Results tagged ‘ Jake Odorizzi ’
Paying the Price
When David Price left his start on Wednesday night due to tight triceps, the season probably flashed before the eyes of the Rays organization and their fans. Luckily, an MRI has already come back as “nothing serious”, but swelling from the initial injury could have prevented a clear interpretation of the results. The club will hope that an injury to the triceps won’t work its way into the need for Tommy John surgery.
Maybe the issue was that he couldn’t get loose last night because things never seemed right from the start. The final line: 2.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 57 pitches (37 strikes), , but should we wonder if Price has been pitching through an injury all season?
The season has been full of ups and downs, as Price is battling Jeremy Hellickson for the title of most inconsistent of the Rays pitchers, as both have ERAs over 5.00. In fact, Price has five quality starts in nine tries this season (55 percent) after having 26 quality starts in 31 tries in his 2012 Cy Young season (84 percent), including 12 straight from June 19 through August 21. He hasn’t been the Price of old.
After throwing 117 pitches in his start on May 9, you could wonder if it was related to pitch counts, but Price has routinely thrown 115-plus pitches in starts in his career, averaging 107 pitches per start in 2012. Could be pitch type, as Price has basically eliminated a slider from his repertoire, while throwing his curveball more frequently this season (14.3 percent) than last season (11.2 percent)?
A slider tends to be harder on the elbow because it is thrown at near fastball velocity while producing torque on the ball and force around the ball. While all pitches are thrown with the same arm velocity to keep hitters guessing, the force around the ball (breaking pitches) and through the ball (fastball) determines the pitch speed and the forces on the arm, elbow, and shoulder. In other words, Price’s arm shouldn’t have been affected by pitch counts or pitch type, but more likely is the fact that throwing overhand and throwing so hard is not a normal action for the body.
Regardless of whatever the issue is, can the Rays survive without their primary workhorse?
As mentioned, Jeremy Hellickson has struggled this season, but the Rays have had excellent starts from Matt Moore and Alex Cobb. Roberto Hernandez has been a bit inconsistent in the No.5 starter role, but his performance, to this point, would qualify as his best season since he won 19 games in 2007 for the Cleveland Indians.
Waiting in Triple-A are Jake Odorizzi (acquired from the Kansas City Royals with Wil Myers in the James Shields trade) and Chris Archer. The two have posted stellar numbers for Durham:
Odorizzi:
| Year | Age | Tm | Lev | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 | Durham | AAA | 4 | 0 | 3.83 | 8 | 44.2 | 34 | 19 | 19 | 7 | 15 | 47 | 1.097 | 6.9 | 9.5 | 3.13 |
Archer:
| Year | Age | Tm | Lev | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 24 | Durham | AAA | 4 | 2 | 3.97 | 7 | 34.0 | 36 | 17 | 15 | 3 | 15 | 39 | 1.500 | 9.5 | 10.3 | 2.60 |
Odorizzi hasn’t been as hittable as Archer, but he has allowed more home runs than Archer. Archer was battling with Jeff Niemann and Roberto Hernandez for the No.5 starter role early in spring training, so you would think that he would be considered the more “ready” prospect by the Rays organization. Both are quality, future contributors to the cost conscious Tampa club and both will likely receive a handful of starts during the 2013 season.
Because David Price is an outstanding pitcher, the Rays and baseball fans alike should be holding out hope that this is nothing more than tightness and an inability to get loose. An arm injury and surgery would be devastating for Price and the Rays, but it would be bad for the game, as well. Baseball needs to keep stars like Price, who is a very outgoing and friendly guy with the fans via Twitter and stadium interactions, as the face of the league.
Related articles
- Rays lose Price to injury as Red Sox roll, 9-2 (TBO.com)
- David Price Leaves Game With Triceps Injury (theprocessreport.wordpress.com)
- Odorizzi tosses seven no-hit innings as part of combined no-hitter for Class AAA Durham (bnd.com)
- Price exits in third inning with left triceps tightness (mlb.mlb.com)
- Rays’ Price hurts triceps, exits in 3rd inning (espn.go.com)
- David Price leaves start with strained left triceps (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
Are the Royals Good Enough to “Go for It”?
Kansas City Royals GM Dayton Moore apparently thinks that his team is good enough to win within the next two years. That has to be the case after Moore traded one of the best prospects in baseball, Wil Myers, with RHP Jake Odorizzi, LHP Mike Montgomery, and 3B Patrick Leonard to the Tampa Bay Rays for two years of RHP James Shields and RHP Wade Davis.
For whatever reason, the Royals looked like they were going to go with Jeff Francoeur in right field in 2013, despite Myers ripping 37 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 2012. Was Myers expendable at the cost of playing Francoeur, who, after posting a .665 OPS in 2012, is in the final year of his contract in 2013?
While Kansas City has Wade Davis under contract through 2017, one has to wonder if he is really a starting pitcher. Davis posted a 2.43 ERA over 54 appearances and 70.1 innings, posting an 87:29 K:BB pitching only out of the bullpen in 2012. Prior to last season, Davis was 25-22 with a 4.22 ERA in 64 career starts, posting a 254:138 K:BB in 388.1 innings for the Rays.
While James Shields has a 31-22 record and a 3.15 ERA over the last two seasons, posting a 448:123 K:BB in 477 innings, Davis will be the wildcard in this deal, especially considering the amount of young controllable talent the Royals gave up in the deal.
Beyond the trade is the makeup of the current Royals roster. Is it championship caliber? Can the Royals compete with the Tigers, who have reloaded the pitching staff by re-signing Anibal Sanchez, teaming him with Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, and Max Scherzer to form one of the top pitching staffs in baseball, while still packing the Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera punch?
The Royals will need more than a couple of dynamic seasons out of Shields and Davis to make it work. Moore acquired Ervin Santana from the Los Angeles Angels, while committing $25 million over three years to journeyman Jeremy Guthrie. Can Shields, Davis, Santana, Guthrie, and Will Smith, Luke Hochevar, or Bruce Chen be enough to become a contender?
The answer will lie in the bats of the young stars on the Royals roster. Mike Moustakas, Alex Gordon, and Eric Hosmer have shown glimpses of superstardom, while mixing in a lot of inconsistencies. Shortstop Alcides Escobar looks like he is heading towards becoming a star, while catcher Salvador Perez looks to be on the same track. Designated Hitter Billy Butler is the leader of the team and all he does is hit. If the team gets a little consistency out of Moustakas, Gordon, and Hosmer, while hoping that Lorenzo Cain stays healthy in center and Francoeur looks like a baseball player again (like he did in 2011 when he posted an .805 OPS), the Royals may have enough to compete.
However, the Royals are a small-market team. If the team is able to create extreme revenue with a new TV contract, then this type of trade makes sense, but it is unlikely that the team will have the cash to re-sign Shields after the 2014 season, if he is even worth re-signing at that point. Is that worth the seven years of Myers, Odorizzi, and Montgomery?
