97), Trevor Rosenthal (99)
Fallers off the List
Josh Bell (76), Taylor Jungmann (82), Brad Peacock (83), Tyrell Jenkins (89), Tyler Thornburg (91), Daniel Corcino (95), A.J. Cole (96), Gavin Cecchini (97), Jeimer Candelario (98), Jonathan Schoop (100)
Graduates (Projected Ranking in Parenthesis)
Bryce Harper (2), Mike Trout (1), Matt Moore (4), Jesus Montero (12), Devin Mesoraco (20), Drew Pomeranz (32), Jarrod Parker (29), Yonder Alonso (54), Randall Delgado (60), Will Middlebrooks (37), Joe Wieland (92), Wilin Rosario (51), Zack Cozart (81), Drew Smyly (99), Lance Lynn (100), Drew Hutchinson (UR), Matt Adams (95), Addison Reed (88), Nathan Eovaldi (UR), Andrelton Simmons (71)
Injuries (must be out for season)
Arodys Vizcaino (68), Michael Choice (70)
Thanks for reading, comment below!
This might be the wrong forum for this question, but i’ll ask anyway, because i think the people here are knowledgable. In a 12 team league where we keep all 25 major leaguers and 5 minor leaguers for as long as we want at no cost. I’ve been offered Alex Gordon for Jonny Venters and I’m not sure if I’m going to accpet. Am I crazy? Scoring is 6×6 with total bases and holds as the extra cats. We play guys at their real position in OF (LF, CF, RF) and I have Carl Crawford in LF and Allen Craig to back him up. We have two UTIL spots where we can play anyone but I have Craig, Drew Stubbs, and Anthony Rizzo rotating there already. I have no one to replace Venters and David Robertson is the only other holds guy I have. Is Gordon’s 2011 season repeatable for him? Would you do this deal?
@Harley
Machado won’t change my opinion in the first few games. Heck, I don’t care if he hits this well this half of the year, I don’t think my opinion will change. I need to see at least 2013, if not 2014, to begin to disapprove of my opinion.
For those who don’t know, I stated the following about Machado:
“He will be average or slightly above average in the majors. No better.”
- May 25, 2012
Do some of you guys want to change your opinion of Manny Machado? Through 4 games he’s 6-16, batting .375 with a double, a triple, 3 HR, & 7 RBI. Not a bad start for someone that a few of you on here aren’t buying into.
@Andrew
Cooper over Sierra…Cooper will play more consistently until the end of the year. He will platoon 1B and DH with Encarnacion and Encarnacion will be filling in for 3B as Laurie is on the DL. Sierra and Gose are platooning now with Sierra getting most of the ABs, but once Bautista from the DL, I think Gose will return to the minors and Sierra will be the odd man out to be the 4th OF.
Either way, you will get average production from either, but I think playing time is key on the injured Jays squad.
How did I forget Javier? He’s gonna be the best out of all of them!
And I think he’s put the numbers up long enough where we have to start buying in. I know I wasn’t buying but when he came off the DL and started hitting again I had to re-think about him.
@justin – none of you have mentioned my favorite cubbies prospect – javier baez. he’s got a great bat
Salvador Perez’s production last year and since his injury – fact or fiction?
I actually like what the Cubs have Justin! They’ve done a great job rebuilding the top of the system:
Jackson, Vogelbach, Soler, Almora, Vizcaino all stand out to me as future MLB regulars (Jackson maybe as a tweener and Vogelbach as a DH somewhere else).
KP,
Thanks man. Lovin it. Hopin to see more of my Cubbies on this list. Big week for our MLB squad. Going to see if Vitters and Jackson can contribute or whether we’re lookin at even more holes in the lineup. Decent system the Cubs have but lacks any elite talent
Absolutely Justin, thanks for the support! I went about and modified our ranking sheet so that you all could see the lists grouped together and what we are looking at. I deleted each person’s individual rankings because that wouldn’t be fair to each single person (it’s a group effort). However you can find ALL the rankings right here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhFEYEpaN4rAdEFJOVZwT2xYMFpneHdPVVN4YTBIOFE
After every list I will update it with the new rankings, and at the end of the season I’m planning on running a “Beginning to End” list, showing the SEASONAL rise and fall of each player (from the initial consensus ranking to the last update), which should be very interesting!
