Results tagged ‘ Starlin Castro ’
Promotion Worthy Prospects
After Miguel Sano was promoted to Double-A on Sunday by the Minnesota Twins, it brought to mind several other prospects who deserve a promotion due to their dominance at their current level. Below, you’ll find ten prospects who need or deserve a bigger challenge:
Robert Stephenson, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Aff | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 20 | Dayton | MIDW | CIN | 5 | 3 | 2.97 | 12 | 66.2 | 52 | 25 | 22 | 4 | 17 | 85 | 1.035 | 7.0 | 2.3 | 11.5 | 5.00 |
When you see that 2.97 ERA, some would say that isn’t as dominant as what guys like Dylan Bundy or Archie Bradley have posted over the last two seasons; however, Stephenson has been absolutely dominant over his last six starts, posting a 0.98 ERA, a 0.65 WHIP, and a 50:5 K:BB over 36.2 innings. That is redefining dominance. Stephenson has now made 20 starts for Low-A Dayton and the only thing holding him back from a promotion seems to be the fact that he would be heading to the California League if he was promoted to the next level. The Reds could challenge him and see how he does, they did put Tony Cingrani there in 2012 (where he dominated), or move him straight to Double-A next year, similar to what they did with Daniel Corcino in 2012. Regardless, Stephenson looks like the Reds new top prospect, posting numbers that would make Cy Young winners blush.
Javier Baez, SS, Chicago Cubs
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Aff | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 20 | Daytona | FLOR | CHC | 57 | 254 | 230 | 45 | 67 | 17 | 4 | 13 | 44 | 6 | 11 | 60 | .291 | .339 | .570 | .908 | 131 |
Blame it on the four home runs that Baez hit on June 10th or blame it on the fact that his numbers are absolutely insane for a middle infielder…truly, you can blame it on the fact that Starlin Castro looks like a lost puppy, but the Chicago Cubs need to move Javier Baez up to Double-A. Certainly, Baez isn’t perfect. His plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired and he has made 26 errors in 56 games for Daytona, but what he lacks in harnessing moving balls, he makes up for with his tremendous bat speed, power, and overall skills when he actually connects. In eight June games, Baez is hitting .500/.559/1.167 with five home runs and 15 RBI. He’s on fire and he has the talent to be moved quickly. Baez needs to be challenged in Double-A and the Cubs need to see how he handles advanced pitching to help determine whether he could stay at short or move to an outfield corner.
Rafael De Paula, RHP, New York Yankees
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Aff | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | Charleston | SALL | NYY | 6 | 2 | 2.43 | 12 | 59.1 | 36 | 16 | 16 | 3 | 22 | 91 | 0.978 | 5.5 | 3.3 | 13.8 | 4.14 |
The only thing dumber than the Yankees still having De Paula in Low-A at this point, is the fact that society didn’t find a way to stop Kanye West and Kim Kardashian from procreating. De Paula has dominated all season for Charleston, and at the age of 22, he is a man among boys in the Sally League. His 13.8 K:9 is absurd and his mid-90′s fastball is nearly unfair to the over-matched teenagers and organizational depth cesspools of the lower minors. With Andy Pettitte and Hiroki Kuroda nearing the end of the road, it is time for the Yankees to be aggressive with another prospect. De Paula needs to be moved to Tampa (High-A) as soon as possible, and, due to his stuff, early dominance, and age, an attempt at Double-A shouldn’t be out of the question.
Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Aff | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 | Cedar Rapids | MIDW | MIN | 59 | 274 | 228 | 60 | 78 | 14 | 8 | 7 | 47 | 26 | 39 | 46 | .342 | .435 | .566 | 1.001 | 129 |
It isn’t very often that a 19-year-old in his first full season of professional ball would get moved up a level by July, but the No.2 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft is creating quite a stir in the prospect world. His power, speed, and plate discipline are beyond his years and Buxton appears to be ready for and worthy of a different challenge. The Twins are typically very patient and slow with their prospects, but they’ve already promoted Sano and their major league team (28-33) continues to tread water.
Preston Tucker, OF, Houston Astros
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Lev | Aff | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | Lancaster | CALL | A+ | HOU | 64 | 284 | 253 | 52 | 79 | 17 | 1 | 11 | 58 | 3 | 25 | 37 | .312 | .373 | .518 | .891 | 131 |
The Astros are in a pretty miserable place when it comes to their ability to contend, but they seem to have a tremendous rebuilding plan in place and their recent drafts and trades are perfect examples of what Jeff Luhnow has taken to Houston. They appear to have a nice player in their 2012 7th round pick, a senior signing out of Florida that is showing an excellent approach at the plate in High-A. While Lancaster is a notorious hitter’s paradise, as is most of the California League, the plate discipline, gap power, and consistency (.328 vs. LHP, .307 RHP) are impressive, and he would be a nice addition to Double-A, where he could join…
George Springer, OF, Houston Astros
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Aff | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 | Corpus Christi | TL | HOU | 61 | 271 | 228 | 51 | 69 | 18 | 0 | 18 | 50 | 18 | 35 | 77 | .303 | .405 | .618 | 1.024 | 141 |
Springer is also worthy of a promotion within the Houston organization and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is wearing an Astros’ jersey by the end of the 2013 season; however, with Justin Maxwell coming back from his injury, a promotion to Triple-A is likely Springer’s first stop. The 36 extra-base hits and 18 stolen bases show the tools that he possesses, but his long swing could continue to cause outrageous strikeout totals, especially once he reaches the show. The No.11 overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft out of UConn will be an asset to the Astros at some point.
