Results tagged ‘ Shelby Miller ’
May I Have Another: Guys on Fire
Move over Alicia Keys, these boys are on fire in the month of May:
Mitch Moreland, 1B, Texas Rangers
.347/.407/.796, 17-49, 11 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 8 RBI
Long overlooked as an asset in the Rangers order, Moreland appears to be establishing himself as a valuable piece to a Hamilton-less Rangers offense. His left-handed power is needed in the middle of an order that features Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz along with switch-hitting DH Lance Berkman. Moreland is 27 and in the midst of his prime. While he does feature a pretty ugly .662 career OPS against left-handed pitching, that number has bumped up to .789 in 2013, so he could still make an interesting career out of playing in Texas. He could certainly turn his recent hot streak into a total breakout.
Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels
.340/.393/.720, 17-50, 10 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 3 SB
After taking the world by storm last season, Trout started the season slower than some fantasy nerds would have liked, posting a .261/.333/.432 triple slash in the first month of the season. He is picking things up, though, in May, displaying the power and speed that made baseball enthusiasts drool last season. Trout could be on his way to posting numbers like this over the rest of the season. Just imagine what he would be doing if Josh Hamilton was alive and breathing for the Angels…if only he could pitch, the Angels might not look like such an embarrassment.
Jose Tabata, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
.522/.542/.783, 12-23, 3 R, 3 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 SB
Do you need a sleeper? The Pirates are pretty loaded in the outfield with Andrew McCutchen in center and Starling Marte in left; however, right field is a little…Travis Snider-y. Snider is still just 25 but he is under-performing, again, as the Pirates primary right fielder in 2013. His .267/.347/.356 is very weak and Tabata is heating up with the weather. Tabata, himself just 24, is another floundering former top prospect, but his ability to use the gaps and his speed would make him an asset in real-life and fantasy baseball. Clint Hurdle is an interesting manager, to say the least, so it will be interesting to see if he sticks with a strict platoon or gives Tabata a chance.
Joe Mauer, C, Minnesota Twins
.447/.552/.660, 21-47, 13 R, 10 2B, 5 RBI
Mauer continues to prove that his 2009 power surge and MVP season was an anomaly. The Twins are floating around .500 due to Mauer’s production and a whole lot of crappy pitching. If the club was serious about contending, they probably would have done something about Vance Worley and Kevin Correia being their No.1 and No.2 starter prior to the season. With a lot of their talent in their 30′s, including Mauer, the club will be hard pressed for a quick recovery. Oswaldo Arcia has been a nice addition but to even float around being mediocre, Mauer may have to hit .447 over the rest of the 2013 season. He’s hot and he’s a hitting machine.
Aces on Fire
Felix Hernandez, RHP, Seattle Mariners: 2-0, 3 GS, 0.82 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 22 IP, 20:3 K:BB
Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers: 1-0, 3 GS, 0.79 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 22.2 IP, 20:5 K:BB
Chris Sale, LHP, Chicago White Sox: 2-0, 3 GS, 1.16 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, 23.1 IP, 19:2 K:BB
Jordan Zimmerman, RHP, Washington Nationals: 3-0, 3 GS, 1.19 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 22.2 IP, 20:2 K:BB
Shutdown Surprises
Patrick Corbin, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks: 3-0, 3 GS, 0.89 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 20.1 IP, 16:10 K:BB
Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals: 2-0, 2 GS, 0.60 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 15 IP, 18:1 K:BB
Scott Feldman, RHP, Chicago Cubs: 2-0, 3 GS, 1.23 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, 22 IP, 21:5 K:BB
Related articles
- Why the Texas Rangers need to stick with Mitch Moreland is in Baltimore (sportsblogs.star-telegram.com)
- Beltre and Moreland lead Rangers past Athletics in 10 innings (miamiherald.com)
- Closing Time: The case for Mitch Moreland (sports.yahoo.com)
No Runs For You!
Should you take Justin Verlander, David Price, or Felix Hernandez as the first pitcher in your fantasy league? Well, the Mariners haven’t helped King Felix win many games due to their inability to score runs, Tampa Bay has a pretty pathetic offense, and Verlander has Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder to back him up. While Verlander, Price, and Hernandez will post similar ERA, WHIP, and strikeout totals, Verlander will tend to get the nod due to the added wins.
