Results tagged ‘ Jurickson Profar ’

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 MyersDylan 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.

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Is This Real Life? The Rangers and Their Bad Contract

Andrus1Since this was announced on Monday, which was April 1st (aka April Fool’s Day), it feels like this isn’t happening; however, after it was made official, giving a career .275/.342/.353 line an eight-year, $120 million seems like a nightmare, especially after the club was unwilling to give Josh Hamilton an extension or make the first offer when he hit free agency this winter. After allowing a player who has averaged a .305/.363/.549 line to leave for their biggest rival, they gave Andrus $15 million per season on an extension, all while Jurickson Profar waits for a position to open up in Texas.

Andrus is a fine player. Since arriving in 2009, he has posted a 13.0 WAR, which is sixth among shortstops during that time. He leads shortstops in stolen bases (123), he is second to Derek Jeter in runs scores (341), and he is 21st among shortstops in OPS (.695). TWENTY-FIRST.

Andrus provides a solid batting eye (8.4 percent walk rate vs. 13.2 percent strikeout rate) to go along with his solid speed, which allows him to utilize his skills on the base paths to score runs in a very potent offense. While he can get on base and score runs, his defense is where his true value develops.

Andrus’ UZR/150 rating is 7.8, fourth among shortstops since 2009 behind Brendan Ryan, J.J. Hardy, and Alexei Ramirez. His .971 fielding percentage is 15th among shortstops since 2009. Of the three players above Andrus in zone fielding who have higher fielding percentages than Andrus, only Alexei Ramirez has a higher OPS. If Ramirez can field better and post better numbers at short, is he worth $15 million or more per season?Andrus2

Ramirez is 31 and doesn’t have the favorable upside that Andrus possesses, but we’ve seen speed become useless several times before. In 2004, Cesar Izturis had his best season at the age of 24:

Year Age Tm Lg G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2004 24 LAD NL 159 728 670 90 193 32 9 4 62 25 43 70 .288 .330 .381 .710 255
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/4/2013.

While he didn’t post numbers close to what Andrus did prior to his age-24 season, he displayed solid gap power, speed, and, of course, impressive defensive skills. He won his first and only Gold Glove in 2004, posting a .985 fielding percentage and a 3.8 WAR.

Compare that production to Andrus’ career stats:

Year Age Tm G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB
2009 20 TEX 145 541 480 72 128 17 8 6 40 33 40 77 .267 .329 .373 .702 179
2010 21 TEX 148 674 588 88 156 15 3 0 35 32 64 96 .265 .342 .301 .643 177
2011 22 TEX 150 665 587 96 164 27 3 5 60 37 56 74 .279 .347 .361 .708 212
2012 23 TEX 158 711 629 85 180 31 9 3 62 21 57 96 .286 .349 .378 .727 238
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/4/2013.

Is there a whole lot of difference in the abilities of these players, outside of the fact that Andrus’ had four seasons completed prior to his age-24 season, which will be the 2013 season? Certainly, Andrus is better than Izturis, but would anyone have paid Izturis $15 million per season if every one of his seasons had been as solid as his 2004 season?

Luis Castillo was an excellent second baseman early in his career for the, then, Florida Marlins. Sure, he wasn’t a shortstop, but he had the same type of skill-set, possibly better, with more speed and on-base skills, while Andrus seems to have more gap power. Once Castillo hurt his feet, though, his 50+ steals potential was also hurt, and he became a 20 stolen base, empty .300-hitting middle infielder. If Andrus gets hurt or loses speed, where is his value? He can’t cover as much ground defensively and his ability to create runs with his legs is gone, as well.

Shortstop is a very tough position, but the value of defensive metrics have taken over the player’s ability to help the club in other ways, specifically with their bat. Cal Ripken, Jr., Barry Larkin, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and Miguel Tejada did a dirty, dirty thing to the position, allowing solid contribution across the board to become a reasonable expectation. Today, only Troy Tulowitzki and Jose Reyes seem like those types of dynamic, offensive-minded shortstops, and for that reason, they appear to be worth exorbitant contracts.

The Rangers aren’t the only team that feels that defense is very important, though. When the Cincinnati Reds turned Didi Gregorius and Drew Stubbs into Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Donald in their trade with the Cleveland Indians this offseason, that was one thing, as Choo is a free agent after the 2013 season, but when the Indians flipped Gregorius to the Arizona Diamondbacks with Lars Anderson and Tony Sipp for Matt Albers, Bryan Shaw, and, potential ace, Trevor Bauer, the new value of shortstops in baseball was apparent. Slap-hitting, defensively skilled middle infielders now have quite a bit of value.

