Results tagged ‘ Dylan Bundy ’

Promotion Worthy Prospects

After Miguel Sano was promoted to Double-A on Sunday by the Minnesota Twins, it brought to mind several other prospects who deserve a promotion due to their dominance at their current level. Below, you’ll find ten prospects who need or deserve a bigger challenge:

StephensonRobert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

Year Age Tm Lg Aff W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 BB/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2013 20 Dayton MIDW CIN 5 3 2.97 12 66.2 52 25 22 4 17 85 1.035 7.0 2.3 11.5 5.00
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

When you see that 2.97 ERA, some would say that isn’t as dominant as what guys like Dylan Bundy or Archie Bradley have posted over the last two seasons; however, Stephenson has been absolutely dominant over his last six starts, posting a 0.98 ERA, a 0.65 WHIP, and a 50:5 K:BB over 36.2 innings. That is redefining dominance. Stephenson has now made 20 starts for Low-A Dayton and the only thing holding him back from a promotion seems to be the fact that he would be heading to the California League if he was promoted to the next level. The Reds could challenge him and see how he does, they did put Tony Cingrani there in 2012 (where he dominated), or move him straight to Double-A next year, similar to what they did with Daniel Corcino in 2012. Regardless, Stephenson looks like the Reds new top prospect, posting numbers that would make Cy Young winners blush.

BaezJavier Baez, SS, Chicago Cubs

Year Age Tm Lg Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2013 20 Daytona FLOR CHC 57 254 230 45 67 17 4 13 44 6 11 60 .291 .339 .570 .908 131
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

Blame it on the four home runs that Baez hit on June 10th or blame it on the fact that his numbers are absolutely insane for a middle infielder…truly, you can blame it on the fact that Starlin Castro looks like a lost puppy, but the Chicago Cubs need to move Javier Baez up to Double-A. Certainly, Baez isn’t perfect. His plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired and he has made 26 errors in 56 games for Daytona, but what he lacks in harnessing moving balls, he makes up for with his tremendous bat speed, power, and overall skills when he actually connects. In eight June games, Baez is hitting .500/.559/1.167 with five home runs and 15 RBI. He’s on fire and he has the talent to be moved quickly. Baez needs to be challenged in Double-A and the Cubs need to see how he handles advanced pitching to help determine whether he could stay at short or move to an outfield corner.

DePaula1Rafael De Paula, RHP, New York Yankees

Year Age Tm Lg Aff W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 BB/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2013 22 Charleston SALL NYY 6 2 2.43 12 59.1 36 16 16 3 22 91 0.978 5.5 3.3 13.8 4.14
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

The only thing dumber than the Yankees still having De Paula in Low-A at this point, is the fact that society didn’t find a way to stop Kanye West and Kim Kardashian from procreating. De Paula has dominated all season for Charleston, and at the age of 22, he is a man among boys in the Sally League. His 13.8 K:9 is absurd and his mid-90′s fastball is nearly unfair to the over-matched teenagers and organizational depth cesspools of the lower minors. With Andy Pettitte and Hiroki Kuroda nearing the end of the road, it is time for the Yankees to be aggressive with another prospect. De Paula needs to be moved to Tampa (High-A) as soon as possible, and, due to his stuff, early dominance, and age, an attempt at Double-A shouldn’t be out of the question.

BuxtonByron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins

Year Age Tm Lg Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2013 19 Cedar Rapids MIDW MIN 59 274 228 60 78 14 8 7 47 26 39 46 .342 .435 .566 1.001 129
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

It isn’t very often that a 19-year-old in his first full season of professional ball would get moved up a level by July, but the No.2 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft is creating quite a stir in the prospect world. His power, speed, and plate discipline are beyond his years and Buxton appears to be ready for and worthy of a different challenge. The Twins are typically very patient and slow with their prospects, but they’ve already promoted Sano and their major league team (28-33) continues to tread water.

Preston Tucker, OF, Houston Astros

Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2013 22 Lancaster CALL A+ HOU 64 284 253 52 79 17 1 11 58 3 25 37 .312 .373 .518 .891 131
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

The Astros are in a pretty miserable place when it comes to their ability to contend, but they seem to have a tremendous rebuilding plan in place and their recent drafts and trades are perfect examples of what Jeff Luhnow has taken to Houston. They appear to have a nice player in their 2012 7th round pick, a senior signing out of Florida that is showing an excellent approach at the plate in High-A. While Lancaster is a notorious hitter’s paradise, as is most of the California League, the plate discipline, gap power, and consistency (.328 vs. LHP, .307 RHP) are impressive, and he would be a nice addition to Double-A, where he could join…

George Springer, OF, Houston Astros

Year Age Tm Lg Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2013 23 Corpus Christi TL HOU 61 271 228 51 69 18 0 18 50 18 35 77 .303 .405 .618 1.024 141
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

Springer is also worthy of a promotion within the Houston organization and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is wearing an Astros’ jersey by the end of the 2013 season; however, with Justin Maxwell coming back from his injury, a promotion to Triple-A is likely Springer’s first stop. The 36 extra-base hits and 18 stolen bases show the tools that he possesses, but his long swing could continue to cause outrageous strikeout totals, especially once he reaches the show. The No.11 overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft out of UConn will be an asset to the Astros at some point.

PuelloCesar Puello, OF, New York Mets

Year Age Tm Lg Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2013 22 Binghamton EL NYM 53 221 197 40 65 11 2 13 46 17 14 46 .330 .403 .604 1.007 119
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

There are four simple words why Puello needs promoted: The Mets Offense Sucks. The slugging right fielder has been on fire over the last ten games, hitting .463/.500/.976 with three doubles, six home runs, 17 RBI, and five stolen bases. There is one issue that may become huge within his development: he was listed on the Biogenesis documents; however, the time it will take between appeals and court cases will make that an unlikely scenario in harming his prospect status, which is getting more impressive with each swing.

myersWil Myers, OF, Tampa Bay Rays

Year Age Tm Lg Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2013 22 Durham IL TBR 60 274 237 41 67 12 2 13 54 7 29 67 .283 .358 .515 .872 122
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

Call me Captain Obvious but the Rays would be a better team by plugging Myers into a lineup that has won 11 of their last 16 and are slowly creeping up the AL East standings, even while their ace, David Price, is recovering from an extended absence due to tricep soreness. After struggling with his plate discipline in the early part of the season, Myers has improved his numbers in June (albeit in just 10 games), while increasing his power, having hit four home runs in just 41 at-bats this month. With seven players with 25 or more RBI already this season, who would go to make room for Myers? Myers will make an impact at some point this season, regardless of the current roster’s success.

Arismendy Alcantara, 2B/SS, Chicago Cubs

Year Age Tm Lg Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2013 21 Tennessee SOUL CHC 63 265 228 30 66 14 1 9 30 16 26 54 .289 .364 .478 .842 109
5 Seasons 371 1542 1405 195 399 57 27 24 174 76 101 291 .284 .332 .414 .747 582
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

Alcantara is another good middle infield prospect within the Cubs organization. He is playing second and short in Double-A right now, but regardless of where he ends up, Alcantara will provide a little punch and speed for the rebuilding lovable losers. After having success at every stop during his minor league career, Alcantara should move up to see how he can handle Triple-A pitching, getting him that much closer to helping a starved Cubs lineup.

PimentelCarlos Pimentel, RHP, Texas Rangers

Year Age Tm Lg Aff W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 BB/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2013 23 Frisco TL TEX 7 2 2.96 12 70.0 49 25 23 8 21 80 1.000 6.3 2.7 10.3 3.81
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2013.

This is Pimentel’s third season in Double-A and he appears to finally mastered it, this time as a starter, after pitching well in a relief role in 2012 for Frisco. Still just 23 years old, Pimentel looks like another solid prospect again for a Rangers team that seems to always be in need of pitching help, whether due to ineffectiveness or injuries on the major league roster. Pimentel is posting excellent strikeout numbers and appears to be very difficult to hit. At 6’3″, 180 pounds, he has the frame to be a useful body in Texas, and he deserves a look in Triple-A before he gets a spot start of a longer look in Arlington.

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My Reaction: Kevin Gausman’s Debut

Gausman1The Baltimore Orioles had an exciting debut Thursday night when 22-year-old right-hander Kevin Gausman took the mound at Rogers Centre in Toronto against the Blue Jays. While I’m not a scout or genius, this is what I saw:

  • Very good fastball, touching 98 mph several times
  • Pretty straight fastball, which could lead to some issues as the opposition adjusts to him
  • A very good offspeed pitch that was sitting in the mid-80′s with hard downward break
  • Very good deception: Gausman hid the ball in his glove and went directly behind his right side, allowing the ball seemingly explode towards home, which makes that 98 mph fastball that much more impressive
  • The solid minor league command didn’t seem to transition tonight
  • Nerves combined with overthrowing resulted in the command issues
  • The command issues weren’t overwhelming (just two walks), but Gausman was high or outside several times due to the overthrowing

His overall line (5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) wasn’t awful; however, the Orioles will certainly hope for more out of him going forward considering his impressive numbers, to date, in the minors:

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2012 21 2 Teams A+-A- 0 1 3.60 5 15.0 11 6 6 3 1 13 0.800 6.6 7.8 13.00
2012 21 Aberdeen A- 0 0 0.00 2 6.0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0.167 1.5 7.5
2012 21 Frederick A+ 0 1 6.00 3 9.0 10 6 6 3 1 8 1.222 10.0 8.0 8.00
2013 22 Bowie AA 2 4 3.11 8 46.1 44 21 16 3 5 49 1.058 8.5 9.5 9.80
2 Seasons 2 5 3.23 13 61.1 55 27 22 6 6 62 0.995 8.1 9.1 10.33
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/23/2013.