Cesar Puello, OF, New York Mets
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Aff | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | Binghamton | EL | NYM | 53 | 221 | 197 | 40 | 65 | 11 | 2 | 13 | 46 | 17 | 14 | 46 | .330 | .403 | .604 | 1.007 | 119 |
There are four simple words why Puello needs promoted: The Mets Offense Sucks. The slugging right fielder has been on fire over the last ten games, hitting .463/.500/.976 with three doubles, six home runs, 17 RBI, and five stolen bases. There is one issue that may become huge within his development: he was listed on the Biogenesis documents; however, the time it will take between appeals and court cases will make that an unlikely scenario in harming his prospect status, which is getting more impressive with each swing.
Wil Myers, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Aff | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | Durham | IL | TBR | 60 | 274 | 237 | 41 | 67 | 12 | 2 | 13 | 54 | 7 | 29 | 67 | .283 | .358 | .515 | .872 | 122 |
Call me Captain Obvious but the Rays would be a better team by plugging Myers into a lineup that has won 11 of their last 16 and are slowly creeping up the AL East standings, even while their ace, David Price, is recovering from an extended absence due to tricep soreness. After struggling with his plate discipline in the early part of the season, Myers has improved his numbers in June (albeit in just 10 games), while increasing his power, having hit four home runs in just 41 at-bats this month. With seven players with 25 or more RBI already this season, who would go to make room for Myers? Myers will make an impact at some point this season, regardless of the current roster’s success.
Arismendy Alcantara, 2B/SS, Chicago Cubs
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Aff | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 21 | Tennessee | SOUL | CHC | 63 | 265 | 228 | 30 | 66 | 14 | 1 | 9 | 30 | 16 | 26 | 54 | .289 | .364 | .478 | .842 | 109 |
| 5 Seasons | 371 | 1542 | 1405 | 195 | 399 | 57 | 27 | 24 | 174 | 76 | 101 | 291 | .284 | .332 | .414 | .747 | 582 | ||||
Alcantara is another good middle infield prospect within the Cubs organization. He is playing second and short in Double-A right now, but regardless of where he ends up, Alcantara will provide a little punch and speed for the rebuilding lovable losers. After having success at every stop during his minor league career, Alcantara should move up to see how he can handle Triple-A pitching, getting him that much closer to helping a starved Cubs lineup.
Carlos Pimentel, RHP, Texas Rangers
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | Aff | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 | Frisco | TL | TEX | 7 | 2 | 2.96 | 12 | 70.0 | 49 | 25 | 23 | 8 | 21 | 80 | 1.000 | 6.3 | 2.7 | 10.3 | 3.81 |
This is Pimentel’s third season in Double-A and he appears to finally mastered it, this time as a starter, after pitching well in a relief role in 2012 for Frisco. Still just 23 years old, Pimentel looks like another solid prospect again for a Rangers team that seems to always be in need of pitching help, whether due to ineffectiveness or injuries on the major league roster. Pimentel is posting excellent strikeout numbers and appears to be very difficult to hit. At 6’3″, 180 pounds, he has the frame to be a useful body in Texas, and he deserves a look in Triple-A before he gets a spot start of a longer look in Arlington.
2013 MLB Surprises
While the season isn’t quite so young anymore with roughly 100 games remaining, the early season surprises and the small sample sizes that went along with them aren’t nearly so odd. Who is legit? Who will fall off? Who is still surprising?
Jose Iglesias, INF, Boston Red Sox
Surprise, surprise. When you look at Iglesias’ career .257/.307/.314 line in four minor league seasons, and then you look at this:
| Year | Age | Tm | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 | BOS | 22 | 83 | 74 | 13 | 33 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 11 | .446 | .494 | .581 | 1.075 | 188 | 43 |
Iglesias’ success would still qualify as a small sample, given his 83 plate appearances, but considering his struggles in the minors, especially his .202/.262/.319 line at Triple-A in 2013, his production is absolutely incredible. His likelihood to maintain this success is slim to none, unless, of course, Iglesias was just bored playing in the minor leagues. The 23-year-old appeared to be nothing more than organizational depth or a glove-based defensive replacement as recently as a month ago. Enjoy the ride while it lasts.