I love this list especially how often it is updated! Is it possible to maintain a downloadable excel so we can consume it for our own fantasy sites?
Thanks for all the work you put in!
Rest of this year – David Cooper or Moises Sierra?
3 guys who are very much too low on this list are…
SS/2B – Alen Hanson – top of the order guy who I could see competing for batting titles, the guy can flat out hit
OF – Gregory Polanco – quite possibly a 30/30 guy in the future .. going to post a 20-40 season this year and bat .300.. lots of potential
2B – Delino Deshields (quietly, due to Hamiltons absurd base stealing numbers, has posted 83 stolen bases and will most likely reach 100)
Xander Bogaerts has been absolutely on fire as of late…earning him a promotion to AA where he hit a home run in his first game with Portland! Love him as a prospect and think he starts the year in the top 15 on BA’s list.
@Smoke
Keury probably is one of the bigger omissions from the list right now. 16 HR, 16 SB, .317/.364/.550 so far in Greenville (SAL LEAGUE) for the Red Sox. His K rate is at 18.7%, which is league average (approx). His walk rate is a bit low at 5.49%, but he’s still only 20 years old. I’d like to see him make the jump to high-A for the rest of this year. Him and DeShields are the two biggest “omissions” to date in my mind. Vogelbach is also up there in guys that should be on the list. Kyle Crick is another that comes to mind. And as mentioned by Slam, I think Swanner has earned at least a back end (80s) spot on the list.
As for Miller, High Desert really is a way to pump up hitters stats, I’d like to see similar production in AA before putting him on.
Wheres the love for Keury De La Cruz?
No love for Will Swanner, Brad Miller or Joc Pederson???
Hey Andrew,
I would rank both Abreu and Despaigne very high. It’s hard for me to value them because you have to reduce their value based on: (1) the risk they’ll never defect, and (2) the difficulty of trying to translate what they are doing in Cuba to the United States. But if I am going on complete subjectivity and ignoring the fact I am not able to spot all the red flags I would need to really value him, there are few players not in the major leagues I would take over Despaigne.
In addition to Despaigne’s absurd Cuban League numbers, some of his international performances have been unreal. Off hand, my favorite examples are hitting 11 HR’s in 14 games at the 2009 baseball world cup and a ridiculous walk off HR to beat Team USA at a tournament in Japan in 2011.
A recent name to watch: Erisbel Arruebarruena. I think he’s about 21 years old and is already starting at SS on Cuba’s national team and doing awfully well for a player that young. I don’t know enough to say for sure, but watch out for this guy b/c the potential seems huge.
Was discussing Tillman earlier with a league-mate.
ERA: 2.38
FIP: 3.25
xFIP: 4.30
So judging by this, he’s semi-mirage. I think he’s taken a step forward, but not the “leap” that the 2.38 ERA leads many to think. I’d still lean Kyle Seager over Tillman.
As for Abreu, there’s not much out there on him and the fact that he’s from Cuba means that he’s got a few holes to jump through to get to be in the MLB.
And what do you all think of Kyle Seager’s potential? Rather have him or Tillman indefinately as a keeper?
@kpulek – thanks for your thoughts on japanese pitchers. Any thoughts on the Cuban guys or is there just too little info out there?
Do you all think Chris Tillman is finally fulfilling his potential or is his recent performance just a mirage?
@Andrew
Refering to Japanse Pitchers:
The biggest issue is that these players don’t play in leagues that are comparable to the MLB. Darvish has been good, but so has Wade Miley, who hasn’t ranked high on many lists in the last few years (if any). Or Todd Frazier. I mean it’d be difficult to classify how good of a prospect they are relative to a counterpart. To me the Japanese pitcher profile is a guy who comes in and looks really good for 1-5 years, and then starts to fade as they start to get figured out. Nomo and Dice K both show this.
The transition from 6 man rotations to 5 man rotations, along with much more talented hitters and throwing in parks that aren’t exactly neutral (TEX?) contribute to the reasons why they aren’t as good.