The Royals have positioned themselves well by acquiring a lot of veteran arms to upgrade their rotation; however, Davis, Guthrie, and Santana aren’t models of consistency. If each of their starters reach their peak levels of performance, they could very well become a true force in a weak AL Central. They will need a lot of help from their young position players, though.
The Royals will be good enough to compete with the Detroit Tigers if Mike Moustakas hits like he did in the minors, if Eric Hosmer hits like he did in his rookie year, if Alcides Escobar and Salvador Perez continue hitting like they did in 2012, if Lorenzo Cain and Jeff Francoeur do anything, and if Billy Butler keeps hitting like the All-Star that he is.
Those are a lot of if’s.
Because of all of those if’s, the Royals are going to regret the trade of Myers, Odorizzi, and Montgomery. While we’ve seen many Brandon Wood, Brandon Larson, and Corey Patterson-types get hyped and fail, we’ve also seen the Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Miguel Cabrera-types get hyped and exceed expectations. For a team who can’t land the top free agents, dealing away all of that potential for two years of a reliable arm and five years of a wildcard is and will be a huge mistake.
Some teams just need to remember who and what they are. With so many teams banking on revenue streams increasing, MLB could have parity like the NFL in coming years…but they could also have owners who are shy to spend due to the market limitations. Kansas City has been shy to spend for so many years that they can’t be counted on to start anytime soon. They weren’t close enough to a championship to make a deal like the one that they did with the Rays.
That will be Dayton Moore’s legacy…unfortunately.
Top 100 MLB Prospects for 2013
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
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 | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
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 | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
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 | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
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 | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
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 | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
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 | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
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 | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
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 | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
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 | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
15) Tyler Skaggs, Arizona Diamondbacks, LHP
Skaggs overtook Trevor Bauer as the club’s future ace, which made dumping Bauer due to his odd techniques a bit easier. He has command of his pitches and has posted incredible numbers the last two seasons. The Diamondbacks have solid depth at starting pitcher, but Skaggs should get a look in 2013.
| Year | Age | Lev | W | L | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 17 | Rk | 0 | 0 | 1.80 | 5 | 2 | 10.0 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 1.100 |
| 2009 | 17 | Rk | 0 | 0 | 4.50 | 2 | 0 | 4.0 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1.500 |
| 2009 | 17 | Rk | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 3 | 2 | 6.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0.833 |
| 2010 | 18 | A | 9 | 5 | 3.29 | 23 | 18 | 98.1 | 91 | 38 | 36 | 7 | 25 | 102 | 1.180 |
| 2010 | 18 | A | 8 | 4 | 3.61 | 19 | 14 | 82.1 | 78 | 35 | 33 | 6 | 21 | 82 | 1.202 |
| 2010 | 18 | A | 9 | 5 | 3.29 | 23 | 18 | 98.1 | 91 | 38 | 36 | 7 | 25 | 102 | 1.180 |
| 2010 | 18 | A | 1 | 1 | 1.69 | 4 | 4 | 16.0 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 1.062 |
| 2011 | 19 | A+-AA | 9 | 6 | 2.96 | 27 | 27 | 158.1 | 126 | 59 | 52 | 10 | 49 | 198 | 1.105 |
| 2011 | 19 | A+ | 5 | 5 | 3.22 | 17 | 17 | 100.2 | 81 | 39 | 36 | 6 | 34 | 125 | 1.142 |
| 2011 | 19 | AA | 4 | 1 | 2.50 | 10 | 10 | 57.2 | 45 | 20 | 16 | 4 | 15 | 73 | 1.040 |
| 2012 | 20 | AA-AAA | 9 | 6 | 2.87 | 22 | 22 | 122.1 | 112 | 49 | 39 | 12 | 37 | 116 | 1.218 |
| 2012 | 20 | AA | 5 | 4 | 2.84 | 13 | 13 | 69.2 | 63 | 27 | 22 | 8 | 21 | 71 | 1.206 |
| 2012 | 20 | AAA | 4 | 2 | 2.91 | 9 | 9 | 52.2 | 49 | 22 | 17 | 4 | 16 | 45 | 1.234 |
| 4 Seasons | 27 | 17 | 2.98 | 77 | 69 | 389.0 | 338 | 150 | 129 | 29 | 113 | 429 | 1.159 | ||
| A (1 season) | A | 9 | 5 | 3.29 | 23 | 18 | 98.1 | 91 | 38 | 36 | 7 | 25 | 102 | 1.180 | |
| AA (2 seasons) | AA | 9 | 5 | 2.69 | 23 | 23 | 127.1 | 108 | 47 | 38 | 12 | 36 | 144 | 1.131 | |
| Rk (1 season) | Rk | 0 | 0 | 1.80 | 5 | 2 | 10.0 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 1.100 | |
| AAA (1 season) | AAA | 4 | 2 | 2.91 | 9 | 9 | 52.2 | 49 | 22 | 17 | 4 | 16 | 45 | 1.234 | |
| A+ (1 season) | A+ | 5 | 5 | 3.22 | 17 | 17 | 100.2 | 81 | 39 | 36 | 6 | 34 | 125 | 1.142 | |
16) Travis d’Arnaud, New York Mets, C
D’Arnaud missed time due to a torn PCL that he suffered in late June. His strikeout rate was pretty alarming, but the power numbers and on-base totals were pretty impressive, still. D’Arnaud could be an offensive force for the Mets, who snagged the catcher from Toronto trade. J.P. Arencibia‘s presence ahead of him, and, for some reason, the re-signing of Jeff Mathis for two-years, $3 million (throwing away money?), made d’Arnaud expendable in Toronto, and David Wright better be praying that d’Arnaud establishes himself quickly because the Mets look awful outside of Wright and Ike Davis.