The 62:6 K:BB in 61.1 innings was absolutely tremendous and the 58 strikes in 89 pitches (65.2 percent) shows that he can pound the strike zone.

GausmanGoing Forward: Gausman has some impressive stuff. He seemed like he was trying to strike a lot of guys out tonight and will probably have a discussion about trusting his defense, which is wise considering the incredible defense behind him in Baltimore (the O’s are first in MLB in team fielding percentage, .992). With the injury to Wei-Yin Chen and the presence of Freddy Garcia in the Orioles rotation, Gausman is likely to maintain a rotation spot over the rest of the season, or at least until he reaches around 130 innings, which would give the youngster approximately 175 innings in 2013. He is a legitimate top prospect worthy of rostering in all fantasy baseball leagues, and worthy of admiration by all baseball fans. The numbers didn’t show his potential tonight. If Dylan Bundy‘s elbow doesn’t need surgically re-attached, the Orioles have a dynamic combination forming out of their top two prospects.

 

Sizzlin’ Future Stars: Minor League Report, 5/18

With the season underway and some fans already looking forward to next year, even this early, it is a good time to look down on the farms for some names that you should get to know. Everyone knows who Wil Myers, Dylan Bundy, and Oscar Taveras are at this point, so these are players performing at elite levels who may not be household names…yet.

AltherrAaron Altherr, OF, Philadelphia Phillies

Year Age Tm Lev G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2009 18 Phillies Rk 28 92 84 10 18 3 0 1 11 6 8 15 .214 .283 .286 .568 24
2010 19 2 Teams Rk-A- 55 225 209 23 62 13 4 1 25 12 11 35 .297 .339 .411 .751 86
2010 19 Phillies Rk 27 121 115 12 35 6 1 1 15 10 3 22 .304 .331 .400 .731 46
2010 19 Williamsport A- 28 104 94 11 27 7 3 0 10 2 8 13 .287 .350 .426 .775 40
2011 20 2 Teams A–A 112 458 416 61 101 18 2 6 46 37 24 99 .243 .291 .339 .630 141
2011 20 Williamsport A- 71 295 269 41 70 12 2 5 31 25 13 52 .260 .302 .375 .678 101
2011 20 Lakewood A 41 163 147 20 31 6 0 1 15 12 11 47 .211 .272 .272 .544 40
2012 21 Lakewood A 110 471 420 65 106 27 6 8 50 25 38 102 .252 .319 .402 .722 169
2013 22 Clearwater A+ 35 152 134 22 45 15 2 4 27 8 13 39 .336 .391 .567 .958 76
5 Seasons 340 1398 1263 181 332 76 14 20 159 88 94 290 .263 .319 .393 .711 496
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/18/2013.

Altherr is a big, raw prospect who seems to be putting everything together this year in the Florida State League. He was nowhere to be found on MLB.com’s top 20 list for the Phillies prior to this season, while John Sickels, of minorleagueball.com, had Altherr in the “others” section as a player to watch. Considering what he was before this season, it is pretty shocking that the 6’5″, 190 pound outfielder has jumped to the numbers that he is putting up in 2013, but he was clearly a toolsy guy prior to this year. His lanky frame still had impressive speed and gap power, so as he continues to mature physically, Altherr could become an even more intriguing prospect. Given the nature of how the Phillies handled Domonic Brown, however, you have to wonder if they’ll handle a player similar is size with varying talent in the same manner.

DePaulaRafael De Paula, RHP, New York Yankees

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2012 21 Yankees 1 FRk 8 2 1.46 14 61.2 35 18 10 2 18 85 0.859 5.1 12.4 4.72
2013 22 Charleston A 4 2 2.75 8 39.1 24 12 12 2 17 69 1.042 5.5 15.8 4.06
2 Seasons 12 4 1.96 22 101.0 59 30 22 4 35 154 0.931 5.3 13.7 4.40
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/18/2013.

The strikeout totals are stupid, and so is the fact that the Yankees have De Paula in Low-A ball at the age of 22. Domination doesn’t even begin to tell the story of what De Paula has done this season, and another guy that MLB.com left unranked, but came in as the Yankees No.13 prospect at minorleagueball.com, has flown up the prospect rankings in the early going of the 2013 season. De Paula was signed in November of 2010 out of the Dominican Republic and he has been handled with baby gloves ever since. In a recent Baseball Prospectus chat, Jason Parks had this to say about the Yankee right-hander:

“ Powerful build; arm speed is near elite; fastball can work 91-95l touch even higher; huge life; misses barrels; shows plus potential with both hard, power curve and changeup; command profile could push him to the ‘pen down the line, as could secondary development. He’s a big time arm.”

He’s good.

BradleyArchie Bradley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2011 18 Missoula Rk 0 0 0.00 1 2.0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0.500 4.5 18.0
2012 19 South Bend A 12 6 3.84 27 136.0 87 64 58 6 84 152 1.257 5.8 10.1 1.81
2013 20 2 Teams A+-AA 4 0 1.05 8 42.2 29 6 5 1 16 63 1.055 6.1 13.3 3.94
2013 20 Visalia A+ 2 0 1.26 5 28.2 22 5 4 1 10 43 1.116 6.9 13.5 4.30
2013 20 Mobile AA 2 0 0.64 3 14.0 7 1 1 0 6 20 0.929 4.5 12.9 3.33
3 Seasons 16 6 3.14 36 180.2 117 70 63 7 100 219 1.201 5.8 10.9 2.19
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/18/2013.

I had a hard time buying into Archie Bradley, even with high rankings from MLB.com (No.24) and Baseball America (No.25) prior to the season. It had a lot to do with the 84 walks that he posted last season, as I like to see that a pitcher can harness his stuff before I consider him elite. However, this time I was way off, as the hits per nine (5.8), K per nine (10.1), and home runs allowed (just six in 136 innings) goes to show the type of stuff and dominance that Bradley possesses. A 95 mph fastball with sink and a strikeout pitch in his curveball have allowed Bradley to post a 63:16 K:BB in 42.2 innings in 2013, and he has already been bumped up to Double-A at the tender age of 20. He was highly touted for a reason and he seems to have found the command necessary to become one of the top pitchers in the minor leagues.

Rougned Odor, 2B, Texas Rangers

Year Age Tm Lev G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2011 17 Spokane A- 58 258 233 33 61 9 3 2 29 10 13 37 .262 .323 .352 .675 82
2012 18 Hickory A 109 471 432 60 112 23 4 10 47 19 25 65 .259 .313 .400 .714 173
2013 19 Myrtle Beach A+ 38 163 143 30 44 14 1 4 25 11 9 28 .308 .377 .503 .880 72
3 Seasons 205 892 808 123 217 46 8 16 101 40 47 130 .269 .328 .405 .732 327
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/18/2013.

It’s tough being a middle infielder in the Rangers system these days. With Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler signed to long-term deals and Jurickson Profar waiting in Triple-A, the Rangers have created a logjam of talent in their system that will either waste away or get traded away. It also isn’t very fair for the guys who aren’t Profar to have to try to put up numbers comparable to his to be taken seriously. Which leads us to a very impressive young player. Odor was just 18 last season when he put up a .714 OPS with 37 extra-base hits and 19 stolen bases in full season ball, and he has improved his stats in the early going this season. Not only that, his running game is much more solid, having stolen 11 bases in 12 attempts after being gunned down 10 times in 29 attempts last season. His ceiling isn’t nearly that of Profar’s, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a solid major leaguer.

FrancoMaikel Franco, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies

Year Age Tm Lev G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2010 17 Phillies Rk 51 217 194 23 43 11 2 2 29 0 16 46 .222 .292 .330 .622 64
2011 18 2 Teams A–A 71 296 267 25 66 19 1 3 44 0 26 45 .247 .318 .360 .677 96
2011 18 Williamsport A- 54 229 202 19 58 17 1 2 38 0 25 30 .287 .367 .411 .778 83
2011 18 Lakewood A 17 67 65 6 8 2 0 1 6 0 1 15 .123 .149 .200 .349 13
2012 19 Lakewood A 132 554 503 70 141 32 3 14 84 3 38 80 .280 .336 .439 .775 221
2013 20 Clearwater A+ 39 179 163 25 47 16 1 8 32 0 12 26 .288 .341 .546 .887 89
4 Seasons 293 1246 1127 143 297 78 7 27 189 3 92 197 .264 .324 .417 .742 470
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/18/2013.

Franco has a lot of potential that is not obvious to his game yet, which is shocking when you consider he currently sports an .887 OPS as a 20-year-old in High-A. A third baseman with an excellent arm and solid glove, if Franco continues hitting the way that he has while showing improved plate discipline, the Phillies could have a superstar in the making. Franco doesn’t strikeout in bunches and he appears ready to turn some of those 32 doubles from last season into home runs this year. As he continues to mature, he will be a player to keep an eye on.

Contreras

Carlos Contreras, RHP, Cincinnati Reds

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA G GS GF SV IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2008 17 Reds FRk 0 1 8.64 17 0 7 0 16.2 14 21 16 0 30 17 2.640 7.6 9.2 0.57
2009 18 Reds FRk 4 4 5.60 14 12 0 0 72.1 65 49 45 6 30 58 1.313 8.1 7.2 1.93
2010 19 Reds Rk 2 4 6.45 10 6 3 2 37.2 44 29 27 8 16 30 1.593 10.5 7.2 1.88
2011 20 Billings Rk 2 1 5.00 18 0 2 0 36.0 35 20 20 5 23 38 1.611 8.8 9.5 1.65
2012 21 2 Teams A-A+ 1 1 3.12 49 0 33 20 60.2 38 27 21 7 24 63 1.022 5.6 9.3 2.63
2012 21 Dayton A 0 1 3.20 40 0 26 16 50.2 29 22 18 6 19 51 0.947 5.2 9.1 2.68
2012 21 Bakersfield A+ 1 0 2.70 9 0 7 4 10.0 9 5 3 1 5 12 1.400 8.1 10.8 2.40
2013 22 Bakersfield A+ 1 4 3.40 8 8 0 0 42.1 27 18 16 5 13 52 0.945 5.7 11.1 4.00
6 Seasons 10 15 4.91 116 26 45 22 265.2 223 164 145 31 136 258 1.351 7.6 8.7 1.90
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/18/2013.