So, if Gregorius, a career .265/.317/.370 hitter in the minor leagues, had that sort of value, then what is Xander Bogaerts worth? Bogaerts, a Boston Red Sox farm hand, hit .307/.373/.523 with a 4.13 range factor and .959 fielding percentage as a 19-year-old over High-A and Double-A in 2012. Gregorius had a range factor of 3.96 and a .964 fielding percentage as a 22-year-old over Double-A and Triple-A in 2012.

TuloFurthermore, if Elvis Andrus is worth an eight-year, $120 million contract, then shouldn’t Troy Tulowitzki fire his agent? His extension for the 2015 to 2020 seasons gives him roughly $19.67 million per season, which isn’t nearly enough considering Andrus can’t carry his compression shorts with cup, since jock straps aren’t used anymore.

The good news for Andrus is that he has an opt-out clause after the 2018 season, allowing him to reach free agency during his prime, potentially earning more money if he reaches higher levels of production; however, if he under-performs or gets hurt, the Rangers don’t have an opt-out clause. The question now is: Was this a good contract for the Texas Rangers?

Kinsler1With Ian Kinsler signed through 2017 (with a 2018 team option) and Andrus locked up, where does Jurickson Profar go? What if Kinsler has another poor season, as his .749 OPS in 2012 was the worst of his career? Can they trade him?  There have been leaks of Kinsler getting moved to left field or first base, but what happen to Mike Olt, another Rangers prospect, who is blocked through 2015 at third (possibly 2016, since Beltre has a vesting option)? Can Kinsler hit enough to play left? Do the Rangers trade Olt? Does Profar move to center even though Leonys Martin is hoping to prove himself there in 2013? Should they trade Profar?

The Rangers have committed to defense by signing Andrus and they have committed to spending a lot of money on mediocre offense. After letting Josh Hamilton walk, not addressing their No.5 starter situation this winter, and building excellent talent that they seem to be unwilling to commit to from their minor league system, the Rangers, who have made three straight playoff appearances, seem to have no clear direction to their roster makeup going forward.

Faults in the Berkman Signing

BerkmanWhen the Texas Rangers signed Lance Berkman to a one-year, $10 million deal (with a $12 million option for 2014, which vests at $14 million for 550 plate appearances in 2013), they really caused some chaos on their roster.

Berkman will be the primary designated hitter in 2013, at least for as long as his ailing knees will allow him to after he missed 117 games in 2012 due to injuries to both knees and his left calf. The Rangers are making a very questionable decision in this signing.

Texas has been linked to deals with the Arizona Diamondbacks all offseason, as Arizona GM Kevin Towers continues to shop Justin Upton. While Rangers GM Jon Daniels has refused to create a package around top prospect Jurickson Profar, the club may have just blocked their prized possession by signing Berkman.

Daniels announced on January 7 that with the signing of Berkman, the club was going into the 2013 season with Ian Kinsler at second base and Mitch Moreland at first base. Daniels confirmed on December 9 that Kinsler was an option at first base, which would have opened second base for Profar or allowed the club to keep Profar at short and move Elvis Andrus to second.

With Adrian Beltre entrenched at third base for the Rangers, Mike Olt, another top prospect for Texas becomes expendable, even after the club traded Michael Young to Philadelphia. Olt could play some first base, but with Moreland, Kinsler, and Berkman (possibly) capable of handling the position, he’ll probably head to Triple-A Round Rock for the start of the 2013 season…if he isn’t traded.

KinslerWhile the club mentioned Kinsler as an option at first, he could still make sense in left field. With Josh Hamilton signing with the Los Angeles Angels, the Rangers outfield is suddenly very weak, at least on paper. The top four outfielders are David Murphy, Nelson Cruz, Leonys Martin, and Craig Gentry. If Kinsler played left, where his bat could play well still, it would open the door for Profar at second, at least, and the club could still hope that a package featuring Mike Olt could still land the club Upton. Kinsler could handle center, possibly, as an up-the-middle player with solid speed (157 steals in seven seasons), which would allow the club to move Cruz to left.

While Berkman has been a fantastic player over his career, a club with so many options offensively should not have locked up a player for, potentially, two season if “Big Puma” were to actually hit his vesting option. Even a rotation of players would have been a solid use of resources, possibly DHing Nelson Cruz to keep his legs, which have kept him out of 83 games since the start of 2010, fresh.