| Year | Age | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 18 | Rk | 41 | 141 | 18 | 34 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 4 | 4 | 23 | .241 | .278 | .348 | .626 |
| 2008 | 19 | A–A | 64 | 239 | 33 | 73 | 18 | 1 | 6 | 30 | 1 | 23 | 39 | .305 | .367 | .464 | .831 |
| 2008 | 19 | A- | 48 | 175 | 21 | 54 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 1 | 18 | 29 | .309 | .371 | .463 | .833 |
| 2008 | 19 | A | 16 | 64 | 12 | 19 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 10 | .297 | .357 | .469 | .826 |
| 2009 | 20 | A | 126 | 482 | 71 | 123 | 38 | 1 | 13 | 71 | 8 | 41 | 75 | .255 | .319 | .419 | .738 |
| 2010 | 21 | A+ | 71 | 263 | 36 | 68 | 20 | 1 | 6 | 38 | 3 | 20 | 63 | .259 | .315 | .411 | .726 |
| 2011 | 22 | AA | 114 | 424 | 72 | 132 | 33 | 1 | 21 | 78 | 4 | 33 | 100 | .311 | .371 | .542 | .914 |
| 2012 | 23 | AAA | 67 | 279 | 45 | 93 | 21 | 2 | 16 | 52 | 1 | 19 | 59 | .333 | .380 | .595 | .975 |
| 6 Seasons | 483 | 1828 | 275 | 523 | 133 | 6 | 66 | 289 | 21 | 140 | 359 | .286 | .343 | .474 | .816 | ||
| A (2 seasons) | A | 142 | 546 | 83 | 142 | 43 | 1 | 15 | 76 | 8 | 46 | 85 | .260 | .323 | .425 | .748 | |
| AA (1 season) | AA | 114 | 424 | 72 | 132 | 33 | 1 | 21 | 78 | 4 | 33 | 100 | .311 | .371 | .542 | .914 | |
| Rk (1 season) | Rk | 41 | 141 | 18 | 34 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 4 | 4 | 23 | .241 | .278 | .348 | .626 | |
| A- (1 season) | A- | 48 | 175 | 21 | 54 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 1 | 18 | 29 | .309 | .371 | .463 | .833 | |
| AAA (1 season) | AAA | 67 | 279 | 45 | 93 | 21 | 2 | 16 | 52 | 1 | 19 | 59 | .333 | .380 | .595 | .975 | |
| A+ (1 season) | A+ | 71 | 263 | 36 | 68 | 20 | 1 | 6 | 38 | 3 | 20 | 63 | .259 | .315 | .411 | .726 | |
17) Miguel Sano, Minnesota Twins, 3B
28 home runs at the age of 19 with a drastic improvement in his walk rate is all that you need to know about Sano. He does strike out a lot, but that is typical of power hitters, especially those that are this young. Minnesota fans should be excited about Sano, although he is probably two to three years away.
| Year | Age | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 17 | Rk-FRk | 61 | 212 | 34 | 65 | 16 | 1 | 7 | 29 | 4 | 24 | 60 | .307 | .379 | .491 | .870 |
| 2010 | 17 | FRk | 20 | 64 | 11 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 2 | 14 | 17 | .344 | .463 | .547 | 1.009 |
| 2010 | 17 | Rk | 41 | 148 | 23 | 43 | 14 | 0 | 4 | 19 | 2 | 10 | 43 | .291 | .338 | .466 | .804 |
| 2011 | 18 | Rk | 66 | 267 | 58 | 78 | 18 | 7 | 20 | 59 | 5 | 23 | 77 | .292 | .352 | .637 | .988 |
| 2012 | 19 | A | 129 | 457 | 75 | 118 | 28 | 4 | 28 | 100 | 8 | 80 | 144 | .258 | .373 | .521 | .893 |
| 3 Seasons | 256 | 936 | 167 | 261 | 62 | 12 | 55 | 188 | 17 | 127 | 281 | .279 | .368 | .547 | .915 | ||
| Rk (2 seasons) | Rk | 107 | 415 | 81 | 121 | 32 | 7 | 24 | 78 | 7 | 33 | 120 | .292 | .347 | .576 | .922 | |
| A (1 season) | A | 129 | 457 | 75 | 118 | 28 | 4 | 28 | 100 | 8 | 80 | 144 | .258 | .373 | .521 | .893 | |
| FRk (1 season) | FRk | 20 | 64 | 11 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 2 | 14 | 17 | .344 | .463 | .547 | 1.009 | |
18) Mike Olt, Texas Rangers, 1B/3B
Olt arrived in the Majors to showcase his power at the corners in 2012, though he didn’t get much of an opportunity. He was rumored in potential deals for the Rangers, but they may be better off keeping him and putting him at first base. He is ready to mash, like the Rangers needed more offense…
| Year | Age | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 21 | A- | 69 | 263 | 57 | 77 | 16 | 1 | 9 | 43 | 6 | 40 | 77 | .293 | .390 | .464 | .854 |
| 2011 | 22 | A+-Rk | 73 | 254 | 41 | 67 | 15 | 0 | 15 | 46 | 0 | 49 | 75 | .264 | .381 | .500 | .881 |
| 2011 | 22 | Rk | 4 | 14 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 5 | .214 | .267 | .429 | .695 |
| 2011 | 22 | A+ | 69 | 240 | 39 | 64 | 15 | 0 | 14 | 42 | 0 | 48 | 70 | .267 | .387 | .504 | .891 |
| 2012 | 23 | AA | 95 | 354 | 65 | 102 | 17 | 1 | 28 | 82 | 4 | 61 | 101 | .288 | .398 | .579 | .977 |
| 3 Seasons | 237 | 871 | 163 | 246 | 48 | 2 | 52 | 171 | 10 | 150 | 253 | .282 | .391 | .521 | .912 | ||
19) Christian Yelich, Miami Marlins, 1B
Yelich is a pure hitter, much like Oscar Taveras. While Yelich has posted solid speed numbers, he appears to be an intelligent runner than a true burner. An excellent hitter with surprising power for a stick figure, Yelich will move quickly to fill a suddenly disturbing Miami Marlins 25-man roster.
| Year | Age | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 18 | Rk-A | 12 | 47 | 5 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 13 | .362 | .400 | .468 | .868 |
| 2010 | 18 | Rk | 6 | 24 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 7 | .375 | .423 | .500 | .923 |
| 2010 | 18 | A | 6 | 23 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | .348 | .375 | .435 | .810 |
| 2011 | 19 | A | 122 | 461 | 73 | 144 | 32 | 1 | 15 | 77 | 32 | 55 | 102 | .312 | .388 | .484 | .871 |
| 2012 | 20 | A+-Rk | 107 | 401 | 76 | 132 | 29 | 5 | 12 | 48 | 20 | 49 | 85 | .329 | .402 | .516 | .918 |
| 2012 | 20 | Rk | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .250 | .250 | .250 | .500 |
| 2012 | 20 | A+ | 106 | 397 | 76 | 131 | 29 | 5 | 12 | 48 | 20 | 49 | 85 | .330 | .404 | .519 | .922 |
| 3 Seasons | 241 | 909 | 154 | 293 | 64 | 7 | 27 | 130 | 53 | 107 | 200 | .322 | .395 | .497 | .892 | ||
| A (2 seasons) | A | 128 | 484 | 75 | 152 | 34 | 1 | 15 | 79 | 32 | 56 | 108 | .314 | .387 | .481 | .869 | |
| Rk (2 seasons) | Rk | 7 | 28 | 3 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 7 | .357 | .400 | .464 | .864 | |
| A+ (1 season) | A+ | 106 | 397 | 76 | 131 | 29 | 5 | 12 | 48 | 20 | 49 | 85 | .330 | .404 | .519 | .922 | |
20) Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs, SS
Baez could be a force at short for the Cubs. Just drafted in 2011 out of high school, the Cubs have already moved the youngster to High-A ball, having started the 2012 season late due to concerns about the weather. Regardless, he will continue moving quickly, especially if he keeps hitting like he has.