The Reds have been all over the place in their handling of Contreras since signing him prior to the 2008 season out of the Dominican Republic. While they finally seemed to have figured out that he should start, Contreras finally seems to know how to pitch now, as well. He is putting it all together for a very bad Bakersfield team in the California League, and while the league is a hitter’s paradise, Contreras has been pretty dominant. He has a .179 batting average allowed to go with his 52:13 K:BB in 42.1 innings. He has a fastball that sits 92-96 and seems familiar with pressure after being a closer last season. We’ll see if he can maintain this production, but he looks like a live arm in the Reds system, which they need with Daniel Corcino pitching so poorly at Triple-A this season.

Jake Buchanan, RHP, Houston Astros

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2010 20 Tri-City A- 4 5 4.28 14 14 61.0 69 32 29 3 11 42 1.311 10.2 6.2 3.82
2011 21 2 Teams A+-AA 5 10 3.80 26 26 165.2 163 93 70 10 36 104 1.201 8.9 5.6 2.89
2011 21 Lancaster A+ 5 10 3.91 25 25 158.2 157 92 69 10 35 102 1.210 8.9 5.8 2.91
2011 21 Corpus Christi AA 0 0 1.29 1 1 7.0 6 1 1 0 1 2 1.000 7.7 2.6 2.00
2012 22 2 Teams AA-AAA 5 10 5.25 30 20 142.1 188 95 83 12 38 88 1.588 11.9 5.6 2.32
2012 22 Corpus Christi AA 5 9 4.96 27 19 134.1 171 85 74 11 33 83 1.519 11.5 5.6 2.52
2012 22 Oklahoma City AAA 0 1 10.12 3 1 8.0 17 10 9 1 5 5 2.750 19.1 5.6 1.00
2013 23 Corpus Christi AA 4 0 0.93 11 7 48.1 28 5 5 2 3 28 0.641 5.2 5.2 9.33
4 Seasons 18 25 4.03 81 67 417.1 448 225 187 27 88 262 1.284 9.7 5.7 2.98
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/18/2013.

Houston has an interesting method of developing their pitchers, using tandem starting pitching at all minor league levels this season. Jake Buchanan is not one of the club’s brightest stars, nor is he expected to become one, but he really seems to enjoy how the Astros are doing things this year. A 0.93 ERA and 0.64 WHIP over 48.1 innings is pretty impressive, as is the .163 batting average allowed. With the major league roster looking like a mediocre Triple-A team, and a starting rotation with a 6.31 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, and .309 batting average allowed, it doesn’t hurt to know that Buchanan is having success in the minors for a team so desperate for pitching help. The 23-year-old could get a jump to Triple-A in the coming weeks to see if he can produce similar statistics there before getting a shot in Houston.

Sizzlin’ Future Stars: Minor League Report, 5/10

With the season underway and some fans already looking forward to next year, even this early, it is a good time to look down on the farms for some names that you should get to know. Everyone knows who Wil Myers, Dylan Bundy, and Oscar Taveras are at this point, so these are players performing at elite levels who may not be household names…yet.

Yordano1

Yordano Ventura, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2009 18 Royals FRk 0 1 2.78 10 5 22.2 28 11 7 0 5 11 1.456 11.1 4.4 2.20
2010 19 2 Teams Rk-FRk 4 3 3.08 17 9 64.1 58 33 22 3 18 71 1.181 8.1 9.9 3.94
2010 19 Royals FRk 0 1 2.31 3 3 11.2 9 5 3 0 1 13 0.857 6.9 10.0 13.00
2010 19 Royals Rk 4 2 3.25 14 6 52.2 49 28 19 3 17 58 1.253 8.4 9.9 3.41
2011 20 Kane County A 4 6 4.27 19 19 84.1 82 43 40 8 24 88 1.257 8.8 9.4 3.67
2012 21 3 Teams A+-AA-Rk 4 7 3.62 23 23 109.1 92 49 44 8 42 130 1.226 7.6 10.7 3.10
2012 21 Royals Rk 0 0 2.45 1 1 3.2 3 1 1 0 1 7 1.091 7.4 17.2 7.00
2012 21 Wilmington A+ 3 5 3.30 16 16 76.1 66 32 28 7 28 98 1.231 7.8 11.6 3.50
2012 21 Northwest Arkansas AA 1 2 4.60 6 6 29.1 23 16 15 1 13 25 1.227 7.1 7.7 1.92
2013 22 Northwest Arkansas AA 3 0 1.84 6 6 29.1 19 7 6 1 11 43 1.023 5.8 13.2 3.91
5 Seasons 15 17 3.45 75 62 310.0 279 143 119 20 100 343 1.223 8.1 10.0 3.43
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/10/2013.

Ventura tends to be overlooked due to his height. Despite being just 5’11″ and  180 pounds, the soon-to-be 22-year-old with a mid-to-upper 90′s fastball is doing all that he can to create some hype and become one of the top prospects in baseball. Prior to the 2013 season, Ventura was ranked by Baseball America as the No.85 prospect and by MLB.com as the No.60 prospect in baseball. While he could end up in the bullpen due to his reliance on his dominant fastball and excellent curve, he could still improve his changeup enough to become a rotation fixture in Kansas City. His last two starts have been absolutely dominant in Double-A, as he has a 0.00 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, and a 20:5 K:BB in 11 innings. Tim Lincecum, Whitey Ford, and Pedro Martinez had some success as pitchers under six feet tall, so don’t squash the idea that Ventura could dominate as a starter.

Henry Owens, LHP, Boston Red Sox

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2012 19 Greenville A 12 5 4.87 23 22 101.2 100 58 55 10 47 130 1.446 8.9 11.5 2.77
2013 20 Salem A+ 3 1 2.25 6 6 32.0 17 9 8 2 11 40 0.875 4.8 11.2 3.64
2 Seasons 15 6 4.24 29 28 133.2 117 67 63 12 58 170 1.309 7.9 11.4 2.93
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/10/2013.

The anti-Ventura, Owens is a 6’6″ left-hander with three solid pitches in the Red Sox organization. While other young pitchers, like Allen Webster, Anthony Ranaudo, and Brandon Workman, are thriving in the system’s higher levels, Owens is dominating in High-A and demonstrating statistics that match his skills, something that wasn’t true last season. Owens is missing more bats and, while he won’t turn 21 years old until July, could see a few starts in Double-A this season. The Red Sox have to be excited about the progress that he has shown this season.

Garin Cecchini, 3B, Boston Red SoxCecchini

Year Age Tm Lev G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2011 20 Lowell A- 32 133 114 21 34 12 1 3 23 12 17 19 .298 .398 .500 .898 57
2012 21 Greenville A 118 526 455 84 139 38 4 4 62 51 61 90 .305 .394 .433 .827 197
2013 22 Salem A+ 29 126 108 22 41 11 4 4 19 10 18 16 .380 .468 .667 1.135 72
3 Seasons 179 785 677 127 214 61 9 11 104 73 96 125 .316 .406 .482 .888 326
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/10/2013.

Cecchini is Owens’ teammate with High-A Salem, and while he doesn’t possess the normal hitting skills of a dynamic corner infielder, he is seems to be a robotic producer. Cecchini currently leads the Carolina League in total bases, and while he has just four home runs, his 19 extra-base hits, 10 stolen bases, and .468 on-base percentage show the type of talent that he has. At 22, it may be time to wonder if he’ll be able to produce enough pop to be valuable at third, especially with the Red Sox potentially moving Xander Bogaerts off of short in the future; however, hits 38 doubles last season could turn into home runs as he continues to fill his 6’2″ frame. He’s a pure hitter and possesses sabermetric skills that the Red Sox front office is known to drool over.

Baxendale

D.J. Baxendale, RHP, Minnesota Twins

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA G GS GF IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2012 21 2 Teams A-Rk 0 0 0.96 17 0 12 18.2 13 3 2 0 2 31 0.804 6.3 14.9 15.50
2013 22 Fort Myers A+ 5 0 1.49 6 6 0 36.1 24 7 6 2 6 35 0.826 5.9 8.7 5.83
2 Seasons 5 0 1.31 23 6 12 55.0 37 10 8 2 8 66 0.818 6.1 10.8 8.25
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/10/2013.

This is really digging deep, but after striking out 10 while not allowing a run over seven innings in his last start, Baxendale could finally get noticed. A 10th round pick out of Arkansas in the 2012 MLB Draft, Baxendale was moved to starting pitcher this season by the Twins. Due to the club’s horrific starting pitching, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him move quickly if he continues to have this type of success. His strikeout rate isn’t going to overwhelm you, but the fact that he doesn’t allow many free passes is very encouraging. The only scouting reports that I’ve seen on him mention a 3/4 arm slot, an 88 to 91 mph fastball, and an average to solid  slider and curve, but his ability to thrive while pitching in the tough SEC while at Arkansas as a reason to not count him out. Mound presence and confidence can go a long way in success, and Baxendale’s early results show that he could become useful for the Twins.