Michael Cuddyer, 1B/OF, Colorado Rockies
Not many guys have their best seasons in their mid-30′s without “the cream” or “the clear”, but that is exactly what Cuddyer is doing this season:
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 34 | COL | NL | 45 | 194 | 174 | 25 | 59 | 14 | 1 | 10 | 37 | 5 | 16 | 34 | .339 | .397 | .603 | 1.000 | 105 |
Cuddyer is on pace to shatter his career highs in OPS, AVG, and OBP, while posting productive numbers across the board. The Colorado lineup has been tremendous this season, leading to their current 2nd place ranking in the NL West standings. With Cuddyer’s ability to fill in for the oft-injured Todd Helton at first base and solidifying one of the most productive outfields in baseball, along with Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzalez, he continues to be a valuable, under-appreciated asset to fantasy teams and “real-life teams” alike.
Domonic Brown, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
What appeared to be a super-productive May has continued into June:
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May | 28 | 27 | 109 | 109 | 17 | 33 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 25 | 3 | 0 | 21 | .303 | .303 | .688 | .991 | 75 | .276 |
| June | 9 | 9 | 37 | 33 | 8 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 6 | .394 | .459 | .879 | 1.338 | 29 | .391 |
Brown is a superstar and his early-career parallels to Braves outfielder Jason Heyward have finally reached fruition. If you take at look at his overall numbers, below, you can see how unproductive he was during the first month of the season:
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 25 | PHI | NL | 63 | 243 | 228 | 33 | 66 | 9 | 2 | 19 | 47 | 6 | 13 | 44 | .289 | .329 | .596 | .926 | 136 |
Can pitchers make adjustments to make him an afterthought again in Philadelphia? It appears highly unlikely, as Brown looks like an All-Star, who is capable of reaching 30-35 home runs this season, while pacing an aging Phillies’ lineup.
Josh Donaldson, 3B, Oakland Athletics
Donaldson has always had a solid, gap-power approach at the plate, posting a career minor league line of .275/.365/.470 over 2,302 plate appearances. That game has finally transitioned to the big show, as his overall line shows:
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 27 | OAK | AL | 64 | 270 | 238 | 33 | 77 | 18 | 1 | 9 | 42 | 2 | 28 | 45 | .324 | .393 | .521 | .914 | 124 |
With Yoenis Cespedes and Jed Lowrie, Donaldson is giving the A’s a somewhat formidable lineup to team with its young pitching, and at 38-27 and in 2nd in the AL West, Oakland will once again be a threatening team down the stretch.
Patrick Corbin, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
At no point during his time in the minor leagues did Corbin appear to be on the same track as Tyler Skaggs or Trevor Bauer for Arizona, a top-tier starting pitcher. Corbin seemed to have back-end stuff after posting a career 3.78 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 430.2 innings. Then, the 2013 season happened:
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | W | L | GS | CG | SHO | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 | ARI | NL | 9 | 0 | 1.98 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 81.2 | 63 | 19 | 18 | 4 | 22 | 65 | 200 | 1.041 | 6.9 | 2.4 | 7.2 | 2.95 |
Corbin has dominated in several starts this season and remains unbeaten after 12 starts. While he doesn’t possess shutdown, strikeout stuff, Corbin keeps the opposition off-balance and looks like the 2013 version of Wade Miley, the Diamondbacks lefty who has struggled mightily this season, but posted a 16-11 record and 3.33 ERA in his rookie season in 2012. He’ll eventually lose a game, but Corbin should continue to solidify himself as, at least, a mid-rotation starter, capable of becoming a Tom Glavine-like winner if he maintains his success, something that could be very challenging when he is pitching half of his games in the thin, desert air in Arizona.
Jeff Locke, LHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Something clicked for Locke when he reached Triple-A Indianapolis within the Pirates organization. After posting a career 3.92 ERA over 629 innings prior to reaching Indianapolis, Locke posted a 2.44 ERA over 170 innings there before struggling in brief auditions in Pittsburgh in both 2011 and 2012. The 2013 season has been quite different, though:
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | W | L | GS | CG | SHO | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 25 | PIT | NL | 5 | 1 | 2.39 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 75.1 | 56 | 21 | 20 | 5 | 35 | 55 | 1.208 | 6.7 | 4.2 | 6.6 | 1.57 |
Locke, like Corbin, doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, and, unlike Corbin, he flirts with disaster, at times, due to command. While Locke still does a solid job of keeping runners off of the base paths when he is throwing strikes, it isn’t wrong to wonder if he could succumb to another Pittsburgh flop, as the team remains without a winning record since 1992. It would be nice for the organization to have a veteran arm to rely on once Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon are ready for Pittsburgh, and with A.J. Burnett dominating and potentially becoming trade fodder, Locke could be that guy. If he doesn’t improve either his walk rate or strikeout rates, though, he could be heading towards a drastic decline over the rest of the 2013 season.
Travis Wood, LHP, Chicago Cubs
A tremendous athlete, Wood is finally showing the skills that made him such a highly regarded young player when he came up with the Cincinnati Reds in 2010 and thrived. Things hadn’t gone so well the last couple of seasons, but things are back on track in 2013:
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | W | L | GS | CG | SHO | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 26 | CHC | NL | 5 | 4 | 2.65 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 78.0 | 53 | 24 | 23 | 5 | 26 | 56 | 1.013 | 6.1 | 3.0 | 6.5 | 2.15 |
Not only has he been effective on the mound, but Wood could be one of the Cubs’ best hitters, having posted a .910 OPS with two home runs and seven RBI in just 26 at-bats – they should pinch-hit for the struggling Starlin Castro with him! With Wood and Jeff Samardzija around in the rotation, the Cubs have a couple of solid arms to build around…if they could just figure out a way to get rid of that now awful Edwin Jackson contract. Like Locke, Wood has spurts of control issues, but he is leading the NL in hits per nine and could well be on his way to establishing himself, along with Samardzija, as a dominant arm on the constantly rebuilding Cubs squad.