JustinUptonWhat would the best-case scenario be for Berkman and the Rangers? With Murphy in left full-time and Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt in Triple-A, all because of  Berkman’s inability to play the field at this point of his career, the Rangers are not better. They have de-valued one of the top prospects in baseball by tying Ron Washington‘s hands with a player in the decline of his career.

Jon Daniels has done nothing to help the Rangers this offseason. While we don’t know if it was his call to hope that Josh Hamilton called the Rangers to allow them to match an offer, only to lose out to their division-rival, the fact that the club continues to hold onto Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar instead of upgrading by getting Justin Upton continues to be the driving mistake of the offseason for the club. At least Upton is someone to build around, as he is 25 years old and signed through 2015.

Jon Daniels may have just blocked Jurickson Profar AND Mike Olt for the next two seasons. There is no excuse for that, even for a team that had the money to spend.

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 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 ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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.  Arencibias 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 BA OBP SLG OPS
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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 BA OBP SLG OPS
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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 BA OBP SLG OPS
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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 BA OBP SLG OPS
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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 BA OBP SLG OPS
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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 ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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 ERA G GS IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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 BA OBP SLG OPS
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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 BA OBP SLG OPS
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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 BA OBP SLG OPS
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
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/19/2012.

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

Angel in the Outfield: Hamilton Signs for $125 Million

Courtesy: USA Today

Courtesy: USA Today

According to ESPN Dallas, free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton signed a five-year, $125 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Texas Rangers GM Jon Daniels was apparently upset that he wasn’t able to match the offer, but the team could have been more aggressive, rather than waiting to see the maximum contract another team was willing to pay the five-time All-Star, rather than regretting now.

After yet another offseason with a huge, offensive acquisition, this following the Albert Pujols signing last year, the Angels have reloaded for the 2013 season. After losing starting pitcher Zack Greinke to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Angels are now able to keep some attention on their roster, as the Dodgers continue to spend big bucks.

Hamilton brings a tremendous amount of ability with him, and while it is easy for some to question the length and commitment due to his prior drug use, the fact remains that some team was going to pay him $25 million per year, so why not the Angels? They were able to explain paying Pujols $30 million in the final year of his contract (age 41), so they should be able to do the same thing here, discussing marketing and TV contracts and all of the forms of revenue streams that Hamilton will increase.

So, what do the Angels do next? Hamilton and Pujols are just as scary as the 3-4 punch that Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder provide in Detroit, but the Angels have something more to offer. Mike Trout. And, you can’t forget that the team still has solid production coming from DH Kendrys Morales, outfielder Mark Trumbo, and occasional outbursts from lesser hitters like second baseman Howie Kendrick and shortstop Erick Aybar.

The Angels can’t be done this offseason, though. With outfielders Vernon Wells and Peter Bourjos on the roster, a trade seems very likely, as the team could acquire upgrades elsewhere.

Alberto Callaspo is currently their third baseman. Trumbo has played third base for 63 innings, making four errors and posting a .714 fielding percentage. The upgrade will not involve a switch of positions for the slugger. Could the team ultimately look to deal Trumbo in a package to San Diego for Chase Headley? Headley would be a huge upgrade and another dynamic addition to the lineup.

If not a third baseman, should the Angels upgrade their starting rotation? They have added Tommy Hanson in a deal with Atlanta, while signing Joe Blanton via free agency. With Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson at the top of the rotation, could the Halos look to upgrade from Brad Mills in the fifth spot of the rotation? Maybe a deal with Cleveland for Justin Masterson or Ubaldo Jimenez makes some sense, or the team could take on someone more established by signing Kyle Lohse, Jair Jurrjens, Shaun Marcum, or Anibal Sanchez, since they apparently have the money.

Hamilton1Regardless, Josh Hamilton provides a star quality that is worthy of Los Angeles. While the Rangers pondered Greinke, a Los Angeles team jumped in. While the Rangers pondered on Hamilton, a Los Angeles team jumped in. The Rangers will need to jump at a deal for Justin Upton at this point, and they’ll probably have to cave in and deal Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar to make it happen. Otherwise, the team will be left with giving loads of cash to Nick Swisher, Cody Ross, or Michael Bourn to be able to compete with the Angels going forward.

Where are all of the east coast bias whiners now? The gold rush is once again going on out west, and the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels are making free agency in baseball a two coast battle, and a battle that they appear willing to spend billions to win.

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

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