Rob Refsnyder, 2B, New York Yankees

Year Age Tm Lev G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2012 21 Charleston A 46 182 162 22 39 8 0 4 22 11 16 25 .241 .319 .364 .683 59
2013 22 2 Teams A+-A 33 157 130 23 50 12 1 1 20 13 22 22 .385 .490 .515 1.006 67
2013 22 Charleston A 13 62 54 9 20 4 1 0 6 7 6 12 .370 .452 .481 .933 26
2013 22 Tampa A+ 20 95 76 14 30 8 0 1 14 6 16 10 .395 .516 .539 1.055 41
2 Seasons 79 339 292 45 89 20 1 5 42 24 38 47 .305 .398 .432 .830 126
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/10/2013.

You have to assume that Robinson Cano isn’t going to be leaving New York anytime soon, and it is questionable as to whether he will ever move off of second base if or when he does sign a long-term extension with the Yankees; however, what are the Yankees going to do if Cano doesn’t re-sign with the club? Nearly all of their top prospects are outfielders and with the club sitting on the declining skills and lofty contracts of Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira, will the club look for an expensive free agent option to replace him if he does leave? Robert Refsnyder doesn’t have a name that should be familiar to anyone, but if he continues to hit the way that he has this season, he could quickly become a part of the Yankees’ plans. A 5th round pick out of the University of Arizona in the 2012 MLB Draft, Refsnyder won the Most Outstanding Player award in the 2012 College World Series by leading the Wildcats to the title. While his introduction to professional ball in 2012 wasn’t fantastic, he did show solid on-base skills and a little bit of speed. He has already been promoted to Tampa this season and he has responded with a 1.055 OPS in his first 20 games after posting a .933 OPS in 13 games in Low-A. He is short on home run power but he does have solid gap power, speed, and excellent plate discipline. If he maintains this production, it wouldn’t be too crazy to see him as a second baseman and leadoff hitter for a Cano-less Yankees team in a couple of years.

osuna

Roberto Osuna, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/9 SO/BB
2011 16 Mexico AAA 0 1 5.49 13 2 19.2 25 15 12 3 11 12 1.831 11.4 5.5 1.09
2012 17 2 Teams Rk-A- 2 0 2.27 12 9 43.2 32 14 11 2 15 49 1.076 6.6 10.1 3.27
2012 17 Bluefield Rk 1 0 1.50 7 4 24.0 18 5 4 1 6 24 1.000 6.8 9.0 4.00
2012 17 Vancouver A- 1 0 3.20 5 5 19.2 14 9 7 1 9 25 1.169 6.4 11.4 2.78
2013 18 Lansing A 1 2 3.63 5 5 22.1 15 10 9 4 4 31 0.851 6.0 12.5 7.75
3 Seasons 3 3 3.36 30 16 85.2 72 39 32 9 30 92 1.191 7.6 9.7 3.07
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/10/2013.

Osuna just turned 18 years old in February and, while most boys his age are gearing up for high school graduation and prom night, Osuna is pitching for the Lansing Lugnuts and overmatching his competition in Low-A. At 6’2″, 230 pounds, Osuna has a solid frame that seems capable of handling a lot of innings, which could still grow. Hopefully, it wouldn’t grow like Bartolo Colon…Regardless, Osuna has very good stuff, he appears to have very good control, and if he keeps the ball in the park, he could be a tremendous asset for the Blue Jays. After several trades this winter to upgrade their club (which hasn’t worked out so well), the club could use an excellent season from Osuna to rebuild their minor league system.

Stetson Allie, 1B, Pittsburgh Pirates

Year Age Tm Lev G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2011 20 State College A- 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012 21 2 Teams Rk-A 44 173 150 23 32 6 2 3 19 2 21 50 .213 .314 .340 .654 51
2012 21 Pirates Rk 42 173 150 23 32 6 2 3 19 2 21 50 .213 .314 .340 .654 51
2012 21 West Virginia A 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2013 22 West Virginia A 32 143 121 20 41 8 0 8 26 4 18 39 .339 .427 .603 1.030 73
3 Seasons 91 316 271 43 73 14 2 11 45 6 39 89 .269 .365 .458 .823 124
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/10/2013.

Taken in the 2nd round of the 2010 MLB Draft after posting a 1.29 ERA with 134 strikeouts in 60 innings as a senior in high school, the Pirates had hoped that they had another first round talent in Allie, after taking Jameson Taillon earlier in the draft. Allie didn’t pan out, as he posted some horrific numbers while on the mound (7.76 ERA, 2.18 WHIP, 29:37 K:BB in 26.2 IP) before he was moved to first base. While it didn’t go so well last season, the 2013 season has been a bit kinder to him. It is still the Sally League (Low-A) and Allie is 22 years old, but he is showing very good power and is second in the league in total bases. He is a long way off and he has a lot to prove, and his age could become a factor in the Pirates philosophy in moving him through the organization, as well. He does live, though, and you have to root for a guy who had such tremendous stuff and lost it so abruptly.


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Sizzling Future Stars: Minor League Report, 5/4

With the season underway and some fans already looking forward to next year, even this early, it is a good time to look down on the farms for some names that you should get to know. Everyone knows who Wil Myers, Dylan Bundy, and Oscar Taveras are at this point, so these are players performing at elite levels who may not be household names…yet.

Salazar

Danny Salazar, RHP, Cleveland Indians

Year Age Lg Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/BB
2007 17 DOSL FRk 5 3 1.96 14 64.1 52 25 14 1 12 49 0.995 7.3 4.08
2008 18 GULF Rk 4 2 2.87 11 53.1 46 19 17 5 13 43 1.106 7.8 3.31
2009 19 SALL A 5 7 4.44 20 107.1 114 60 53 10 40 65 1.435 9.6 1.63
2010 20 MIDW A 1 1 4.45 7 32.1 34 16 16 7 13 23 1.454 9.5 1.77
2011 21 2 Lgs A-Rk 0 2 3.07 8 14.2 14 7 5 1 4 18 1.227 8.6 4.50
2011 21 ARIZ Rk 0 0 2.70 5 6.2 6 3 2 1 2 11 1.200 8.1 5.50
2011 21 MIDW A 0 2 3.38 3 8.0 8 4 3 0 2 7 1.250 9.0 3.50
2012 22 2 Lgs A+-AA 5 2 2.36 22 87.2 71 25 23 4 27 76 1.118 7.3 2.81
2012 22 CARL A+ 1 2 2.68 16 53.2 46 17 16 3 19 53 1.211 7.7 2.79
2012 22 EL AA 4 0 1.85 6 34.0 25 8 7 1 8 23 0.971 6.6 2.88
2013 23 EL AA 2 3 2.83 6 28.2 22 9 9 1 9 43 1.081 6.9 4.78
7 Seasons 22 20 3.18 88 388.1 353 161 137 29 118 317 1.213 8.2 2.69
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/4/2013.

Salazar had Tommy John surgery and missed nearly two full seasons of development, but since returning for good in 2012, he has a 2.48 ERA over 116.1 innings, a 1.11 WHIP, and a 119:36 K:BB (3.31 K:BB). The Indians, who seemed to have a lot of depth at starting pitcher during the spring, are in need of some talent at the major league roster. Justin Masterson and Zach McAllister have pitched well, but injuries and inconsistency, especially from Ubaldo Jimenez, brings a need of some sort of stability. The Indians could use a little youth and homegrown talent in their rotation, and if Salazar continues pitching this well, he’ll be on his way to Cleveland sooner than later. A 43:9 K:BB in 28.2 innings is downright dominant.

Gibson

Kyle Gibson, RHP, Minnesota Twins

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/BB
2010 22 3 Teams AA-A+-AAA 11 6 2.96 26 152.0 136 55 50 7 39 126 1.151 8.1 3.23
2010 22 Fort Myers A+ 4 1 1.87 7 43.1 33 11 9 2 12 40 1.038 6.9 3.33
2010 22 New Britain AA 7 5 3.68 16 93.0 91 39 38 5 22 77 1.215 8.8 3.50
2010 22 Rochester AAA 0 0 1.72 3 15.2 12 5 3 0 5 9 1.085 6.9 1.80
2011 23 Rochester AAA 3 8 4.81 18 95.1 109 57 51 11 27 91 1.427 10.3 3.37
2012 24 3 Teams Rk-A+-AAA 0 2 4.13 11 28.1 26 13 13 3 6 33 1.129 8.3 5.50
2012 24 Twins Rk 0 0 2.45 7 14.2 9 4 4 1 4 16 0.886 5.5 4.00
2012 24 Fort Myers A+ 0 0 2.57 2 7.0 6 2 2 1 1 7 1.000 7.7 7.00
2012 24 Rochester AAA 0 2 9.45 2 6.2 11 7 7 1 1 10 1.800 14.8 10.00
2013 25 Rochester AAA 1 4 4.26 6 31.2 32 15 15 2 9 27 1.295 9.1 3.00
4 Seasons 15 20 3.78 61 307.1 303 140 129 23 81 277 1.249 8.9 3.42
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/4/2013.

Gibson was an elite talent when he was drafted 22nd overall in the 2009 MLB draft out of the University of Missouri. His stock had fallen a bit due to a stress fracture in his elbow. He proved that he was healthy in 2010 before needing Tommy John surgery in 2011. After rehab, he returned in 2012 with some mediocre numbers, and while his statistics don’t look fantastic this year in Rochester, he has had a couple of short, rough outing out of the six that he has made, allowing five earned runs twice in a little over four innings in two different starts. If you ignore those two starts, Gibson has a 1.99 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP, and 20:8 K:BB over 22.2 innings. The Twins will look for a little more consistency from Gibson before giving him a call, but he would immediately become one of the top two pitchers in their rotation, if not the best.