Starlin Castro: Not Living Up to the Contract?
Starlin Castro is a fine young player. A two-time All-Star at the tender age of 23, it seems like he is worthy of being praised as the cornerstone and foundation to the future of the Chicago Cubs franchise.
However, something is missing.
After signing a seven-year, $60 million extension, with a $16 million option for 2020, in August of 2012, Castro has been somewhat disappointing. In 451 plate appearances since the beginning of August of last season, Castro has a .278/.326/.413 line, with 26 doubles, five triples, seven home runs, 48 RBI, and six stolen bases. That isn’t terrible considering the typical limitations of middle infielders, but there are reasons to be concerned about the potential of the young shortstop.
Mainly, the start of the 2013 season is reason for concern:
| Year | Age | Tm | Lg | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 | CHC | NL | 44 | 196 | 188 | 23 | 51 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 21 | 2 | 7 | 30 | .271 | .301 | .383 | .684 | 86 | 72 |
Castro is struggling mightily at the dish, as he ranks 10th among shortstops with his .684 OPS, while also ranking 10th in wRC+ (similar to OPS+ where the average player has a 100) with his 85, and his current UZR/150 is -4.3, 20th of all qualifying shortstops, so he isn’t fantastic in the field, either.
I’m not saying that Castro is awful, on a downward spiral to mediocrity or worse, but should he be considered one of the top players in baseball?
In fantasy circles, Castro was rated 31st recently in Tristan H. Cockcroft’s (ESPN) preseason Top 250 (March 23rd), while finishing 34th in Matthew Berry’s (ESPN) preseason Top 200 (March 27). But…he hasn’t lived up to the hype and early season rankings, currently ranked as the 183rd player on ESPN’s Player Rater.
It is a small sample size for the 2013 season, but what about Castro’s career? Since the start of the 2010 season, Castro’s rookie year, Castro ranks 5th among all shortstops with his .754 career OPS. Fifth isn’t bad but Castro is tied with Marco Scutaro over that same time period.
Is Marco Scutaro elite? Is Castro’s ability to steal a base (even though he has only stolen two bases in 2013) worthy of a large investment? Castro was guaranteed $60 million last season and Scutaro had to settle for a three-year, $20 million deal. On the bright side, Scutaro is 37 and the Cubs are paying $16 million over the next three years with the potential for improvement…but based on his current .684 OPS, can Castro make the adjustments necessary to bounce back?
Castro’s walk rate is a career low 3.6 percent this season, his strikeout rate is at a career high (15.3 percent), and his contact rates, both the O-Contact (67.8 percent) and Z-Contact (88.1 percent) rates, are at career worsts, as well.
Starlin Castro has a long career ahead of him, and while things don’t appear as bright as they once looked, he should still have an impressive career. With Javier Baez and Arismendy Alcantara as potential fall-backs at shortstop, Castro could move to second or the outfield, especially if his defense continues to be less than fantastic.
With all of this being said, Starlin Castro still has the potential to improve and the 2013 season is still young. He could have an Ike Davis of 2012 second half outburst and truly look like one of the top 30 players in baseball, or…will he become the next Yunel Escobar, whose career has taken a nose dive after his first three seasons.
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Sizzling Future Stars: Minor League Report, 4/24
With the season underway and some fans already looking forward to next year, even this early, it is a good time to look down on the farms for some names that you should get to know. Everyone knows who Wil Myers, Dylan Bundy, and Oscar Taveras are at this point, so these are players performing at elite levels who may not be household names…yet.
Courtesy: San Jose Giants
Clayton Blackburn, RHP, San Francisco Giants
| Year | Age | Lg | Lev | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 18 | ARIZ | Rk | 3 | 1 | 1.08 | 6 | 33.1 | 16 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 30 | 0.570 | 4.3 | 10.00 |
| 2012 | 19 | SALL | A | 8 | 4 | 2.54 | 22 | 131.1 | 116 | 47 | 37 | 3 | 18 | 143 | 1.020 | 7.9 | 7.94 |
| 2013 | 20 | CALL | A+ | 2 | 0 | 1.64 | 4 | 22.0 | 14 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 25 | 0.727 | 5.7 | 12.50 |
| 3 Seasons | 13 | 5 | 2.17 | 32 | 186.2 | 146 | 57 | 45 | 7 | 23 | 198 | 0.905 | 7.0 | 8.61 | |||
The California League used to be where pitching prospects went to die, but elite arms have been challenged there, while others (like Taijuan Walker of the Seattle Mariners) continue to skip the High-A level to keep their confidence. In 2010, Tyler Skaggs posted a 3.22 ERA with a 125:34 K:BB in 100.2 innings in the Cal League, and in 2012, Tony Cingrani posted a 1.11 ERA with a 71:13 K:BB in 56.2 innings. This season, Blackburn appears to be the class of the league. A solid strikeout rate, excellent control, and he seems very hard to hit. The same things could be said for him after his impressive season in the Sally League in 2012, and at 20 years of age, Blackburn looks like he will maintain this type of production throughout his development. At 6’3″, 220 pounds, he has a very good frame to become a valuable piece to the San Francisco Giants in the next few years. It wouldn’t be too far fetched to see Blackburn in Double-A after the All-Star break, possibly sooner, if he continues to dominate the opposition.