In 2012, Cliff Lee was 6-9 over 30 starts and 211 innings. He didn’t win his first game until July 4, his 14th start, after winning 17 games in 2011. Lee has already won two games in 2013, something that he couldn’t say he did last season until July 31 last year.
This year, the name is Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg has lost four games already in 2013. In 2012, he didn’t lose his fourth game until July 6. While wins are quite overrated in the statistical world, when a pitcher isn’t getting them, those who follow the sport feel like they may be doing something wrong.
Is Strasburg doing anything wrong?
| Year | Age | Tm | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 21 | WSN | 5 | 3 | .625 | 2.91 | 12 | 68.0 | 56 | 25 | 22 | 5 | 17 | 92 | 1.074 | 5.41 |
| 2011 | 22 | WSN | 1 | 1 | .500 | 1.50 | 5 | 24.0 | 15 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 24 | 0.708 | 12.00 |
| 2012 | 23 | WSN | 15 | 6 | .714 | 3.16 | 28 | 159.1 | 136 | 62 | 56 | 15 | 48 | 197 | 1.155 | 4.10 |
Over his career, Strasburg has won 67.7 percent of his decisions while posting a no-decision percentage of 31.2 percent. Nearly one-third of his starts have led to no-decisions, so in a given year, based on his first 45 starts of his career and 33 stars in a 162-game season, Strasburg would average a 15-7 record, a 2.93 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and a 4.67 K:BB. This season, Strasburg’s 3.16 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 3.5 K:BB.
While Strasburg’s walks seem to be up a bit, his peripheral statistics show that there isn’t much that he can be held accountable for. His xFIP is up to 3.86 (his career xFIP is 2.68), so there may be something there, but most of the blame can be attributed to the bats when he starts. Only Kevin Slowey (0.75) and Joe Saunders (1.20) have lower run support than Strasburg (1.40) this season. At 1-4, Strasburg is a fantastic buy-low option in fantasy leagues for anyone unintelligent enough to trade him right now for this reason.
Other pitchers suffering from run support (RS) issues this season include:
Jeff Samardzija (3.03 ERA vs. 2.00 RS)
Trevor Cahill (3.60 ERA vs. 2.00 RS)
Madison Bumgarner (1.87 ERA vs. 2.60 RS)
Kris Medlen and Shelby Miller (2.16 ERA vs. 2.75 RS)
Clayton Kershaw (2.14 ERA vs. 2.80 RS)
Seven Battles to Watch This Spring
Spring training is an exciting time for baseball nerds. We get to hear stories about how so many players are in the greatest shape of their lives, while we count down the days until meaningful games begin. The position battles are the most interesting things to watch over the next several weeks, and while it seems like there aren’t a lot of battles to grasp onto, here are a handful that I know that I am going to monitor.
The Cleveland Indians Rotation:
With the additions of Scott Kazmir and Daisuke Matsuzaka on minor league deals, the healing elbow of Carlos Carrasco, and the acquisition of Trevor Bauer from the Arizona Diamondbacks, the club has gone from having very little pitching depth to a possible abundance. It would be safe to assume that new manager Terry Francona has Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Brett Myers penciled into the first three spots, while youngster Zach McAllister has a leg up on the No.4 spot, though it isn’t guaranteed. The possible battle for one spot between four solid arms is definitely an intriguing battle.
The Detroit Tiger Left Field Job:
When the Tigers signed Torii Hunter to a two-year deal, they created a logjam of corner outfielders. Andy Dirks seems to have the best shot at the every day job, but he still has Brennan Boesch, Quentin Berry, and youngster Avisail Garcia who could steal some at-bats over the course of the season, while prospect outfielder Nick Castellanos could also push for at-bats later in the season. With Victor Martinez returning from an ACL injury, the DH spot is on lockdown. The Tigers could look to make a deal for a veteran relief pitcher, as Bruce Rondon looks like the potential Opening Day closer after 52 appearances over three minor league levels in 2012. We’ll see if a club decides they could use some offensive help, especially if any PED suspensions come down from MLB from the Biogenesis case out of Florida.