Darvish is striking out over 10 per 9IP, but also walking pretty much 5 per the same, and has a FIP of 3.80 this year.
Dice-K has NEVER had a FIP of under 4.00, even in his 18-3, 2.90 ERA 2008 season he had a FIP of 4.03.
Hideo Nomo had FIP of 2.89, 3.57, and 3.77 in his first three years in the MLB. After that? Not one below 4.00.
So I’m waiting for us to break that trend, but I’m not all too confident that they will. They come over here and have immediate success because they have a distinct style different from Western Pitchers (USA, Latin America, etc.) and they take time to adjust the hitters. But when they do, they are inferior to the hitters here.
@kpulek
None of those guys in the top 100? They are rumored to be at least close to the levels of – if not equal to or better than – Darvish and Cespedes.
Thanks for your thoughts. I traded Worley for Griffin.
@Andrew
None of the three foreign prospects would rank on my top 100. Too many prospects have proven themselves at a top 100 level stateside that would well surpass those three.
Also, I’d take Griffin because I’d rather have that OAK park rather than the PHI one. And I think Worley could be replaced depending on what happens this off-season. I mean the Phillies aren’t going to give up after giving Howard $125M, or still having Utley, Doc, Lee, and Hamels? I think they try to make a few splashes in the FA market, maybe back end SP.
Young guns question. In a league where you keep players for as many years as you want at no cost, would you rather have Vance Worley or A.J. Griffin? Thanks in advance for any feedback.
No one has thoughts on Masahiro Tanaka, Jose Dariel Abreu, or Alfredo Despaigne in regards to where they might slot on this list if they were included?
To be honest jagco, I’d have to do more research on Sanchez before I comment on his hit tool. It’s been impressive at AA and he’s been dominating the level, but I don’t know enough about him yet to be sure on his “hit tool” right now.
Probably take Mazara, then Bonifacio, then Guzman. I think Mazara can turn into a really good hitter with some serious pop. Bonifacio will have a little more athleticism, but I don’t see him as the same level hitter. Guzman I think is really locked into 1B right now, so that does knock his value some.
As for Garcia, I really like him and I added him in one of my leagues. Most young players go through that “plate discipline” phase at age 18-20, so I wouldn’t be worried unless it kept going for another year. I’d like to see how he adjusts.
Ahh, I screwed up I see. I wasn’t thinking of Oswaldo Arcia when I ranked him (MIN OF), I was thinking of Brewers SS Orlando Arcia. Oswaldo belongs in the top tier, probably right above Guzman. I like him because of his athleticism and I think he can make his tools click, just like Aaron Hicks can.
I think that Elier is a boom or bust type OF, he could go the way of Bonifacio and start putting together the tools to show some serious talent, or he can go the way of many prospects and just never let those tools click (Felix Pie?).
Carlos Sanchez playing over his head, or is the hit tool legit?
Sorry, meant Bonifacio instead of Hernandez. Would like to hear some thoughts on Elier too
Appreciate your response kpulek. I think we are thinking about those arms the same. Who would you prefer amongst Mazara, Hernandez, Guzman? Also, what are your thoughts on Garcia and Arcia? I’m real high on Garcia, but concerned w/ the K rate.
Pitchers
Domingo Tapia
JO Berrios
Adys Portillo
Dillon Howard
Rafael Montero
Felipe Rivero
Adam Morgan
Blake Snell
David Holmberg
I am all in on Tapia, I think he’ll surprise and end up a legit #2, Berrios as a solid MOR starter, and Portillo there too. Howard has TOR potential, but I see him as one of those middle relief guys who could never harness it. Rivero is an interesting player as well, and I’ve heard good things about Montero. Holmberg looks to me like a future RP.
Hitters
Nomar Mazara
Jorge Bonifacio
Ronald Guzman
Anthony Garcia
Elier Hernandez
Stefen Romero
Dorssys Paulino
Nick Williams
Adalberto Mondesi
Tommy Joseph
Ronald Torreyes
Oswaldo Arcia
Renato Nunez
You’ve got a lot of “boom/bust” guys here, so it depends on your outlook. Personally I’m thinking Joseph develops into a backup catcher, while others may look at him and see future occasional all-star. I see Torreyes as a backup as well. Mazara, Guzman, and Bonifacio are the class of the list, and then comes the rest of the group, in my opinion.