Eddie Rosario, 2B, Minnesota Twins
| Year | Age | Lg | Lev | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 18 | GULF | Rk | 51 | 213 | 194 | 34 | 57 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 22 | 16 | 28 | .294 | .343 | .438 | .781 | 85 |
| 2011 | 19 | APPY | Rk | 67 | 298 | 270 | 71 | 91 | 9 | 9 | 21 | 60 | 17 | 27 | 60 | .337 | .397 | .670 | 1.068 | 181 |
| 2012 | 20 | 2 Lgs | A-Rk | 100 | 449 | 411 | 62 | 123 | 35 | 4 | 13 | 74 | 11 | 32 | 71 | .299 | .347 | .499 | .846 | 205 |
| 2012 | 20 | GULF | Rk | 5 | 20 | 19 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | .368 | .400 | .684 | 1.084 | 13 |
| 2012 | 20 | MIDW | A | 95 | 429 | 392 | 60 | 116 | 32 | 4 | 12 | 70 | 11 | 31 | 69 | .296 | .345 | .490 | .835 | 192 |
| 2013 | 21 | FLOR | A+ | 19 | 87 | 80 | 16 | 27 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 15 | .338 | .368 | .500 | .868 | 40 |
| 4 Seasons | 237 | 1047 | 955 | 183 | 298 | 58 | 16 | 41 | 173 | 51 | 79 | 174 | .312 | .362 | .535 | .897 | 511 | |||
While Miguel Sano attracks a lot of attention, and deservedly so, the Twins have another power hitting player in Fort Myers this season. Eddie Rosario is officially a second baseman now, which should make dynasty league fantasy players salivate. Solid speed, gap power, and still growing frame create an intriguing blend of skills that the Twins should be ecstatic about. While he managed 21 home runs in the Appalachian League at the age of 19, he looks like more of a 30+ doubles and 15-20 home run type of player, which would make him an All-Star at second. Others will clamor for Sano, but Rosario is overlooked at times and could be a special player in his own right.
Victor Payano, LHP, Texas Rangers
| Year | Age | Lg | Lev | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 17 | DOSL | FRk | 3 | 1 | 3.40 | 12 | 50.1 | 44 | 25 | 19 | 3 | 24 | 52 | 1.351 | 2.17 |
| 2011 | 18 | NORW | A- | 2 | 5 | 5.44 | 9 | 48.0 | 53 | 37 | 29 | 7 | 27 | 43 | 1.667 | 1.59 |
| 2012 | 19 | SALL | A | 6 | 8 | 4.63 | 20 | 105.0 | 97 | 61 | 54 | 8 | 62 | 97 | 1.514 | 1.56 |
| 2013 | 20 | CARL | A+ | 1 | 2 | 4.50 | 4 | 16.0 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 22 | 1.125 | 2.75 |
| 4 Seasons | 12 | 16 | 4.51 | 45 | 219.1 | 204 | 131 | 110 | 20 | 121 | 214 | 1.482 | 1.77 | |||
If you read the Baseball America Hot Sheet, you’d know that Payano was ranked in the Helium Watch on the 4/19 version of the site’s weekly list. I’m buying. While Payano struggled in his start last night (1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 5 ER, 0 K), the 6’5″, 185 pound 20-year-old has a fastball that has been clocked in the mid-90′s. While the Rangers minor league system is top heavy with Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt in Triple-A Round Rock, they need an arm to hit after waiting several years while Martin Perez plateaued. Payano is a guy with improving overall statistics who could be on his way to an outstanding season. The Carolina League is known to be tough on hitters, so this is the perfect spot for Payano to increase his standing within the prospect world.