Stolmy Pimentel, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/BB
2007 17 Red Sox FRk 3 1 2.90 13 62.0 44 20 20 2 22 60 1.065 6.4 2.73
2008 18 Lowell A- 5 2 3.14 11 63.0 51 25 22 7 17 61 1.079 7.3 3.59
2009 19 Greenville A 10 7 3.82 23 117.2 135 62 50 12 29 103 1.394 10.3 3.55
2010 20 Salem A+ 9 11 4.06 26 128.2 120 65 58 11 42 102 1.259 8.4 2.43
2011 21 2 Teams A+-AA 6 13 6.79 25 102.0 125 86 77 16 39 65 1.608 11.0 1.67
2011 21 Salem A+ 6 4 4.53 10 51.2 50 29 26 8 16 35 1.277 8.7 2.19
2011 21 Portland AA 0 9 9.12 15 50.1 75 57 51 8 23 30 1.947 13.4 1.30
2012 22 Portland AA 6 7 4.59 22 115.2 115 66 59 9 42 86 1.357 8.9 2.05
2013 23 Altoona AA 2 0 0.30 5 30.1 19 1 1 0 14 28 1.088 5.6 2.00
7 Seasons 41 41 4.17 125 619.1 609 325 287 57 205 505 1.314 8.8 2.46
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/4/2013.

Pimentel doesn’t have a tremendous track record, but when you have a 0.30 ERA after five starts, you’re going to start getting noticed. Acquired from the Boston Red Sox as part of the Joel Hanrahan trade, Pimentel isn’t going to get the hype that Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon garnish, but he appears to have enough stuff to be a decent back-end of the rotation arm. He certainly needed to thrive after not really doing much good since the 2010 season. Since this is his third season in Double-A, maybe expectations should be tempered, even after a tremendous start, but if it continues, he’ll continue to peak interest.

Josmil Pinto, C, Minnesota Twins

Year Age Tm Lev G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2006 17 Twins/Blue Jays FRk 53 195 25 49 7 1 3 30 3 25 27 .251 .336 .344 .680 67
2007 18 Twins FRk 54 171 18 33 8 1 1 23 3 29 23 .193 .327 .269 .596 46
2008 19 Twins Rk 24 85 14 28 9 3 1 14 1 9 14 .329 .394 .541 .935 46
2009 20 Elizabethton Rk 53 205 34 68 14 2 13 55 0 19 39 .332 .387 .610 .997 125
2010 21 Beloit A 100 347 60 78 21 1 10 54 2 32 67 .225 .295 .378 .672 131
2011 22 2 Teams A+-A 73 253 25 66 14 1 6 41 1 14 46 .261 .301 .395 .697 100
2011 22 Beloit A 9 32 4 8 3 0 1 9 0 2 10 .250 .278 .438 .715 14
2011 22 Fort Myers A+ 64 221 21 58 11 1 5 32 1 12 36 .262 .305 .389 .694 86
2012 23 2 Teams A+-AA 105 396 53 117 26 3 14 60 0 43 73 .295 .362 .482 .844 191
2012 23 Fort Myers A+ 93 349 45 103 22 2 12 51 0 39 63 .295 .361 .473 .834 165
2012 23 New Britain AA 12 47 8 14 4 1 2 9 0 4 10 .298 .365 .553 .919 26
2013 24 New Britain AA 27 107 21 35 5 1 5 24 0 13 21 .327 .405 .533 .938 57
8 Seasons 489 1759 250 474 104 13 53 301 10 184 310 .269 .341 .434 .775 763
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/4/2013.

The Minnesota Twins are notoriously slow in their development of players. While they have Joe Mauer locked up for the next century with a seemingly unmovable contract (don’t tell Boston that after last season’s mega-deal), he could move to first base if or when Justin Morneau leaves via free agency for Pinto. At 24, he’s a little on the old side for Double-A, and his numbers overall haven’t been spectular throughout his development, things took a nice turn last year. His plate discipline and gap power seemed to increase, and he has carried that over nicely this season, with 11 extra-base hits and a .938 OPS for New Britain. Ryan Doumit is the “other catcher” on the Twins roster, so if Pinto continues to hit, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him become a useful piece  to the Twins roster.

johnson

Erik Johnson, RHP, Chicago White Sox

Year Age Tm Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/BB
2011 21 Great Falls Rk 0 0 4.50 0 2.0 4 1 1 0 1 2 2.500 18.0 2.00
2012 22 2 Teams A+-A 6 5 2.53 17 92.1 82 34 26 3 29 87 1.202 8.0 3.00
2012 22 Kannapolis A 2 2 2.30 9 43.0 39 15 11 3 19 39 1.349 8.2 2.05
2012 22 Winston-Salem A+ 4 3 2.74 8 49.1 43 19 15 0 10 48 1.074 7.8 4.80
2013 23 Birmingham AA 2 1 1.44 5 31.1 18 6 5 1 9 32 0.862 5.2 3.56
3 Seasons 8 6 2.29 22 125.2 104 41 32 4 39 121 1.138 7.4 3.10
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/4/2013.

Johnson may not post dominant strikeout numbers, but his ability to keep runners from scoring is impressive. As he has moved up, his tits per nine has dropped at each level and he is not a little over a strikeout per inning, as well. Now in Double-A, the White Sox No.3 prospect, according to MLB.com, appears to be taking another step towards Chicago. While the club mourns the loss of Gavin Floyd to Tommy John surgery, Johnson could become an option later in the 2013 season, especially if he continues to dominate the opposition. The 2011 2nd round pick out of the University of California is certainly worth tracking.

Dietrich

Derek Dietrich, 2B, Miami Marlins

Year Age Tm Lev G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2010 20 Hudson Valley A- 45 179 33 50 12 2 3 20 2 11 42 .279 .340 .419 .759 75
2011 21 Bowling Green A 127 480 73 133 34 4 22 81 5 38 128 .277 .346 .502 .848 241
2012 22 2 Teams A+-AA 132 505 71 141 28 10 14 75 4 32 114 .279 .338 .457 .796 231
2012 22 Charlotte A+ 98 372 49 105 21 9 10 58 4 25 78 .282 .343 .468 .811 174
2012 22 Montgomery AA 34 133 22 36 7 1 4 17 0 7 36 .271 .324 .429 .753 57
2013 23 Jacksonville AA 26 94 16 27 7 2 3 14 2 15 21 .287 .417 .500 .917 47
4 Seasons 330 1258 193 351 81 18 42 190 13 96 305 .279 .348 .472 .820 594
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/4/2013.

A smart acquisition by the Marlins this offseason in the Yunel Escobar deal, Dietrich is an under-the-radar prospect who seems to do nothing but hit, while playing a premium middle infield position. He was the Marlins No.8 prospect coming into the season (MLB.com), and he is currently 5th in the Southern League in total bases. He appears to have taken a drastically improved approach at the plate, as well, having taken 15 walks already after walking 32 times all season in 2012. With Donovan Solano ahead of him in Miami and a very weak group of talent there, especially with Giancarlo Stanton hurt, Dietrich could make an impact later this season, especially if he continues to rake the way that he has to this point in 2013.

Smith

Burch Smith, RHP, San Diego Padres

Year Age Tm Lev W L W-L% ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/BB
2011 21 Padres Rk 0 0 4.50 0 2.0 3 2 1 0 1 4 2.000 13.5 4.00
2012 22 Lake Elsinore A+ 9 6 .600 3.85 26 128.2 127 62 55 11 27 137 1.197 8.9 5.07
2013 23 San Antonio AA 1 2 .333 1.15 6 31.1 16 8 4 1 6 37 0.702 4.6 6.17
3 Seasons 10 8 .556 3.33 32 162.0 146 72 60 12 34 178 1.111 8.1 5.24
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/4/2013.

How can you be the 20th ranked prospect (MLB.com) in a pretty weak system, when you’re fastball sits 93-95 while touching 97 and you post numbers as absurd as Smith has? The guy has a 174:33 K:BB over his last 160 innings, and while his 3.85 ERA looks inflated from 2012, he was pitching in the hitter’s paradise California League. Sure, his secondary stuff may be lagging, but Tony Cingrani has looked pretty solid in the majors and throughout his minor league career using a fastball at alarmingly high rates. The fact that dynasty league fantasy baseball players may not be familiar with him is also surprising, considering he will be pitching half of his games in San Diego. Smith has dominated this season, and for a 14th round selection out of Oklahoma, the 6’4″ right-hander has been a smart investment by the Padres.


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Sizzling Future Stars: Minor League Report, 4/24

With the season underway and some fans already looking forward to next year, even this early, it is a good time to look down on the farms for some names that you should get to know. Everyone knows who Wil Myers, Dylan Bundy, and Oscar Taveras are at this point, so these are players performing at elite levels who may not be household names…yet.

Courtesy: San Jose Giants

Courtesy: San Jose Giants

Clayton Blackburn, RHP, San Francisco Giants 

Year Age Lg Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP H/9 SO/BB
2011 18 ARIZ Rk 3 1 1.08 6 33.1 16 6 4 2 3 30 0.570 4.3 10.00
2012 19 SALL A 8 4 2.54 22 131.1 116 47 37 3 18 143 1.020 7.9 7.94
2013 20 CALL A+ 2 0 1.64 4 22.0 14 4 4 2 2 25 0.727 5.7 12.50
3 Seasons 13 5 2.17 32 186.2 146 57 45 7 23 198 0.905 7.0 8.61
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/24/2013.

