Results tagged ‘ Mike Olt ’
Is This Real Life? The Rangers and Their Bad Contract
Since 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?
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 | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 24 | LAD | NL | 159 | 728 | 670 | 90 | 193 | 32 | 9 | 4 | 62 | 25 | 43 | 70 | .288 | .330 | .381 | .710 | 255 |
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 | 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 |
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.
Furthermore, 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?
With 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
When 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.
While 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.
What 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
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
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
10 Prospects to Watch for in the Second Half
Josh Vitters; Courtesy: baseballinstinct.com
With several teams falling out of contention and the trade deadline a little over two weeks away, there will be several new names making their debuts in the coming weeks. Here are some names to watch out for or grab in keeper leagues.
Josh Vitters, 3B, Chicago Cubs, 22
.304/.359/.509, 26 2B, 1 3B, 13 HR, 50 RBI, 52:24 K:BB in 326 AB
Vitters was taken 3rd overall in the 2007 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs. His journey to this point has been a struggle at times, having hit .262/.310/.413 from High-A to Double-A prior to arriving in Triple-A this season. He had poor plate discipline while showing signs of power. He has put it all together this year, even though it is a hitter’s league, and while he may be a liability at third base defensively, his offensive upside is worth a gamble by the Cubs. He certainly won’t be moving to first base with Anthony Rizzo across the diamond.
Wily Peralta, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers, 23
5-8, 5.10 ERA, 90 IP, 79:49 K:BB, 4 HR allowed
Peralta hasn’t had a very good season in Triple-A this year, but he is a legitimate prospect still. With Zack Greinke’s name coming up in trade rumors so frequently, the Brewers will need to fill the void left if they do move their prized right-hander. Peralta could get a look. Peralta will need to throw more strikes at the major league level to be successful, as he did when he averaged over 9 K/9 in 2011. He has the build (6’2″, 240) of an innings eater, so we’ll see if he has the stuff to be more than a back-end starter shortly.
Jedd Gyorko, 3B, San Diego Padres, 23
.313/.376/.543, 20 2B, 20 HR, 68 RBI, 2 SB, 60:34 K:BB in 348 AB
Gyorko would get the call to be the Padres every day third baseman if or when the Friars trade Chase Headley. Gyorko has produced the numbers above between Double-A and Triple-A this season, but he has done nothing but hit since starting his professional career, posting a .320/.387/.525 in 1192 at-bats. While Petco will sap his ability to hit for power, it won’t take away his ability to get on base and find the gaps. He could be an All Star, even in San Diego.
Starling Marte, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates, 23
.286/.348/.484, 16 2B, 12 3B, 9 HR, 52 RBI, 18 SB, 79:25 K:BB in 339 AB
Marte is a potential Gold Glove center fielder. Too bad the Pirates have one of the top center fielders and overall players in Andrew McCutchen. Marte will probably be trade bait, and he could be a centerpiece in a deal to acquire Justin Upton from the Diamondbacks, as the Pirates look to establish themselves as a team that matters in the second half of 2012. Marte still struggles to make contact and hasn’t figured out how to use his speed (12 caught stealing), but he is a very valuable asset for whoever he will be playing for.
Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks, 21
7-4, 2.80 ERA, 86.2 IP, 83:24 K:BB
Skaggs could join Trevor Bauer in the Diamondback rotation at some point this season, having already started three games in Triple-A after a recent promotion. Joe Saunders just returned from the disabled list, but if Arizona wants to get a look at what they have, Skaggs could easily get a look when they fall out of contention or become sellers. With Bauer, Skaggs, Wade Miley, Ian Kennedy, and Trevor Cahill, the Diamondbacks have a really good looking group of young pitchers. When Daniel Hudson returns from Tommy John surgery next year, it will only make them that much better.
Billy Hamilton, SS, Cincinnati Reds, 21
.319/.408/.437, 18 2B, 10 3B, 1 HR, 31 RBI, 108 SB, 73:51 K:BB in 348 AB
Hamilton is an absolute freak. He will easily break Vince Coleman’s professional record for steals in a season, and he will be capable of helping the Reds this September by acting as a pinch runner, stealing games as a late-inning replacement. Hamilton has just 11 at-bats in Double-A, but he has a sickening amount of speed. This type of talent will get fans in the seats at Great American Ballpark. His long-term position is still up for debate, but if he keeps getting on base and stealing bases at this rate, the Reds will have to make room for him.
Matt Harvey, RHP New York Mets, 23
7-4, 3.39 ERA, 98.1 IP, 102:42 K:BB
Harvey is rumored to be getting the call to take Dillon Gee’s turn in the Mets rotation next week, but the Mets want to get one more look at him in Triple-A. The North Carolina product has the stuff and build of an ace, but he still needs to work on his ability to throw strikes. Harvey is a special arm, so it is not strange to see the Mets getting excited about bringing him to New York, but since they are in contention for the NL East at the moment, they need to be careful with each game. With that being said, Harvey is better than Miguel Batista right now, so they should go ahead with their plans.
Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets, 22
8-4, 2.62 ERA, 92.2 IP, 88:35 K:BB, 1 HR allowed
Speaking of New York prospects, Wheeler is another future ace for the Mets. He, like Harvey, has some battles with his control, but he could also get a look. Wheeler is more likely to serve as rotation depth if the Mets are unfortunate enough to deal with another significant injury to their rotation, such as another Johan Santana shoulder issue. Wheeler is more likely to get a bump to Triple-A than he is to the majors in 2012, but he could still get a look in September, so keep an eye on the future number one starter.
Mike Olt, 3B, Texas Rangers, 23
.292/.403/.574, 14 2B, 1 3B, 22 HR, 63 RBI, 4 SB, 85:51 K:BB in 291 AB
Olt will probably never see the field at the Ballpark at Arlington while wearing a Texas Rangers uniform. With Adrian Beltre locked into the third base position in Texas, Olt is nothing more than trade bait, and great bait at that. Olt is a mashing, power-hitting prospect, and while he strike out a lot, he still possesses a very good eye at the plate. He has been rumored to be a centerpiece to a deal for Zack Greinke or Cole Hamels, as the Rangers look to build a super team for their run to the World Series.
Domonic Brown, OF, Philadelphia Phillies, 24
.266/.314/.416, 10 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 4 SB, 36:13 K:BB in 173 AB
Brown is currently tearing up instructional leagues while he rehabs his right knee injuries, but he could get a look in the Phillies outfield if they become sellers this month. Brown was once the prospect equal to Atlanta Braves slugger Jason Heyward, but their careers have taken a severe fork in the road, especially since the Phils seem to be so hesitant to give Brown a long-term look. Brown has already lost his rookie eligibility and has spent parts of three season in Triple-A for Philadelphia, so if they aren’t going to use him, I’d love for anyone else to give him a look. He seems to have an attitude or motivational issue this season more than anything. Remember that he hit .327/.391/.589 with 20 home runs in 343 at-bats in 2010 between Double-A and Triple-A before the Phillies started screwing up his development by calling him up and letting him sit on the bench.
Are there any young players you’re watching out for over the second half? Seattle fans may want to see Danny Hultzen, James Paxton, or Taijuan Walker, right? Would Cincinnati fans like to see Daniel Corcino or Tony Cingrani come up? Comment guys you’re looking forward to seeing!