Rafael Montero, RHP, New York Mets
| Year | Age | Lg | Lev | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 20 | 4 Lgs | FRk-Rk-A- | 5 | 4 | 2.15 | 12 | 71.0 | 55 | 23 | 17 | 4 | 13 | 66 | 0.958 | 5.08 |
| 2011 | 20 | DOSL | FRk | 1 | 1 | 1.00 | 4 | 18.0 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 0.389 | |
| 2011 | 20 | APPY | Rk | 2 | 1 | 4.24 | 4 | 17.0 | 17 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 1.353 | 1.50 |
| 2011 | 20 | GULF | Rk | 1 | 2 | 1.45 | 4 | 31.0 | 28 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 32 | 1.097 | 5.33 |
| 2011 | 20 | NYPL | A- | 1 | 0 | 3.60 | 0 | 5.0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0.800 | 5.00 |
| 2012 | 21 | 2 Lgs | A-A+ | 11 | 5 | 2.36 | 20 | 122.0 | 96 | 37 | 32 | 6 | 19 | 110 | 0.943 | 5.79 |
| 2012 | 21 | SALL | A | 6 | 3 | 2.52 | 12 | 71.1 | 61 | 24 | 20 | 4 | 8 | 54 | 0.967 | 6.75 |
| 2012 | 21 | FLOR | A+ | 5 | 2 | 2.13 | 8 | 50.2 | 35 | 13 | 12 | 2 | 11 | 56 | 0.908 | 5.09 |
| 2013 | 22 | EL | AA | 3 | 0 | 1.59 | 4 | 22.2 | 15 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 27 | 0.706 | 27.00 |
| 3 Seasons | 19 | 9 | 2.21 | 36 | 215.2 | 166 | 64 | 53 | 11 | 33 | 203 | 0.923 | 6.15 | |||
The Mets have sat on scrub pitchers like John Maine, Jeremy Hefner, and Mike Pelfrey over the years, losing on free agent gambles and trades (I’m looking at you, Johan Santana), while watching groups of pitching prospects (Isringhausen, Pulsipher, and Wilson) bomb. Now, Matt Harvey has become an instant ace and the club is waiting for Zack Wheeler to figure out how to throw strikes again. In the meantime, feast your eyes on this beauty. Montero was ranked as the No.8 prospect in the Mets system by MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo and No.5 by Baseball America. His career K:BB rate is absolutely staggering for a young arm, but it is the WHIP that should strike you, as he seems to dominate wherever he goes. Late last season, his K/9 finally went over 9.0 in his stint in High-A and he has maintained the strikeouts while moving up to Double-A. He could become useful to the Mets in 2013 if they continue to miss out on production from their current rotation and pitching in Citi Field will only help his ability to baffle his opponents.
Joc Pederson, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
| Year | Age | Lg | Lev | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 18 | ARIZ | Rk | 3 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | .000 | .417 | .000 | .417 | 0 |
| 2011 | 19 | 2 Lgs | Rk-A | 84 | 370 | 316 | 58 | 102 | 20 | 2 | 11 | 65 | 26 | 43 | 63 | .323 | .407 | .503 | .910 | 159 |
| 2011 | 19 | PION | Rk | 68 | 310 | 266 | 54 | 94 | 20 | 2 | 11 | 64 | 24 | 36 | 54 | .353 | .429 | .568 | .997 | 151 |
| 2011 | 19 | MIDW | A | 16 | 60 | 50 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 9 | .160 | .288 | .160 | .448 | 8 |
| 2012 | 20 | CALL | A+ | 110 | 499 | 434 | 96 | 136 | 26 | 4 | 18 | 70 | 26 | 51 | 81 | .313 | .396 | .516 | .913 | 224 |
| 2013 | 21 | SOUL | AA | 18 | 78 | 70 | 18 | 22 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 10 | .314 | .372 | .671 | 1.043 | 47 |
| 4 Seasons | 215 | 959 | 827 | 173 | 260 | 52 | 8 | 34 | 148 | 58 | 105 | 159 | .314 | .399 | .520 | .918 | 430 | |||
Can you say “TRADE BAIT”? I knew you could. With Matt Kemp, Carl Crawford, and Andre Ethier signed to long-term contracts, there won’t be anywhere for Pederson to play in Los Angeles. It’s a shame, too, because he has the potential to become a very useful player when he reaches the bigs. With a solid approach at the plate, speed, and power, he could be an excellent asset for the bottomless pit of payroll that the Dodgers could take on through a trade this season. Pederson and Yasiel Puig are two of the most exciting bats in the entire minor leagues right now and they and neither of them have a role in L.A. unless the Dodgers are able to deal Andre Ethier and his bad contract (opinion or fact?). I cut him in my dynasty league because he was blocked by so many other players, especially with Puig’s amazing spring, but I’ve come to regret it already.
Arismendy Alcantara, SS, Chicago Cubs
| Year | Age | Lg | Lev | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | TB | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 17 | DOSL | FRk | 65 | 293 | 258 | 44 | 71 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 32 | 20 | 30 | 47 | .275 | .349 | .415 | .764 | 107 |
| 2010 | 18 | NORW | A- | 59 | 235 | 219 | 29 | 62 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 24 | 7 | 10 | 53 | .283 | .315 | .402 | .716 | 88 |
| 2011 | 19 | MIDW | A | 99 | 390 | 369 | 45 | 100 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 37 | 8 | 16 | 76 | .271 | .303 | .352 | .655 | 130 |
| 2012 | 20 | FLOR | A+ | 85 | 359 | 331 | 47 | 100 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 51 | 25 | 19 | 61 | .302 | .339 | .447 | .786 | 148 |
| 2013 | 21 | SOUL | AA | 19 | 88 | 76 | 13 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 21 | .276 | .356 | .447 | .804 | 34 |
| 5 Seasons | 327 | 1365 | 1253 | 178 | 354 | 44 | 26 | 19 | 157 | 71 | 85 | 258 | .283 | .328 | .405 | .733 | 507 | |||
Like Pederson, another player who seems to be blocked. Between Starlin Castro and super-prospect Javier Baez coming up behind him, Alcantara could find himself being moved to second or the outfield, but he should be able to stick with the Cubs organization. Like most Cubs prospects, Alcantara is a free-swinger, but he has already increased his walk rate this season from 5.3 percent in 2012 to 11.4 percent this season. While the season is still young and he could fall back to his career norms, it is also nice to see that Alcantara has four home runs in the early going. With a lot of top-notch talent coming up around him, Alcantara is someone to monitor to figure out just where he’ll end up.