| Year | Age | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 18 | Rk-A- | 5 | 18 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | .278 | .278 | .389 | .667 |
| 2011 | 18 | Rk | 3 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | .333 | .333 | .500 | .833 |
| 2011 | 18 | A- | 2 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .167 | .167 | .167 | .333 |
| 2012 | 19 | A-A+ | 80 | 293 | 50 | 86 | 13 | 6 | 16 | 46 | 24 | 14 | 69 | .294 | .346 | .543 | .888 |
| 2012 | 19 | A | 57 | 213 | 41 | 71 | 10 | 5 | 12 | 33 | 20 | 9 | 48 | .333 | .383 | .596 | .979 |
| 2012 | 19 | A+ | 23 | 80 | 9 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 4 | 5 | 21 | .188 | .244 | .400 | .644 |
| 2 Seasons | 85 | 311 | 52 | 91 | 15 | 6 | 16 | 47 | 26 | 14 | 73 | .293 | .342 | .534 | .876 | ||
21) Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins, RHP
If you missed the Futures Game, you didn’t see how big Fernandez is already. The guy has a monstrous frame that makes him look like he could step right into a Major League rotation. His results are impressive to this point and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Marlins rush him next year.
| Year | Age | Lev | W | L | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 18 | A–Rk | 0 | 1 | 10.38 | 2 | 2 | 4.1 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 2.077 |
| 2011 | 18 | Rk | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 1 | 2.0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1.000 |
| 2011 | 18 | A- | 0 | 1 | 19.29 | 1 | 1 | 2.1 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3.000 |
| 2012 | 19 | A-A+ | 14 | 1 | 1.75 | 25 | 25 | 134.0 | 89 | 28 | 26 | 2 | 35 | 158 | 0.925 |
| 2012 | 19 | A | 7 | 0 | 1.59 | 14 | 14 | 79.0 | 51 | 16 | 14 | 2 | 18 | 99 | 0.873 |
| 2012 | 19 | A+ | 7 | 1 | 1.96 | 11 | 11 | 55.0 | 38 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 17 | 59 | 1.000 |
| 2 Seasons | 14 | 2 | 2.02 | 27 | 27 | 138.1 | 94 | 34 | 31 | 2 | 39 | 165 | 0.961 | ||
22) Zack Wheeler, New York Mets, RHP
Wheeler was acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carlos Beltran in 2011. He was a talented arm at the time and has established himself as the Mets top prospect since being acquired. Wheeler could still refine his command before he is a finished product, but he has the ceiling to be a top of the rotation starter.
| Year | Age | Lev | W | L | G | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 20 | A | 3 | 3 | 3.99 | 21 | 13 | 58.2 | 47 | 27 | 26 | 0 | 38 | 70 | 1.449 |
| 2011 | 21 | A+ | 9 | 7 | 3.52 | 22 | 22 | 115.0 | 100 | 50 | 45 | 7 | 52 | 129 | 1.322 |
| 2011 | 21 | A+ | 2 | 2 | 2.00 | 6 | 6 | 27.0 | 26 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 31 | 1.148 |
| 2011 | 21 | A+ | 7 | 5 | 3.99 | 16 | 16 | 88.0 | 74 | 44 | 39 | 7 | 47 | 98 | 1.375 |
| 2012 | 22 | AA-AAA | 12 | 8 | 3.26 | 25 | 25 | 149.0 | 115 | 59 | 54 | 4 | 59 | 148 | 1.168 |
| 2012 | 22 | AA | 10 | 6 | 3.26 | 19 | 19 | 116.0 | 92 | 46 | 42 | 2 | 43 | 117 | 1.164 |
| 2012 | 22 | AAA | 2 | 2 | 3.27 | 6 | 6 | 33.0 | 23 | 13 | 12 | 2 | 16 | 31 | 1.182 |
| 3 Seasons | 24 | 18 | 3.49 | 68 | 60 | 322.2 | 262 | 136 | 125 | 11 | 149 | 347 | 1.274 | ||
| A+ (1 season) | A+ | 9 | 7 | 3.52 | 22 | 22 | 115.0 | 100 | 50 | 45 | 7 | 52 | 129 | 1.322 | |
| A (1 season) | A | 3 | 3 | 3.99 | 21 | 13 | 58.2 | 47 | 27 | 26 | 0 | 38 | 70 | 1.449 | |
| AA (1 season) | AA | 10 | 6 | 3.26 | 19 | 19 | 116.0 | 92 | 46 | 42 | 2 | 43 | 117 | 1.164 | |
| AAA (1 season) | AAA | 2 | 2 | 3.27 | 6 | 6 | 33.0 | 23 | 13 | 12 | 2 | 16 | 31 | 1.182 | |
23) Nick Castellanos, Detroit Tigers, 3B/OF
The Tigers have moved Castellanos to the outfield due to Miguel Cabrera occupying third base. Castellanos is an interesting talent. He strikes out a lot and doesn’t really walk much, while his power numbers are lagging. However, he is just 20 and his 32 doubles show that there is power in there somewhere. If Castellanos beefs up a little, that will help the power numbers, and then he can help the Tigers
| Year | Age | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 18 | Rk | 7 | 24 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 5 | .333 | .414 | .417 | .830 |
| 2011 | 19 | A | 135 | 507 | 65 | 158 | 36 | 3 | 7 | 76 | 3 | 45 | 130 | .312 | .367 | .436 | .803 |
| 2012 | 20 | AA-A+ | 134 | 537 | 72 | 172 | 32 | 4 | 10 | 57 | 8 | 36 | 118 | .320 | .365 | .451 | .815 |
| 2012 | 20 | A+ | 55 | 215 | 37 | 87 | 17 | 3 | 3 | 32 | 3 | 22 | 42 | .405 | .461 | .553 | 1.014 |
| 2012 | 20 | AA | 79 | 322 | 35 | 85 | 15 | 1 | 7 | 25 | 5 | 14 | 76 | .264 | .296 | .382 | .678 |
| 3 Seasons | 276 | 1068 | 142 | 338 | 70 | 7 | 17 | 136 | 11 | 85 | 253 | .316 | .367 | .443 | .810 | ||
24) Gary Brown, San Francisco Giants, OF
Brown’s 2011 numbers were likely the product of the California League, but he still showed solid speed and glimpses of power in Double-A in 2012. His 32 doubles and 33 steals show his potential. Since the Giants have thrived with a lack of pow er production since Barry Bonds left San Francisco, Brown could contribute as a speedster at the top of the order by 2014.