Jagco,
For pitchers Id go with Berrios and Portilla.. huge ceiling guys who have both been living up to their potential so far..
For hitters Id go with Renato Nunez and Elier Hernandez. Nunez has performed great and if he got a $2.2M contract he seems legit.. Hernandez is a sleeper but i really like his hitting potential.
Jed
Anyone care to speculate where Masahiro Tanaka, Jose Dariel Abreu, and Alfredo Despaigne would rank on this list if they were included? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Dynasty Draft Advice. Please rank these guys in order of preference. I’m not concerned with positional value, just fantasy potential. I have devised a list of pitchers and hitters.
Pitchers:
Rafael Montero
JO Berrios
Domingo Tapia
Adam Morgan
Blake Snell
Adys Portillo
Dillon Howard
David Holmberg
Felipe Rivero
Of the pitchers, I’m leaning Berrios, Montero, Tapia, Portillo, but I’m very intrigued by Snell and Morgan. Portillo’s numbers were nasty in low-A, but his command and the scouting reports concern me. His upside is tremendous though.
Now for the hitters:
Tommy Joseph
Ronald Guzman
Ronald Torreyes
Dorssys Paulino
Adalberto Mondesi
Stefen Romero
Renato Nunez
Elier Hernandez
Nomar Mazara
Jorge Bonifacio
Anthony Garcia
Oswaldo Arcia
Nick Williams
Really intrigued by Romero, but not sure if he’s a product of the High Desert. Garcia and Arcia’s peripherals are good, except for the K rate. Obviously Paulino, Mondesi, Nunez, Hernandez, Guzman, Mazara, Williams are all upside plays with small sample size. I’m leaning towards targeting Torreyes, Garcia, Arcia, Romero, Guzman, Mazara, Paulino the most.
I know I’ve thrown out a lot of names, but would love to hear some thoughts. Preciate any insight/opinions.
Jed, right on the money with Addison Russell…he has been fantastic this season and has shown he has an advanced bat!
@Jed
I don’t think Russell has the same upside as Baez does (Baez might have gone top 3 in this class, maybe first overall) but I think that he does deserve a spot.
I think for advanced A I’d be looking more at Springer, who I could see being a 20/30 guy in the majors. For a minor league comp, think of Brett Jackson+, with a lower K rate and a slightly better OPS.
I also believe that Addison Russell needs to be cracking this list! He has been more impressive than Gallo in my opinion and Gallo is on the list. He may not hit as many homers as Gallo, but he also doesnt strike out 1 in every 3 at bats like Big Joey does. He also was just promoted to Short A ball and he is already tearing it up there… he could be a quick mover if his bat keeps this up… think of him as 2012′s version of Javier Baez.
Here’s who I think the best hitters and best pitchers are at each level in the Minors right now…
AAA Hitter: Wil Myers
AAA Pitcher: Danny Hultzen
AA Hitter: Jurickson Profar
AA Pitcher: Taijuan Walker
A+ Hitter: Javier Baez (now after his fresh promotion) ..Bogaerts would be my runner up
A+ Pitcher: Dylan Bundy… Fernandez would be a close runner up
A Hitter: Alen Hanson
A Pitcher: Noah Syndergaard
Rookie Hitter: Byron Buxton..started slow but is showing glimpses of potential now
Rookie Pitcher: JO Berrios
So far, Addison Russell and David Dahl have been the cream of the crop from the 2012 draft…disputes anyone?
Pittsburgh must be kicking themselves for drafting the dropping Appel when they were going to pick Dahl instead!
Bradley,
The ‘Stros got some pretty nice pieces from the Jays for depth “replaceable” type players. The Jays pitching staff is decimated with injuries and the ‘Stros took advantage!
If all goes well and still a few years away, but I think Musgrove turns into a stud pitcher. He has the pitchers frame and is working on a plus 3rd pitch to go along with the other 2 plus pitches! Enjoy him, he’ll be fun to watch develop.