Alex Wood, LHP, Atlanta Braves
| Year | Age | Lg | Lev | W | L | GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 21 | SALL | A | 4 | 3 | 2.22 | 13 | 52.2 | 39 | 18 | 13 | 1 | 14 | 52 | 1.006 | 3.71 |
| 2013 | 22 | SOUL | AA | 0 | 1 | 0.82 | 4 | 22.0 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 25 | 0.818 | 6.25 |
| 2 Seasons | 4 | 4 | 1.81 | 17 | 74.2 | 53 | 20 | 15 | 1 | 18 | 77 | 0.951 | 4.28 | |||
“In Atlanta I Trust”. The Braves are still amazing arm producers, so when you see a big lefty with a mid-90′s fastball in the Atlanta system who has posted the kinds of numbers that Wood has in his first 74.2 professional innings, you have to take notice. Ranked as the No.6 prospect in the Braves system by MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, Wood team’s with the No.3 rated J.R. Graham for Double-A Mississippi right now to form a devastating duo for the Braves. Julio Teheran has been a roller coaster after an excellent spring and Brandon Beachy will be back from Tommy John surgery in June, so the Braves can have some patience with Wood and Graham, but if Wood continues to keep runners off of base, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get moved to the bullpen with the recent Jonny Venters injury.
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Week One Statistics to Impress
One week has gone by since baseball returned to bring joy to the world. After about six games for each team, there are some interesting stats to get excited about or become worried about, which ever reaction you deem necessary for your team.
* Zack Cozart is 2nd in MLB in Total Bases.
Cozart’s current .455/.520/.864 is very impressive and he was already a Rookie of the Year candidate before opening eyes this week. He should continue to hit with a solid lineup and a nice home park…the fact that he is hitting 2nd in the Reds lineup already is an excellent sign for his production, with some guy named Votto behind him.
Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Shortstops
Overall rankings will consist of the player’s value in a points format, earning points for each H, R, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI, basically a formula of Total Bases + RBI + Runs = Total Value. Here are the rankings for 2B, projections are italicized:
Shortstop is getting to be extremely shallow in fantasy. It is filled with injury risks and aging veterans. Gone are the days of several superstars, which has been gone since ARod moved to third and Nomar was traded to the Cubs.
1. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies
.302/.372/.544, 36 2B, 2 3B, 30 HR, 105 RBI, 9 SB in 537 AB
.313/.394/.559, 38 2B, 3 3B, 34 HR, 112 RBI, 4 SB in 589 AB
There is one elite player at this position and Tulowitzki is it. For all of the hype that has gone to Jose Reyes and his mega-Free Agency this offseason, he isn’t the difference maker that Tulo is. He is a power-hitting SS and he will be the only SS with 100 RBI in 2012. If you don’t get him, you’re going to settle for the rest.
2. Starlin Castro, Cubs
.307/.341/.432, 36 2B, 9 3B, 10 HR, 66 RBI, 22 SB in 674 AB
.298/.347/.461, 38 2B, 7 3B, 16 HR, 71 RBI, 18 SB in 647 AB
Castro only had 207 hits in his first full season. He is probably not going to be a long-term hit machine, as he is going to fill into a player with more power, possibly even moving to third base. He is more of a certainty than others who come after him, like…
3. Jose Reyes, Marlins
.337/.384/.493, 31 2B, 16 3B, 7 HR, 44 RBI, 39 SB in 537 AB
.301/.365/.449, 29 2B, 8 3B, 4 HR, 36 RBI, 21 SB in 467 AB
Reyes is an excellent player and a game-changing talent, but he isn’t on the field enough to be taken seriously. While he’s been on the field more than someone like Rickie Weeks in his career, you have to wonder how his speed game is going to hold up as he ages, as it hasn’t held up in his youth. The constant nagging injuries will take away from his value, as will the spacious ballpark that he is going to be playing in from his already non-Tulo power stats. With that being said, he could prove me wrong and repeat what he did in 2011 for several years and be elite…but why would you count on that?
4. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians
.273/.332/.460, 32 2B, 3 3B, 25 HR, 92 RBI, 17 SB in 604 AB
.281/.341/.459, 36 2B, 2 3B, 18 HR, 81 RBI, 13 SB in 587 AB
Well…that came out of nowhere. You have to wonder if this power-hitting, team carrying type of player is here to stay. He was injured for the previous couple of seasons. Can he make adjustments, though? He hit just .244/.310/.419 in the 2nd half of 2011. He’s still well-above average with a decline, but it won’t be as drastic as some believe.
5. J.J. Hardy, Orioles
.269/.310/.491, 27 2B, 30 HR, 80 RBI in 527 AB
.259/.314/.486, 24 2B, 29 HR, 76 RBi in 564 AB
Remember the scoring. He isn’t a top five SS in most leagues due to the average and lack of running ability; however, his power is very, very valuable at his position. Hardy is playing in a bandbox still and he will continue to hit homeruns, post low averages, and strikeout with Mark Reynolds.
6. Jhonny Peralta, Tigers
.299/.345/.478, 25 2B, 3 3B, 21 HR, 86 RBI in 525 AB
.287/.338/.479, 28 2B, 2 3B, 22 HR, 86 RBI in 563 AB
Peralta isn’t a SS…but the Tigers gave up on defense for the offensive power. They may have the worst left side of the infield in the history of baseball in 2012, but fantasy baseball doesn’t count range factor and errors. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs and should build on his successful 2011 season.
7. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
.268/.338/.399, 22 2B, 2 3B, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 30 SB in 567 AB
.280/.340/.411, 26 2B, 4 3B, 13 HR, 68 RBI, 24 SB in 584 AB
J-Roll still has another good year in him, but he is of the same pedigree as Jose Reyes – speed + injuries = worthlessness. Buyer beware, but the Phillies are counting on him to build off of 2011 as the age of their offensive core increases quicker than the National debt.
8. Yunel Escobar, Blue Jays
.290/.369/.413, 24 2B, 3 3B, 11 HR, 48 RBI, 3 SB in 513 AB
.284/.376/.422, 27 2B, 4 3B, 14 HR, 56 RBI, 5 SB in 562 AB
Escobar is a real pain in the ass. He got traded from Atlanta due to attitude issues and seems to not care at times. If he bothered putting out maximum effort, he could rank as high as 3rd on this list. He has quite a lineup around him, so if he puts it all together, don’t be shocked.
9. Derek Jeter, Yankees
.297/.355/.388, 24 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 61 RBI, 16 sB in 546 AB
.307/.364/.408, 29 2B, 4 3B, 11 HR, 65 RBI, 13 SB in 573 AB
The Captain isn’t as bad as people think. He still posted a decent AVG and OBP last season, though the SLG got ugly quick. He isn’t getting any younger, but he still has the lineup around him and the ability to play every day. He should rebound a bit.
10. Elvis Andrus, Rangers
.279/.347/.361, 27 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 60 RBI, 37 SB in 587 AB
.287/.356/.394, 32 2B, 4 3B, 7 HR, 64 RBI, 42 SB in 593 AB
Andrus is still very young and is in a fantastic lineup and ballpark. He has a solid eye and should improve upon his 75.5% SB rate. The power is lacking, but he does enough small things to get you points.
11. Erick Aybar, Angels
.279/.322/.421, 33 2B, 8 3B, 10 HR, 59 RBI, 30 SB in 556 AB
.268/.313/.406, 29 2B, 5 3B, 7 HR, 48 RBI, 24 SB in 498 AB
If Trumbo is going to play third and Mike Scoscia is still in charge, Maicer Izturis is going to steal Aybar’s playing time from time to time. Slight drop-off due to that decrease.
12. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox
.269/.328/.399, 31 2B, 2 3B, 15 HR, 70 RBI, 7 SB in 614 AB
.264/.325/.403, 30 2B, 1 3B, 18 HR, 67 RBI, 5 SB in 598 AB
13. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks
.252/.317/.396, 21 2B, 5 3B, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 4 SB in 321 AB
.269/.328/.403, 24 2B, 3 3B, 11 HR, 61 RBI, 3 SB in 461 AB
Those Drew boys never stay healthy. If he comes back healthy, he could post solid numbers, but he may have issues staying in the lineup due to his last name.
14. Zack Cozart, Reds
.324/.324/.486, 2 HR, 3 RBI in 37 AB
.259/.327/.403, 21 2B, 4 3B, 14 HR, 49 RBI, 6 SB in 498 AB
Sleeper like crazy here. He isn’t going to post an incredible average, but Cozart has some pop and plays in a great offense and ballpark. He could do even more than the numbers listed above…or…Dusty Baker’s veteran-loving-ass could play Paul Janish over him…ugh.
15. Sean Rodriguez, Rays
.223/.323/.357, 20 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 11 SB in 373 AB
.241/.336/.374, 26 2B, 5 3B, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 19 SB in 471 AB
The Rest: Ian Desmond, Nationals; Alex Gonzalez, Brewers; Alcides Escobar, Royals; Jed Lowrie, Astros; Dee Gordon, Dodgers; Jason Bartlett, Padres; Ryan Theriot, Giants; Rafael Furcal, Cardinals; Cliff Pennington, A’s; Mike Aviles, Red Sox;