| Year | Age | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 21 | A–Rk | 12 | 44 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 12 | .159 | .296 | .227 | .524 |
| 2010 | 21 | Rk | 6 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | .182 | .333 | .227 | .561 |
| 2010 | 21 | A- | 6 | 22 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | .136 | .259 | .227 | .487 |
| 2011 | 22 | A+ | 131 | 559 | 115 | 188 | 34 | 13 | 14 | 80 | 53 | 46 | 77 | .336 | .407 | .519 | .925 |
| 2012 | 23 | AA | 134 | 538 | 73 | 150 | 32 | 2 | 7 | 42 | 33 | 40 | 87 | .279 | .347 | .385 | .731 |
| 3 Seasons | 277 | 1141 | 196 | 345 | 67 | 16 | 21 | 124 | 88 | 92 | 176 | .302 | .374 | .444 | .818 | ||
25) Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians, SS
For a team with such a terrible offense, Indians fans sure do love this slick fielding slap-hitter. Lindor is young and has gap power, but he isn’t as valuable to the Tribe as current shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera because he can’t produce runs like Cabrera can. However, Cabrera is only signed through 2014 and Lindor should be ready by about the same time that Cabrera is leaving town. Lindor is a switch-hitter and has very good on-base skills. If he gets bigger, Lindor could become a more valuable offensive weapon. As it stands, he is a solid leadoff or No. 2-hitter.
| Year | Age | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 17 | A- | 5 | 19 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | .316 | .350 | .316 | .666 |
| 2012 | 18 | A | 122 | 490 | 83 | 126 | 24 | 3 | 6 | 42 | 27 | 61 | 78 | .257 | .352 | .355 | .707 |
| 2 Seasons | 127 | 509 | 87 | 132 | 24 | 3 | 6 | 44 | 28 | 62 | 83 | .259 | .352 | .354 | .705 | ||
26) Bubba Starling, Kansas City Royals, OF
27) Carlos Correa, Houston Astros, SS
28) Brett Jackson, Chicago Cubs, OF
29) Archie Bradley, Arizona Diamondbacks, RHP
30) Jake Odorizzi, Tampa Bay Rays, RHP
31) Jonathan Singleton, Houston Astros, 1B
32) Kevin Gausman, Baltimore Orioles, RHP
33) Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals, 2B/3B
34) Mike Zunino, Seattle Mariners, C
35) Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees, C
36) Tyler Austin, New York Yankees, 3B/OF
37) Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies, 3B
38) Martin Perez, Texas Rangers, LHP
39) Cody Buckel, Texas Rangers, RHP
40) Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies, SS
41) Jon Schoop, Baltimore Orioles, INF
42) Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets, RHP
43) Nick Franklin, Seattle Mariners, SS
44) Jedd Gyorko, San Diego Padres, 3B
45) Jorge Soler, Chicago Cubs, OF
46) Matt Barnes, Boston Red Sox, RHP
47) Jake Marisnick, Miami Marlins, OF
48) Wily Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers, RHP
49) Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins, OF
50) Mason Williams, New York Yankees, OF
51) Justin Nicolino, Miami Marlins, LHP
52) George Springer, Houston Astros, OF
53) Michael Choice, Oakland Athletics, OF
54) Dan Straily, Oakland Athletics, RHP
55) Daniel Corcino, Cincinnati Reds, RHP
56) Tony Cingrani, Cincinnati Reds, LHP
57) AJ Cole, Oakland Athletics, RHP
58) James Paxton, Seattle Mariners, LHP
59) Kolton Wong, St. Louis Cardinals, 2B
60) Addison Russell, Oakland Athletics, 3B
61) Alex Meyer, Minnesota Twins, RHP
62) Oswaldo Arcia, Minnesota Twins, OF
63) Avisail Garcia, Detroit Tigers, OF
64) Kyle Zimmer, Kansas City Royals, RHP
65) Eddie Rosario, Minnesota Twins, 2B/OF
66) Rymer Liriano, San Diego Padres, OF
67) Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics, RHP
68) Albert Almora, Chicago Cubs, OF
69) Christian Bethancourt, Atlanta Braves, C
70) Cheslor Cuthbert, Kansas City Royals, 3B
71) Manny Banuelos, New York Yankees, LHP
72) Joey Gallo, Texas Rangers, 3B
73) Jackie Bradley, Boston Red Sox, OF
74) Kyle Gibson, Minnesota Twins, RHP
75) Matt Davidson, Arizona Diamondbacks, 3B
76) Alen Hanson, Pittsburgh Pirates, SS
77) Brad Miller, Seattle Mariners, SS
78) Gregory Polanco, Pittsburgh Pirates, OF
79) Trevor May, Minnesota Twins, RHP
80) Yordano Ventura, Kansas City Royals, RHP
81) Chris Archer, Tampa Bay Rays, RHP
82) Taylor Guerrieri, Tampa Bay Rays, RHP
83) David Dahl, Colorado Rockies, OF
84) Dan Vogelbach, Chicago Cubs, 1B
85) Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers, OF
86) Miles Head, Oakland Athletics, 3B
87) Wilmer Flores, New York Mets, SS
88) Austin Hedges, San Diego Padres, C
89) Zack Cox, Miami Marlins, 3B
90) Ryan Wheeler, Arizona Diamondbacks, 1B/3B
91) Hak-Ju Lee, Tampa Bay Rays, SS
92) Leonys Martin, Texas Rangers, OF
93) Adam Eaton, Arizona Diamondbacks, OF
94) Aaron Hicks, Minnesota Twins, OF
95) Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates, OF
96) Yasiel Puig, Los Angeles Dodgers, OF
97) Kaleb Cowart, Los Angeles Angels, 3B
98) Mike Montgomery, Tampa Bay Rays, LHP
99) Robbie Erlin, San Diego Padres, LHP
100) Zach Lee, Los Angeles Dodgers, RHP
10 Players to Watch in 2013
Whether they are rookies, players who may have had a surprising second half in 2012, or a feeling, here are players you will want to look out for in the 2013 MLB season.
Courtesy: ESPN.com
Jurickson Profar, 2B/SS, Texas Rangers
Jurickson Profar posted an amazing season at the age of 19 in Double-A in 2012, compiling a .281/.368/.452 line with 26 doubles, seven triples, 14 home runs, and 16 stolen bases for Frisco. He had 17 at-bats with the Rangers at the end of the season. Profar is about as ready as any prospect could be, even though he will be just 20 in February. The question will be: where does he play? With Ian Kinsler at second, Elvis Andrus at short, and Adrian Beltre at third, will the Rangers move Profar or make a deal? Perhaps moving Kinsler to left if or when Josh Hamilton leaves via free agency is an option. Regardless, Profar is a hitting machine who can get on base, a rarity for someone so young.
Darin Ruf, 1B/OF, Philadelphia Phillies
Ruf was “old” for Double-A in 2012, but you still have to appreciate his .317/.408/.620 line and his 38 home runs. Fans should be aware of the fact that he hit three home runs and posted a 1.079 OPS in 33 at-bats for the Phillies at the end of the season. More importantly, he is playing in the Venezuelan Winter League, learning to play the outfield, and he is still raking, having hit nine bombs with a .994 OPS in 76 at-bats. With Ryan Howard locked in at first base, the 6’3″, 220 pounder out of Creighton will need to play elsewhere. As the Phillies make changes with their roster after dealing Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino in 2012, it will be interesting to see how much of an opportunity Ruben Amaro, Jr. and Company will provide the slugging right-handed hitter.