The California League used to be where pitching prospects went to die, but elite arms have been challenged there, while others (like Taijuan Walker of the Seattle Mariners) continue to skip the High-A level to keep their confidence. In 2010, Tyler Skaggs posted a 3.22 ERA with a 125:34 K:BB in 100.2 innings in the Cal League, and in 2012, Tony Cingrani posted a 1.11 ERA with a 71:13 K:BB in 56.2 innings. This season, Blackburn appears to be the class of the league. A solid strikeout rate, excellent control, and he seems very hard to hit. The same things could be said for him after his impressive season in the Sally League in 2012, and at 20 years of age, Blackburn looks like he will maintain this type of production throughout his development. At 6’3″, 220 pounds, he has a very good frame to become a valuable piece to the San Francisco Giants in the next few years. It wouldn’t be too far fetched to see Blackburn in Double-A after the All-Star break, possibly sooner, if he continues to dominate the opposition.

RosarioEddie Rosario, 2B, Minnesota Twins 

Year Age Lg Lev G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2010 18 GULF Rk 51 213 194 34 57 9 2 5 26 22 16 28 .294 .343 .438 .781 85
2011 19 APPY Rk 67 298 270 71 91 9 9 21 60 17 27 60 .337 .397 .670 1.068 181
2012 20 2 Lgs A-Rk 100 449 411 62 123 35 4 13 74 11 32 71 .299 .347 .499 .846 205
2012 20 GULF Rk 5 20 19 2 7 3 0 1 4 0 1 2 .368 .400 .684 1.084 13
2012 20 MIDW A 95 429 392 60 116 32 4 12 70 11 31 69 .296 .345 .490 .835 192
2013 21 FLOR A+ 19 87 80 16 27 5 1 2 13 1 4 15 .338 .368 .500 .868 40
4 Seasons 237 1047 955 183 298 58 16 41 173 51 79 174 .312 .362 .535 .897 511
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/24/2013.

While Miguel Sano attracks a lot of attention, and deservedly so, the Twins have another power hitting player in Fort Myers this season. Eddie Rosario is officially a second baseman now, which should make dynasty league fantasy players salivate. Solid speed, gap power, and still growing frame create an intriguing blend of skills that the Twins should be ecstatic about. While he managed 21 home runs in the Appalachian League at the age of 19, he looks like more of a 30+ doubles and 15-20 home run type of player, which would make him an All-Star at second. Others will clamor for Sano, but Rosario is overlooked at times and could be a special player in his own right.

Victor Payano, LHP, Texas Rangers

Year Age Lg Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP SO/BB
2010 17 DOSL FRk 3 1 3.40 12 50.1 44 25 19 3 24 52 1.351 2.17
2011 18 NORW A- 2 5 5.44 9 48.0 53 37 29 7 27 43 1.667 1.59
2012 19 SALL A 6 8 4.63 20 105.0 97 61 54 8 62 97 1.514 1.56
2013 20 CARL A+ 1 2 4.50 4 16.0 10 8 8 2 8 22 1.125 2.75
4 Seasons 12 16 4.51 45 219.1 204 131 110 20 121 214 1.482 1.77
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/24/2013.

If you read the Baseball America Hot Sheet, you’d know that Payano was ranked in the Helium Watch on the 4/19 version of the site’s weekly list. I’m buying. While Payano struggled in his start last night (1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 5 ER, 0 K), the 6’5″, 185 pound 20-year-old has a fastball that has been clocked in the mid-90′s. While the Rangers minor league system is top heavy with Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt in Triple-A Round Rock, they need an arm to hit after waiting several years while Martin Perez plateaued. Payano is a guy with improving overall statistics who could be on his way to an outstanding season. The Carolina League is known to be tough on hitters, so this is the perfect spot for Payano to increase his standing within the prospect world.

Rafael Montero, RHP, New York Mets

Year Age Lg Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP SO/BB
2011 20 4 Lgs FRk-Rk-A- 5 4 2.15 12 71.0 55 23 17 4 13 66 0.958 5.08
2011 20 DOSL FRk 1 1 1.00 4 18.0 7 2 2 1 0 20 0.389
2011 20 APPY Rk 2 1 4.24 4 17.0 17 8 8 2 6 9 1.353 1.50
2011 20 GULF Rk 1 2 1.45 4 31.0 28 11 5 0 6 32 1.097 5.33
2011 20 NYPL A- 1 0 3.60 0 5.0 3 2 2 1 1 5 0.800 5.00
2012 21 2 Lgs A-A+ 11 5 2.36 20 122.0 96 37 32 6 19 110 0.943 5.79
2012 21 SALL A 6 3 2.52 12 71.1 61 24 20 4 8 54 0.967 6.75
2012 21 FLOR A+ 5 2 2.13 8 50.2 35 13 12 2 11 56 0.908 5.09
2013 22 EL AA 3 0 1.59 4 22.2 15 4 4 1 1 27 0.706 27.00
3 Seasons 19 9 2.21 36 215.2 166 64 53 11 33 203 0.923 6.15
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/24/2013.

The Mets have sat on scrub pitchers like John Maine, Jeremy Hefner, and Mike Pelfrey over the years, losing on free agent gambles and trades (I’m looking at you, Johan Santana), while watching groups of pitching prospects (Isringhausen, Pulsipher, and Wilson) bomb. Now, Matt Harvey has become an instant ace and the club is waiting for Zack Wheeler to figure out how to throw strikes again. In the meantime, feast your eyes on this beauty. Montero was ranked as the No.8 prospect in the Mets system by MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo and No.5 by Baseball America. His career K:BB rate is absolutely staggering for a young arm, but it is the WHIP that should strike you, as he seems to dominate wherever he goes. Late last season, his K/9 finally went over 9.0 in his stint in High-A and he has maintained the strikeouts while moving up to Double-A. He could become useful to the Mets in 2013 if they continue to miss out on production from their current rotation and pitching in Citi Field will only help his ability to baffle his opponents.

Joc Pederson, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Year Age Lg Lev G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2010 18 ARIZ Rk 3 12 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 .000 .417 .000 .417 0
2011 19 2 Lgs Rk-A 84 370 316 58 102 20 2 11 65 26 43 63 .323 .407 .503 .910 159
2011 19 PION Rk 68 310 266 54 94 20 2 11 64 24 36 54 .353 .429 .568 .997 151
2011 19 MIDW A 16 60 50 4 8 0 0 0 1 2 7 9 .160 .288 .160 .448 8
2012 20 CALL A+ 110 499 434 96 136 26 4 18 70 26 51 81 .313 .396 .516 .913 224
2013 21 SOUL AA 18 78 70 18 22 6 2 5 13 6 7 10 .314 .372 .671 1.043 47
4 Seasons 215 959 827 173 260 52 8 34 148 58 105 159 .314 .399 .520 .918 430
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/24/2013.

Can you say “TRADE BAIT”? I knew you could. With Matt Kemp, Carl Crawford, and Andre Ethier signed to long-term contracts, there won’t be anywhere for Pederson to play in Los Angeles. It’s a shame, too, because he has the potential to become a very useful player when he reaches the bigs. With a solid approach at the plate, speed, and power, he could be an excellent asset for the bottomless pit of payroll that the Dodgers could take on through a trade this season. Pederson and Yasiel Puig are two of the most exciting bats in the entire minor leagues right now and they and neither of them have a role in L.A. unless the Dodgers are able to deal Andre Ethier and his bad contract (opinion or fact?). I cut him in my dynasty league because he was blocked by so many other players, especially with Puig’s amazing spring, but I’ve come to regret it already.

AlcantaraArismendy Alcantara, SS, Chicago Cubs

Year Age Lg Lev G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2009 17 DOSL FRk 65 293 258 44 71 11 8 3 32 20 30 47 .275 .349 .415 .764 107
2010 18 NORW A- 59 235 219 29 62 5 6 3 24 7 10 53 .283 .315 .402 .716 88
2011 19 MIDW A 99 390 369 45 100 14 5 2 37 8 16 76 .271 .303 .352 .655 130
2012 20 FLOR A+ 85 359 331 47 100 13 7 7 51 25 19 61 .302 .339 .447 .786 148
2013 21 SOUL AA 19 88 76 13 21 1 0 4 13 11 10 21 .276 .356 .447 .804 34
5 Seasons 327 1365 1253 178 354 44 26 19 157 71 85 258 .283 .328 .405 .733 507
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/24/2013.

Like Pederson, another player who seems to be blocked. Between Starlin Castro and super-prospect Javier Baez coming up behind him, Alcantara could find himself being moved to second or the outfield, but he should be able to stick with the Cubs organization. Like most Cubs prospects, Alcantara is a free-swinger, but he has already increased his walk rate this season from 5.3 percent in 2012 to 11.4 percent this season. While the season is still young and he could fall back to his career norms, it is also nice to see that Alcantara has four home runs in the early going. With a lot of top-notch talent coming up around him, Alcantara is someone to monitor to figure out just where he’ll end up.

WoodAlex Wood, LHP, Atlanta Braves

Year Age Lg Lev W L ERA GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP SO/BB
2012 21 SALL A 4 3 2.22 13 52.2 39 18 13 1 14 52 1.006 3.71
2013 22 SOUL AA 0 1 0.82 4 22.0 14 2 2 0 4 25 0.818 6.25
2 Seasons 4 4 1.81 17 74.2 53 20 15 1 18 77 0.951 4.28
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/24/2013.