The Toronto Blue Jays Second Base Job:
Gone is Kelly Johnson, who signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, and added were Emilio Bonifacio and Maicer Izturis. The Jays are absolutely loaded this season and the club will take advantage of a Alex Rodriguez injury and a re-tooling Boston Red Sox club to make a run at the AL East title. Bonifacio is a speedster that can play several positions. He posted a .360 OBP in 2011 and stole 30 bases in just 64 games in 2012 for the Miami Marlins. Izturis can’t really play short or third well anymore and he doesn’t do any one thing incredibly well, but he is 32 years old in 2013 and the Jays could expect about 30 doubles, 6 to 8 home runs, and 10 to 15 stolen bases over 450 to 500 at-bats. The club is in a great position with this “problem”.
The Atlanta Braves Third Base Job:
Well, Chipper Jones is gone and the Braves don’t have a third baseman for the first time since 1995. Atlanta added Chris Johnson as an extra part in their mega-deal with Arizona for Justin Upton and the right-handed hitting, 28-year-old brings a little bit of power with his career .746 OPS. He could be battling Juan Francisco, a powerful, left-handed hitting, soon-to-be 26-year old who has struggled to make consistent contact in his career, posting a 121:22 K:BB in 361 career at-bats. He has a lot of potential, but he is on the weak side of a platoon and doesn’t have a track record to rely on to this point. It will be a sad day in Atlanta without Larry Jones running out there, but the club should be prepared after dealing with all of Jones’ injuries over the years.
The Washington Nationals Catching Job:
Kurt Suzuki was once a very consistent performer, averaging 14 home runs and 67 RBI per season from 2009 to 2011 before totally crashing and burning in 2012, seeing his OPS drop all the way to .605 over 405 at-bats between Oakland and Washington. With Wilson Ramos coming back from an ACL injury, Suzuki could get the every day job for the first month or two of the season, and with solid producers around him in the lineup in Ryan Zimmerman, Bryce Harper, Ian Desmond, and Jayson Werth. Ramos was outstanding in 2011, hitting 15 home runs and posting a .779 OPS at the age of 23. Can he regain his form and confidence after a leg injury? How long until Ramos is a real factor in the position battle?
The Cincinnati Reds No.5 Starter Job:
The sky is the limit for Aroldis Chapman if he is able to transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation. After posting a ridiculous 122:23 K:BB in just 71.2 innings in 2012, Chapman could, potentially, reach 200 strikeouts by averaging 13 K:9, which is still lower than his 14.1 K:9 career average. He could, legitimately, be the clubs best starter, even with Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos in front of him in the rotation. However, Mike Leake is still in the picture and the Reds could leave Chapman in the bullpen for part of the season to limit his innings before stretching him out. If that is the case, could Chapman then pull a Kris Medlen in 2013 and go on to post a 0.97 ERA while going 9-0 in 12 starts for the Braves after joining the rotation on July 31. Leake, who posted a 4.58 ERA over 30 starts in 2012 after posting a 3.86 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 2011, is very athletic and is a very good rotation filler, but with Chapman, Tony Cingrani, and Daniel Corcino coming up behind him, he could be a long-relief pitcher or trade bait as early as this spring.
The St. Louis Cardinals No.5 Starter Job:
With Chris Carpenter‘s continued neck issues, which could force him to miss the entire 2013 season, the Cardinals are suddenly lacking pitching depth, as they lost Kyle Lohse to free agency this winter, although he does remain unsigned. In their place, Lance Lynn, who was fantastic before hitting a wall last August, looks like the No.4 starter, but the Cardinals look to have an interesting battle between Shelby Miller, Joe Kelly, and, postseason superstar, Trevor Rosenthal. Miller has top-of-the-rotation stuff and could be the team’s ace in the next couple of seasons, while Rosenthal’s triple-digit fastball could be dominating out of the starting rotation. If the club wants to continue to develop Miller and Rosenthal, though, Kelly was solid in 2012, posting a 3.74 ERA over 16 starts, and he doesn’t turn 25 years old until June, so it isn’t like he is a veteran option, either. With Carlos Martinez, another top-of-the-rotation type of prospect on the way, the Cardinals seem to have the depth to overcome their current “shortage” of pitching.
Certainly there are many other battles that will come about due to injuries, suspensions, or additional free agent signings, but these seven look like the biggest as spring training gets underway.
Are there any battles you’re interested in watching over the next couple of months?
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