Giancarlo Stanton, RF, Miami Marlins
Stanton is an absolute freak. Standing 6’5″, 245 pounds, the slugger just turned 23 at the beginning of November and he already has 93 career home runs. Stanton hit 37 home runs in 2012 in just 449 at-bats, including 18 in just 43 games and 164 at-bats in the second half of 2012. Stanton’s 1.057 OPS in the second half was only behind Miguel Cabrera and Buster Posey, both players worthy of their league MVP awards. I felt that 2012 was the year that Stanton could get to 50 home runs, and had he not missed 39 games, he very well could have reached that total. If he keeps his knees healthy, Stanton could be on his way to catching asterisks, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, or any other slugger in history.
Chase Headley, 3B, San Diego Padres
San Diego is where pitchers go to revive their careers and where hitters go to die, but don’t tell Headley that. The 28-year-old switch-hitter erupted in the second half of 2012, hitting .308/.386/.592 with 23 home runs and 73 RBI in 289 at-bats, while posting a career best .875 OPS, 31 home runs, and an NL-leading 115 RBI. Headley’s name was mentioned all over the place at the 2012 non-waiver trade deadline, but with the Padres moving the fences in at Petco and Headley under team control for two more years, it would take a significant haul to pry away the star third baseman. However, the Padres have dealt the likes of Fred McGriff, Gary Sheffield, and Adrian Gonzalez in the past due to salaries, so Headley may only be more impressive if he ends up playing elsewhere in 2013.
Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals
Wil Myers has nothing left to prove at the minor league level. In 2012, Myers hit .314/.387/.600 between Double-A and Triple-A, mashing 37 home runs and driving in 109 runs. Myers doesn’t even turn 22 until December, so the future is bright. The Royals, brilliantly, have Jeff Francoeur signed through 2013 in right, Alex Gordon signed through 2016 (counting the team option) in left, and Lorenzo Cain in center. Myers played 87 games in center in 2012 but he profiles better in a corner. With Billy Butler entrenched at DH and Eric Hosmer needing a bounce-back in 2013, where will the Royals find room for this future All-Star? Another trade is possible, but, more likely, Frenchy could be headed to the pine.
Courtesy: Hardballtalk.nbcsports.com
Yoenis Cespedes, OF, Oakland Athletics
The A’s won the AL West in 2012 and shocked the world. After trading away Gio Gonzalez to the Washington Nationals for a load of prospects, Billy Beane and Oakland ownership won the 2012 offseason by landing the Cuban-defector, Cespedes. While he was a free-swinger (102 strikeouts), Cespedes could also take a walk (43 BB, .356 OBP), becoming an immediate impact player for the A’s. Cespedes exploded in the second half of 2012, posting a .909 OPS, 14 doubles, 14 home runs, and even stealing 10 bases. The overall line, .292/.356/.505, was enhanced down the stretch, .311/.376/.533, so this could be the beginning of a fantastic career. The pure power and speed that Cespedes offers makes him a potentially elite outfielder, MVP candidate, and a superstar, which the A’s needed so badly.
Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals
When you go 14-0 with a 0.08 ERA in your senior year of high school, you must have some solid stuff. Odorizzi still has the stuff, a broad repertoire that had many linking his pitches and command to Greg Maddux when he was drafted in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. A major part of the Zack Greinke deal, Odorizzi went 15-5 with a 3.08 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A in 2012 before making two starts for the Royals in September. Odorizzi has the stuff to become a solid No.2 starter for the Royals, and with Felipe Paulino and Danny Duffy working their way back from elbow surgery, and only Bruce Chen, Luis Mendoza, Ervin Santana, Will Smith, and Luke Hochevar in front of him, Odorizzi should begin making an impact early into the 2013 season. He may end up striking out about 170 batters over 200 innings in his prime, while keeping the ball in the park and runners off the bases due to his control.
Carlos Santana, C, Cleveland Indians
After an anemic .221/.339/.336 line in the first half, Santana broke out in the second half of 2012, hitting .281/.389/.498 with 14 doubles, 13 home runs, 46 RBI, and a 41:45 K:BB in 263 at-bats. Santana will turn the magical age of 27 in April, and the catcher, signed through 2017 for the Indians, could continue to establish himself as a dynamic offensive catcher, wearing the No.41 of his mentor, Victor Martinez, with pride. Defensively, Santana allowed 10 passed balls (most in the AL) and threw out only 26 percent of would-be base stealers, so he may not be a catcher much longer if he doesn’t improve behind the dish.
Zack Cox, 3B, Miami Marlins
Gregg Dobbs is all that is standing between Zack Cox and the Miami Marlins everyday third base job. While Cox posted a disappointing .254/.301/.409 line over 394 at-bats in 2012, he was rated by Baseball America as the best pure college hitter in the 2010 MLB Draft, prior to being taken 25th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals. While he has been a bit of a disappointment to this point, especially with his plate discipline, Cox will only turn 24 years old next May. Considering his pedigree, the fact that the Marlins acquired the third baseman for Edward Mujica was surprising. While there may be growing pains, Cox is probably better right now than what Dobbs could provide over the entire 2013 season.
Max Scherzer, RHP, Detroit Tigers
6-1 with a 2.08 ERA and a 80:15 K:BB over 65 innings from August through the end of the season. Then, 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA and an 18:3 K:BB in 11 innings against the Oakland A’s and New York Yankees…Scherzer was a beast down the stretch. He lost his only World Series start against the San Francisco Giants, but Scherzer became a reliable piece to complement Justin Verlander and Doug Fister, stabilizing an amazing group of pitchers collected by the Detroit Tigers. Scherzer was third in the majors (behind James Shields, Verlander, and tied with Clayton Kershaw) in strikeouts in the second half (110), while winning a career-best 16 games in 2012. Scherzer will turn 29 in July and he is arbitration-eligible for the second time. After earning $3.75 million in 2012, Tigers ownership may want to consider locking the mis-matched eyed starter into a long-term contract.
2013 MLB Top 50 Prospects
Jurickson Profar, Rangers; Faketeams.com
I have updated this list as of 12/20/12 here.
Below you’ll find the top 50 prospects for 2013. Some players may make a big impact (Machado, Profar, Olt) and lose rookie and prospect eligiblity, but, as of right now (8/15/12), this is how I would rank them. Let me know what you think in the comments!
1. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles, 11/15/92, Double-A, 8-3, 2.01 ERA, 20 GS, 89.2 IP, 106:22 K:BB, .186 BAA
- 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.
2. Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas Rangers, 2/20/93, Double-A, .285/.363/.470, 25 2B, 7 3B, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 15 SB, 70:54 K:BB in 438 AB
- Profar is the perfect blend of rare 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.
3. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals, 12/10/90, Triple-A, .316/.392/.625, 25 2B, 5 3B, 34 HR, 97 RBI, 6 SB, 127:53 K:BB in 443 AB
- While Jeff Francoeur regressed to his pre-2011 abilities, the Royals just sit back and watch their future slugger continue to mash in Triple-A. With Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer in the middle of their long-term lineup, Myers powerful right-handed bat is a perfect fit. He should be a full-time player next spring if he isn’t in September.