“In Atlanta I Trust”. The Braves are still amazing arm producers, so when you see a big lefty with a mid-90′s fastball in the Atlanta system who has posted the kinds of numbers that Wood has in his first 74.2 professional innings, you have to take notice. Ranked as the No.6 prospect in the Braves system by MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, Wood team’s with the No.3 rated J.R. Graham for Double-A Mississippi right now to form a devastating duo for the Braves. Julio Teheran has been a roller coaster after an excellent spring and Brandon Beachy will be back from Tommy John surgery in June, so the Braves can have some patience with Wood and Graham, but if Wood continues to keep runners off of base, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get moved to the bullpen with the recent Jonny Venters injury.

Related articles

Top 100 MLB Prospects for 2013

Courtesy: ESPN.com

Courtesy: ESPN.com

Below you’ll find the top 100 prospects in baseball. The top 25 have a short write-up and their career minor league statistics. I am not a major league scout, I am just a baseball fan/nerd who follows all levels. If someone is missing, feel free to make your opinions known in the comments section, but be prepared to get mocked for being a troll!

1) Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers, SS

Profar is the perfect blend of raw power, speed, and on-base skills, and it is all packed into a 19-year-old excelling in the upper levels of the minors. There are rumors that he could be called up to help the Rangers down the stretch, but it would be a shame to have him come off of the bench considering he is probably one of their top five players when he arrives in Arlington. It will be interesting to see where the Rangers work him in with Andrus and Kinsler around.

Year Age Lev G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
2010 17 A- 63 252 42 63 19 0 4 23 8 28 46 .250 .323 .373 .696
2011 18 A 115 430 86 123 37 8 12 65 23 65 63 .286 .390 .493 .883
2012 19 AA 126 480 76 135 26 7 14 62 16 66 79 .281 .368 .452 .820
3 Seasons 304 1162 204 321 82 15 30 150 47 159 188 .276 .367 .450 .817
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.
Dylan Bundy, Baltimore Orioles

Dylan Bundy, Baltimore Orioles

2) Dylan Bundy, Baltimore Orioles, RHP

It will be interesting what Bundy can do when the O’s take their chains off and let him loose. He just recently reached the sixth inning in a start for the first time. He is well on his way to becoming an ace, and he could reach the Majors by the middle of next year.

Year Age Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
2012 19 A+-A-AA 9 3 2.08 23 23 103.2 67 29 24 6 28 119 0.916
2012 19 A 1 0 0.00 8 8 30.0 5 2 0 0 2 40 0.233
2012 19 A+ 6 3 2.84 12 12 57.0 48 20 18 5 18 66 1.158
2012 19 AA 2 0 3.24 3 3 16.2 14 7 6 1 8 13 1.320
1 Season 9 3 2.08 23 23 103.2 67 29 24 6 28 119 0.916
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

3) Wil Myers, Tampa Bay Rays, OF

For whatever reason, Myers was “blocked” in Kansas City by Jeff Francoeur. The Royals moved the slugging outfielder in the James Shields trade, immediately becoming one of the Rays cornerstone players. He should be the starting right fielder in 2013, with Desmond Jennings in center and Matt Joyce sliding over to right. His right-handed bat fits nicely in the middle of the order, as he and Evan Longoria will sandwich Ben Zobrist.

Year Age Lev G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
2009 18 Rk 22 84 19 31 7 2 5 18 2 9 18 .369 .427 .679 1.106
2009 18 Rk 18 68 18 29 7 1 4 14 2 9 15 .426 .488 .735 1.223
2009 18 Rk 4 16 1 2 0 1 1 4 0 0 3 .125 .125 .438 .563
2010 19 A-A+ 126 447 70 141 37 3 14 83 12 85 94 .315 .429 .506 .934
2010 19 A 68 242 42 70 19 1 10 45 10 48 55 .289 .408 .500 .908
2010 19 A+ 58 205 28 71 18 2 4 38 2 37 39 .346 .453 .512 .966
2011 20 AA 99 354 50 90 23 1 8 49 9 52 87 .254 .353 .393 .745
2012 21 AAA-AA 134 522 98 164 26 6 37 109 6 61 140 .314 .387 .600 .987
2012 21 AA 35 134 32 46 11 1 13 30 4 16 42 .343 .414 .731 1.146
2012 21 AAA 99 388 66 118 15 5 24 79 2 45 98 .304 .378 .554 .932
4 Seasons 381 1407 237 426 93 12 64 259 29 207 339 .303 .395 .522 .917
AA (2 seasons) AA 134 488 82 136 34 2 21 79 13 68 129 .279 .369 .486 .855
Rk (1 season) Rk 22 84 19 31 7 2 5 18 2 9 18 .369 .427 .679 1.106
A (1 season) A 68 242 42 70 19 1 10 45 10 48 55 .289 .408 .500 .908
AAA (1 season) AAA 99 388 66 118 15 5 24 79 2 45 98 .304 .378 .554 .932
A+ (1 season) A+ 58 205 28 71 18 2 4 38 2 37 39 .346 .453 .512 .966
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.
Courtesy: stlouiscardinalsbaseball.com

Courtesy: stlouiscardinalsbaseball.com

4) Oscar Taveras, St. Louis Cardinals, OF

He has been called the next Vladimir Guerrero…as long as his knees don’t deteriorate late in his career, that would make Taveras a near Hall of Fame player. Taveras is a hitter, pure and simple. He may only get better as he matures, which makes him a huge asset for the Cardinals moving forward. He could force management’s hands and get a shot at an everyday job in the spring of 2013.

Year Age Lev G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
2009 17 FRk 65 237 35 61 13 8 1 42 9 28 36 .257 .338 .392 .731
2010 18 Rk 60 241 40 73 14 3 8 45 9 13 46 .303 .342 .485 .828
2010 18 Rk 53 211 39 68 13 3 8 43 8 12 41 .322 .362 .526 .889
2010 18 Rk 7 30 1 5 1 0 0 2 1 1 5 .167 .194 .200 .394
2011 19 A 78 308 52 119 27 5 8 62 1 32 52 .386 .444 .584 1.028
2012 20 AA 124 477 83 153 37 7 23 94 10 42 56 .321 .380 .572 .953
4 Seasons 327 1263 210 406 91 23 40 243 29 115 190 .321 .381 .525 .906
Rk (1 season) Rk 60 241 40 73 14 3 8 45 9 13 46 .303 .342 .485 .828
A (1 season) A 78 308 52 119 27 5 8 62 1 32 52 .386 .444 .584 1.028
AA (1 season) AA 124 477 83 153 37 7 23 94 10 42 56 .321 .380 .572 .953
FRk (1 season) FRk 65 237 35 61 13 8 1 42 9 28 36 .257 .338 .392 .731
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

5) Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox, SS

I have him higher than most, but give me a 19-year-old who can post these numbers any day of the week. Bogaerts is still playing shortstop, but he will end up at third base or be forced elsewhere due to the presense of Will  Middlebrooks. Powerful, young, projectable frame. Bogaerts will be a total offensive monster.

Year Age Lev G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
2010 17 FRk 63 239 39 75 7 5 3 42 4 30 37 .314 .396 .423 .819
2011 18 A 72 265 38 69 14 2 16 45 1 25 71 .260 .324 .509 .834
2012 19 A+-AA 127 476 71 146 37 3 20 81 5 44 106 .307 .373 .523 .896
2012 19 A+ 104 384 59 116 27 3 15 64 4 43 85 .302 .378 .505 .883
2012 19 AA 23 92 12 30 10 0 5 17 1 1 21 .326 .351 .598 .948
3 Seasons 262 980 148 290 58 10 39 168 10 99 214 .296 .366 .495 .861
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

6) Trevor Bauer, Cleveland Indians, RHP

For all of his poor warm-up practices, the fact remains that Bauer has an elite arm. He has trouble with command, but he posts ace-level strikeout potential. Moving to a pitcher’s environment in Cleveland from Arizona should make dynasty fantasy geeks drool at his potential. The Indians stole him by getting him for Didi Gregorius, Lars Anderson, and Tony Sipp. He’ll be their No. 1 starter sooner than one may think.

Year Age Lev W L W-L% ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
2011 20 AA-A+ 1 2 .333 5.96 7 7 25.2 27 17 17 3 12 43 1.519
2011 20 A+ 0 1 .000 3.00 3 3 9.0 7 3 3 1 4 17 1.222
2011 20 AA 1 1 .500 7.56 4 4 16.2 20 14 14 2 8 26 1.680
2012 21 AAA-AA 12 2 .857 2.42 22 22 130.1 107 40 35 9 61 157 1.289
2012 21 AA 7 1 .875 1.68 8 8 48.1 33 12 9 1 26 60 1.221
2012 21 AAA 5 1 .833 2.85 14 14 82.0 74 28 26 8 35 97 1.329
2 Seasons 13 4 .765 3.00 29 29 156.0 134 57 52 12 73 200 1.327
AA (2 seasons) AA 8 2 .800 3.18 12 12 65.0 53 26 23 3 34 86 1.338
AAA (1 season) AAA 5 1 .833 2.85 14 14 82.0 74 28 26 8 35 97 1.329
A+ (1 season) A+ 0 1 .000 3.00 3 3 9.0 7 3 3 1 4 17 1.222
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

7) Gerrit Cole, Pittsburgh Pirates, RHP

Cole still has more stuff than impressive results at this poing in his career, but the stuff could be so dominant, that you have to hold out hope that he figures things out. For a guy who can throw a 90 mph change and curve while topping out in triple-digits with his fastball, you would expect more dominance in his strikeout totals. If he figures it out, he could be #2 behind Profar on this list.