Wojo is good too, but won’t amount to much as a Dynasty option.
Perez is a doubles machine but should flourish as being the top C prospect in the ‘Stros system. There was no way he would get a chance in the Jays C deep system!
BTW Nick, please give an in depth report back on Stephenson, I think he’s got a chance to be a top tier arm, and I’d be interested in your take.
Astros 2012 Prospects Received:
Lyon/Happ Trade
TOR: Joseph Musgrove, Asher Wojciechowski, David Rollins, Carlos Perez
Myers Trade
CHW: Matthew Heidenreich, Blair Walters
Wandy Trade
PIT: Colton Cain, Robbie Grossman, Rudy Owens
Chris Johnson Trade
ARI: Bobby Borchering, Marc Krauss
Carlos Lee Trade
MIA: Rob Rasmussen, Matt Dominguez
Personally, I really like Carlos Perez and Robbie Grossman out of the group. I could see both ending up starters in 2-4 years. Borchering and Krauss were a great haul for Johnson, and Dominguez should at least supply defense at the hot corner. Heidenreich, Asher, Musgrove, Rasmussen, Owens, Walters and Cain all look like RP, with the potential to be a #4/5 starter (especially Musgrove and Walters to me)
Great job on this list, Kyle! Agree w/ Nick it’s my favorite so far this season.
What do you think of the ‘stros rebuilding efforts so far? I think we’ve done a great job acquiring a mix of players offering huge upside and “buy low” players. Of the players we acquired, who do you think has the best chance of surprising people? Even though it might take awhile, it’s fun seeing the team headed in the right direction.
@John
I’ve never been high on Cowart so that might explain that situation. Personally I think Guzman could profile as an elite player if all his tools come together (which can be said for a solid amount of those Rangers). And at the back end of the list, I typically like some guys who can really spike up the lists for next. Gives almost a prelude. I think DeShields will be much higher in the next list, for one. And as for your question, I take Jackie Bradley because I think he’ll pretty much profile as a Jacoby Ellsbury, with 15 home runs a year and a good amount of opportunities at the top of that lineup for R/RBI/SB.
@Nick
Straily has been a guy who I’ve been torn on, but I decided to stay off the bandwagon. Many people have him in their top 50, but I don’t see it personally. I’ve read one guy say “this guy has three average pitches, with the fastball being the best at maybe above average” and another scout say “Straily has three plus pitches.” So there’s no clear consensus on how good he is. He’d be a good guy to stash because he’s in OAK and that ball park will help him a lot, but I see him as a #4 starter personally. And there are a lot of those sitting on the WW for you to pick up, which is why I much rather take the lesser guy with top tier potential who can be a #1 than Straily.
@jhawk
Fixed the mistake, meant to put a RP comment under him, thank you for the notice.
@stathawk
Being in CT myself, I’m excited to see where that program is headed. I had a few people from my town head to UConn last season to play, I think they’ll be pretty good in a few years (better than now).
@Alex
Yes, definitely take Myers, he’s legit and a top 5 prospect according to everyone, Miller is anywhere between 10 and 40 right now.
@ alex, accept and don’t look back.
i dealt anthony rendon for wil myers in april and ppl thought i was crazy.
12 team dynasty, Wil Myers for Shelby Miller (I get Myers)
Should I do it?
3 from UCONN in top 35 Olt,Barnes, Springer. NICE LIST
good list guys.
comment under Yordano Ventura says “Hak-Ju Lee …”
Best list of the season so far. Thank you for including the graduates, it definitely helps to anchor the list.
What do you think of Dan Straily?
We finally get a real chance to see what Anthony Rendon can do now that he is back in action after breaking his ankle.
I’m hoping Billy Hamilton gets called up to the Reds in September. Robert Stephenson is showing amazing potential and 100+mph at times in his first real public pro games. I should get a chance to see him in Dayton soon.
Surprised not to see Kaleb Cowart, not seeing Guzman ahead of him. If you had to chose between Eddie Rosario and Jackie Bradely who would you pick.