4. Xander Bogaerts, 3B/SS, Boston Red Sox, 10/1/92, Double-A, .308/.380/.521, 29 2B, 3 3B, 17 HR, 68 RBI, 4 SB, 87:43 K:BB in 403 AB
- 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.
5. Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks, 7/13/91, Triple-A, 9-5, 2.38 ERA, 21 GS, 117.1 IP, 112:35 K:BB, .236 BAA
- Skaggs may have overtaken Trevor Bauer as the club’s future ace. He has command of his pitches and has posted incredible numbers the last two seasons.
6. Taijuan Walker, RHP, Seattle Mariners, 8/13/92, Double-A, 7-7, 4.25 ERA, 21 GS, 103.2 IP, 99:43 K:BB, .259 BAA
- The Mariners pushed Walker by having his 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?
7. Danny Hultzen, LHP, Seattle Mariners, 11/28/89, Triple-A, 9-5, 2.42 ERA, 20 GS, 108 IP, 120:56 K:BB, .195 BAA
- 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 in September, but he will settle in nicely among a group of solid young arms that the M’s are developing.
8. Manny Machado, 3B/SS, Baltimore Orioles, 7/6/92, Majors, .266/.352/.438, 26 2B, 5 3B, 11 HR, 59 RBI, 13 SB, 70:48 K:BB in 402 AB
- Can we just call him “The Macho Man” now? Machado has been on fire since arriving in Baltimore last week, having won co-AL Player of the Week in his first week in the bigs. Not a bad introduction. he was on fire in Double-A when the Orioles called him up. He will probably be a third baseman long-term and his bat will only improve. He is a monster, just like Bogaerts, with speed and a glove that could still handle short.
9. Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis Cardinals, 6/19/92, Double-A, .321/.382/.574, 31 2B, 7 3B, 21 HR, 82 RBI, 9 SB, 53:39 K:BB in 427 AB
- Taveras can do it all. He could take over right field for the Cardinals right now, but Allen Craig and the on-again/off-again season of Lance Berkman have blocked him. His power makes him a threat to the NL Central for years to come.
10. Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami Marlins, 7/31/92, High-A, 12-1, 1.89 ERA, 22 GS, 119 IP, 142:31 K:BB, .192 BAA
- If you missed the Futures Game, you didn’t see how big Fernandez is already. The guy has a monstrous frame that makes him look like he could step right into a Major League rotation. His results are impressive to this point and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Marlins rush him next year.
11. Gerrit Cole, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates, 9/8/90, Double-A, 8-5, 2.89 ERA, 22 GS, 109 IP, 112:34 K:BB, .229 BAA
- 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 Bundy on this list.
12. Nick Castellanos, 3B/OF, Detroit Tigers, 3/4/92, Double-A, .349/.386/.488, 29 2B, 4 3B, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 7 SB, 96:28 K:BB in 459 AB
- The Tigers have moved Castellanos to the outfield due to Miguel Cabrera occupying third base. Castellanos is an interesting talent. He strikes out a lot and doesn’t really walk much, while his power numbers are lagging. However, he is just 20 and his 29 doubles show that there is power in there somewhere. If Castellanos beefs up a little, that will help the power numbers, and then he can help the Tigers.
13. Mike Olt, 1B/3B, Texas Rangers, 8/27/88, Majors, .288/.398/.579, 17 2B, 1 3B, 28 HR, 82 RBI, 4 SB, 101:61 K:BB in 354 AB
- Olt has arrived in the Majors to showcase his power at the corners. He was rumored in potential deals for the Rangers, but they may be better off keeping him and putting him at first base. He is ready to mash, like the Rangers needed more offense…
14. Javier Baez, SS, Chicago Cubs, 12/1/92, High-A, .311/.363/.553, 11 2B, 5 3B, 12 HR, 37 RBI, 21 SB, 56:11 K:BB in 235 AB
- Baez could be a force at short for the Cubs. Just drafted in 2011 out of high school, the Cubs have already moved the youngster to High-A ball, having started the 2012 season late due to concerns about the weather. Regardless, he will continue moving quickly, especially if he keeps hitting like he has.
15. Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets, 5/30/90, Triple-A, 10-6, 3.20 ERA, 21 GS, 126.2 IP, 128:50 K:BB, .219 BAA
- Wheeler was acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carlos Beltran last year. He was a talented arm at the time and has established himself as the Mets top prospect since being acquired. Wheeler could still refine his command before he is a finished product, but he has the ceiling to be a top of the rotation starter.
16. Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals, 10/10/90, Triple-A, 8-9, 5.22 ERA, 23 GS, 112 IP, 125:46 K:BB, .274 BAA
- 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.”
17. Matt Barnes, RHP, Boston Red Sox, 6/17/90, High-A, 7-4, 2.65 ERA, 22 GS, 108.2 IP, 127:26 K:BB, .216 BAA
- If Barnes continues pitching this well, he could be with the Red Sox next season while Josh Beckett and John Lackey are in AA meetings, playing golf, eating fried chicken, and trying to get Bobby Valentine fired. Barnes was good college arm, picked in 2011 out of UConn, and he should continue to move up the ranks as the Saux top prospect.
18. Francisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland Indians, 11/14/93, Low-A, .260/.353/.366, 20 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 25 SB, 66:52 K:BB in 415 AB
- For a team with such a terrible offense, Indians fans sure do love this slick fielding slap-hitter. Lindor is young and has gap power, but he isn’t as valuable to the Tribe as current shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera because he can’t produce runs like Cabrera can. However, Cabrera is only signed through 2014 and Lindor should be ready by about the same time that Cabrera is leaving town. Lindor is a switch-hitter and has very good on-base skills. If he gets bigger, he won’t turn 19 until Novemer, Lindor could become a more valuable offensive weapon. As it stands, he is a solid leadoff or No. 2-hitter.
19. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies, 4/16/91, Double-A, .274/.332/.414, 33 2B, 1 3B, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 0 SB, 51:36 K:BB in 442 AB
- After a solid season full of production in the California League in 2011, Arenado has disappointed a bit due to the drop in his power numbers. The 33 doubles are pretty encouraging for future output, but the 21-year-old was thought to be capable of more home runs. He still has solid plate discipline and a clear path to the Colorado third base job, but we’ll have to see how aggressive the Rockies are with him when spring training rolls around.
20. Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Houston Astros, 9/18/91, Double-A, .279/.389/.488, 25 2B, 4 3B, 17 HR, 72 RBI, 4 SB, 111:75 K:BB in 402 AB
- The future at first base for the Astros, Singleton is developing into a solid power hitter with a nice approach at the plate. He will be a cornerstone to the Houston rebuild. With the club rebuilding, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him manning first in April of 2013.
21. Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta Braves, 1/27/91, Majors, 7-7, 5.05 ERA, 23 GS, 114 IP, 80:38 K:BB, .290 BAA
- 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 is going on with him, it is cause for concern. His numbers in Triple-A are 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.