Year Age Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
2012 21 A+-AA-AAA 9 7 2.80 26 26 132.0 113 55 41 7 45 136 1.197
2012 21 A+ 5 1 2.55 13 13 67.0 53 24 19 5 21 69 1.104
2012 21 AA 3 6 2.90 12 12 59.0 54 28 19 2 23 60 1.305
2012 21 AAA 1 0 4.50 1 1 6.0 6 3 3 0 1 7 1.167
1 Season 9 7 2.80 26 26 132.0 113 55 41 7 45 136 1.197
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

8) Taijuan Walker, Seattle Mariners, RHP

The Mariners pushed Walker by having him skip the dreaded California League, allowing him to thrive without being destroyed by the thin air and small parks of High-A. Having just turned 20, Walker has posted some solid numbers. He has top of the rotation stuff and will be a nice addition to the Mariners rotation in the coming years. He isn’t Felix  Hernandez and won’t come close to him, but how many pitchers can?

Year Age Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
2010 17 Rk 1 1 1.29 4 0 7.0 2 3 1 0 3 9 0.714
2011 18 A 6 5 2.89 18 18 96.2 69 33 31 4 39 113 1.117
2012 19 AA 7 10 4.69 25 25 126.2 124 70 66 12 50 118 1.374
3 Seasons 14 16 3.83 47 43 230.1 195 106 98 16 92 240 1.246
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

9) Danny Hultzen, Seattle Mariners, LHP

Hultzen may just be what he is right now and nothing more, but that is still good. He will throw strikes and toss a lot of innings while having some great success. The college arm will be ready by next season and he could get a look early in the spring, but he will settle in nicely among a group of solid young arms that the M’s are developing. With the Jason Vargas trade, his arrival may have just been pushed forward a bit.

Year Age Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
2012 22 AA-AAA 9 7 3.05 25 25 124.0 87 49 42 4 75 136 1.306
2012 22 AA 8 3 1.19 13 13 75.1 38 14 10 2 32 79 0.929
2012 22 AAA 1 4 5.92 12 12 48.2 49 35 32 2 43 57 1.890
1 Season 9 7 3.05 25 25 124.0 87 49 42 4 75 136 1.306
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

10) Jameson Taillon, Pittsburgh Pirates, RHP

Taillon has been hyped with very little as far as results. He has looked pretty good for a 20-year-old in High-A, but if he is an ace like others say he is, you have to expect more. He is coming along nicely, but he could be more of a mid-rotation arm than an ace. He still has time, though.

Year Age Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
2011 19 A 2 3 3.98 23 23 92.2 89 45 41 9 22 97 1.198
2012 20 A+-AA 9 8 3.55 26 26 142.0 120 60 56 10 38 116 1.113
2012 20 A+ 6 8 3.82 23 23 125.0 109 57 53 10 37 98 1.168
2012 20 AA 3 0 1.59 3 3 17.0 11 3 3 0 1 18 0.706
2 Seasons 11 11 3.72 49 49 234.2 209 105 97 19 60 213 1.146
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

11) Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds, OF

Hamilton was moved off of shortstop due to Zack Cozart’s success in his rookie season in 2012, and with Drew Stubbs gone and a one-year rental of Shin-Soo Choo, Hamilton should be ready for 2014. His speed is game-changing and he increased his on-base skills tremendously in 2012. He will be entertaining to watch, even if he gets on at a .320-clip in the majors. He looks like he will be better than that, though.

Year Age Lev G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
2009 18 Rk 43 166 19 34 6 3 0 11 14 11 47 .205 .253 .277 .530
2010 19 Rk 69 283 61 90 13 10 2 24 48 28 56 .318 .383 .456 .839
2011 20 A 135 550 99 153 18 9 3 50 103 52 133 .278 .340 .360 .700
2012 21 A+-AA 132 512 112 159 22 14 2 45 155 86 113 .311 .410 .420 .830
2012 21 A+ 82 337 79 109 18 9 1 30 104 50 70 .323 .413 .439 .852
2012 21 AA 50 175 33 50 4 5 1 15 51 36 43 .286 .406 .383 .789
4 Seasons 379 1511 291 436 59 36 7 130 320 177 349 .289 .364 .389 .753
Rk (2 seasons) Rk 112 449 80 124 19 13 2 35 62 39 103 .276 .336 .390 .726
A (1 season) A 135 550 99 153 18 9 3 50 103 52 133 .278 .340 .360 .700
AA (1 season) AA 50 175 33 50 4 5 1 15 51 36 43 .286 .406 .383 .789
A+ (1 season) A+ 82 337 79 109 18 9 1 30 104 50 70 .323 .413 .439 .852
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

12) Shelby Miller, St. Louis Cardinals, RHP

Miller has fallen out of favor with the Cardinals organization due to conditioning and other issues which continue to go unannounced. He has struggled in 2012 in the Pacific Coast League, which is notoriously a hitter’s league. He still has a bright future, but he could be someone who gets dealt if he continues to upset the Cards, who practically gave away Colby  Rasmus due to his “issues.”

Year Age Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
2009 18 A 0 0 6.00 2 2 3.0 5 3 2 0 2 2 2.333
2010 19 A 7 5 3.62 24 24 104.1 97 51 42 7 33 140 1.246
2011 20 AA-A+ 11 6 2.77 25 25 139.2 112 48 43 4 53 170 1.181
2011 20 A+ 2 3 2.89 9 9 53.0 40 20 17 2 20 81 1.132
2011 20 AA 9 3 2.70 16 16 86.2 72 28 26 2 33 89 1.212
2012 21 AAA 11 10 4.74 27 27 136.2 138 78 72 24 50 160 1.376
4 Seasons 29 21 3.73 78 78 383.2 352 180 159 35 138 472 1.277
A (2 seasons) A 7 5 3.69 26 26 107.1 102 54 44 7 35 142 1.276
AA (1 season) AA 9 3 2.70 16 16 86.2 72 28 26 2 33 89 1.212
AAA (1 season) AAA 11 10 4.74 27 27 136.2 138 78 72 24 50 160 1.376
A+ (1 season) A+ 2 3 2.89 9 9 53.0 40 20 17 2 20 81 1.132
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

13) Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves, RHP

There were rumors that Teheran’s breaking ball wasn’t up to par. There are also rumors that his attitude was shaky due to being sent to the minors. Whatever went on with him in 2012, it is cause for concern. His numbers in Triple-A were pretty awful, and his brief opportunities in Atlanta haven’t gone well, either. Teheran is still a top-flight prospect, but due to this bump in the road, he may not have what it takes to be an ace. He still has some work to do.

Year Age Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
2008 17 Rk 1 2 6.60 6 6 15.0 18 12 11 2 4 17 1.467
2009 18 Rk-A 3 4 3.65 14 14 81.1 78 37 33 4 18 67 1.180
2009 18 Rk 2 1 2.68 7 7 43.2 36 17 13 2 7 39 0.985
2009 18 A 1 3 4.78 7 7 37.2 42 20 20 2 11 28 1.407
2010 19 A+-AA-A 9 8 2.59 24 24 142.2 108 45 41 9 40 159 1.037
2010 19 A 2 2 1.14 7 7 39.1 23 8 5 1 10 45 0.839
2010 19 A+ 4 4 2.98 10 10 63.1 56 22 21 6 13 76 1.089
2010 19 AA 3 2 3.38 7 7 40.0 29 15 15 2 17 38 1.150
2011 20 AAA 15 3 2.55 25 24 144.2 123 46 41 5 48 122 1.182
2012 21 AAA 7 9 5.08 26 26 131.0 146 81 74 18 43 97 1.443
5 Seasons 35 26 3.50 95 94 514.2 473 221 200 38 153 462 1.216
A (2 seasons) A 3 5 2.92 14 14 77.0 65 28 25 3 21 73 1.117
Rk (2 seasons) Rk 3 3 3.68 13 13 58.2 54 29 24 4 11 56 1.108
AAA (2 seasons) AAA 22 12 3.75 51 50 275.2 269 127 115 23 91 219 1.306
AA (1 season) AA 3 2 3.38 7 7 40.0 29 15 15 2 17 38 1.150
A+ (1 season) A+ 4 4 2.98 10 10 63.1 56 22 21 6 13 76 1.089
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

14) Carlos Martinez, St. Louis Cardinals, RHP

Martinez is compared to Pedro Martinez due to his electric stuff and his size. Between the comparisons of Martinez and Oscar Taveras, the Cards have a couple of potential Hall of Famers, huh? Martinez’s strikeouts were down a bit in 2012, but he was 20 and pitching in Double-A, putting up some impressive numbers. He could return to Double-A in 2013 to start the season, but he’ll be someone to watch closely in coming years, as he has ace potential.

Year Age Lev W L ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
2010 18 FRk 3 2 0.76 12 12 59.0 28 8 5 1 14 78 0.712
2011 19 A+-A 6 5 3.93 18 18 84.2 76 41 37 3 44 98 1.417
2011 19 A 3 2 2.33 8 8 38.2 27 10 10 1 14 50 1.060
2011 19 A+ 3 3 5.28 10 10 46.0 49 31 27 2 30 48 1.717
2012 20 AA-A+ 6 5 2.93 22 21 104.1 91 39 34 6 32 92 1.179
2012 20 A+ 2 2 3.00 7 7 33.0 29 12 11 0 10 34 1.182
2012 20 AA 4 3 2.90 15 14 71.1 62 27 23 6 22 58 1.178
3 Seasons 15 12 2.76 52 51 248.0 195 88 76 10 90 268 1.149
A+ (2 seasons) A+ 5 5 4.33 17 17 79.0 78 43 38 2 40 82 1.494
A (1 season) A 3 2 2.33 8 8 38.2 27 10 10 1 14 50 1.060
AA (1 season) AA 4 3 2.90 15 14 71.1 62 27 23 6 22 58 1.178
FRk (1 season) FRk 3 2 0.76 12 12 59.0 28 8 5 1 14 78 0.712
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

15) Tyler Skagg