22. Travis D’Arnaud, C, Toronto Blue Jays, 2/10/89, Triple-A, .333/.380/.595, 21 2B, 2 3B, 16 HR, 52 RBI, 1 SB, 59:19 K:BB in 279 AB
- D’Arnaud has missed time due to a torn PCL that he suffered in late June. His strikeout rate was pretty alarming, but the power numbers and on-base totals were pretty impressive, still. D’Arnaud could be an offensive force for the Jays, who have a nice lineup developing in Toronto and in their minor league system. J.P. Arencibia is ahead of him, and, for some reason, the Jays just re-signed Jeff Mathis for two-years, $3 million (throwing away money?), so his future may be on hold.
23. Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals, 3/27/90, Triple-A, 12-4, 3.22 ERA, 21 GS, 120.1 IP, 118:41 K:BB, .252 BAA
- Odorizzi was a piece in the Zack Greinke deal from the Brewers. When he was drafted, he was compared to Greg Maddux due to his diverse arsenal and great command over his pitches. To this point, Odorizzi has looked great. He could make an appearance for KC this September or battle for a rotation spot in the spring.
24. Archie Bradley, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks, 8/10/92, Low-A, 10-5, 3.86 ERA, 23 GS, 114.1 IP, 120:72 K:BB, .173 BAA
- More hype than production to this point, but Bradley could be the best arm in the Diamondbacks top-heavy (Bauer and Skaggs) system. He has issues with his command, as his .173 average allowed is truly dominant, and the 72 walks have been the culprit of his inflated 3.86 ERA. If he gets his nasty stuff under control, he’s going to be in the top 10 by the end of 2013.
25. Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates, 11/18/91, High-A, 6-8, 3.83 ERA, 22 GS, 120 IP, 95:36 K:BB, .227 BAA
- Just like Bradley, 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.
26. Christian Yelich, OF, Miami Marlins, 12/5/91, High-A, .323/.395/.528, 26 2B, 4 3B, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 18 SB, 72:41 K:BB in 341 AB
27. Miguel Sano, 3B, Minnesota Twins, 5/11/93, Low-A, .259/.380/.521, 24 2B, 4 3B, 24 HR, 90 RBI, 7 SB, 129:74 K:BB in 397 AB
28. Billy Hamilton, SS, Cincinnati Reds, 9/9/90, Double-A, .315/.412/.431, 20 2B, 13 3B, 2 HR, 41 RBI, 139 SB, 95:73 K:BB in 448 AB
29. Matt Davidson, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks, 3/26/91, Double-A, .267/.375/.483, 25 2B, 2 3B, 21 HR, 62 RBI, 3 SB, 109:60 K:BB in 424 AB
30. Mason Williams, OF, New York Yankees, 8/21/91, High-A, .298/.346/.474, 22 2B, 4 3B, 11 HR, 35 RBI, 20 SB, 47:24 K:BB in 359 AB
31. Carlos Martinez, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals, 9/21/91, Double-A, 4-5, 2.89 ERA, 18 GS, 87.1 IP, 74:25 K:BB, .238 BAA
32. Tyler Austin, OF, New York Yankees, 9/6/91, High-A, .318/.400/.567, 27 2B, 6 3B, 16 HR, 67 RBI, 19 SB, 83:45 K:BB in 349 AB
33. Bubba Starling, OF, Kansas City Royals, 8/3/92, Rookie League, .294/.388/.542, 7 2B, 2 3B, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 6 SB, 52:21 K:BB in 153 AB
34. Miles Head, 3B, Oakland A’s, 5/2/91, Double-A, .335/.396/.601, 30 2B, 8 3B, 21 HR, 77 RBI, 3 SB, 107:36 K:BB in 409 AB
35. Trevor Story, 2B/SS, Colorado Rockies, 11/15/92, Low-A, .264/.356/.484, 35 2B, 5 3B, 15 HR, 51 RBI, 11 SB, 102:52 K:BB in 409 AB
36. Michael Choice, OF, Oakland A’s, 11/10/89, Double-A, .287/.356/.423, 15 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 58 RBI, 5 SB, 88:33 K:BB in 359 AB
37. Manny Banuelos, LHP, New York Yankees, 3/13/91, Triple-A, 0-2, 4.50 ERA, 6 GS, 24 IP, 22:10 K:BB, .299 BAA
38. Joey Gallo, 1B, Texas Rangers, 11/19/93, Rookie League, .293/.435/.733, 10 2B, 1 3B, 18 HR, 43 RBI, 6 SB, 52:37 K:BB in 150 AB
39. Yasiel Puig, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers, 12/7/90, High-A, .382/.475/.912, 0 2B, 3 3B, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 3 SB, 7:6 K:BB in 34 AB
40. Jackie Bradley, OF, Boston Red Sox, 4/19/90, Double-A, .319/.429/.491, 40 2B, 4 3B, 9 HR, 59 RBI, 24 SB, 81:80 K:BB in 436 AB
41. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Washington Nationals, 6/6/90, Double-A, .304/.415/.594, 5 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 0 SB, 14:12 K:BB in 69 AB
42. Matt Harvey, RHP, New York Mets, 3/27/89, Majors, 7-5, 3.68 ERA, 20 GS, 110 IP, 112:48 K:BB, .233 BAA
43. Eddie Rosario, 2B/OF, Minnesota Twins, 9/28/91, Low-A, .305/.361/.492, 27 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 58 RBI, 9 SB, 52:30 K:BB in 321 AB
44. Christian Colon, SS, Kansas City Royals, 5/14/89, Triple-A, .301/.376/.413, 13 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 36 RBI, 13 SB, 28:37 K:BB in 312 AB
45. Mike Zunino, C, Seattle Mariners, 3/25/91, Double-A, .366/.471/.723, 10 2B, 0 3B, 10 HR, 35 RBI, 1 SB, 26:19 K:BB in 112 AB
46. Gary Sanchez, C, New York Yankees, 12/2/92, High-A, .294/.353/.493, 28 2B, 0 3B, 16 HR, 72 RBI, 15 SB, 96:31 K:BB in 381 AB
47. Daniel Corcino, RHP, Cincinnati Reds, 8/26/90, Double-A, 7-6, 3.25 ERA, 23 GS, 127.1 IP, 113:56 K:BB, .221 BAA
48. Barret Loux, RHP, Texas Rangers, 4/6/89, Double-A, 13-1, 3.51 ERA, 21 GS, 110.1 IP, 84:35 K:BB, .250 BAA
49. James Paxton, LHP, Seattle Mariners, 11/6/88, Double-A, 7-4, 3.09 ERA, 18 GS, 90.1 IP, 93:46 K:BB, .242 BAA
50. Wilmer Flores, 3B, New York Mets, 8/6/91, Double-A, .290/.336/.450, 23 2B, 1 3B, 14 HR, 66 RBI, 3 SB, 51:31 K:BB in 420 AB
