Results tagged ‘ Taijuan Walker ’
Diamondbacks “Settle” on a Trade for Upton
The Arizona Diamondbacks just couldn’t help themselves. They just had to get rid of 25-year-old right fielder Justin Upton this offseason, and they finally found the right deal, which appeared to be any deal when the sent the potential MVP-candidate to Atlanta, with third baseman Chris Johnson, for Martin Prado, Randall Delgado, Nick Ahmed, Brandon Drury, and Zeke Spruill on Thursday afternoon.
Upton, a two-time All-Star who finished 4th in NL MVP voting in 2011, is due $38.5 million between 2013 and 2015 before he reaches free agency. Considering the Diamondbacks thought that Cody Ross was worth $9.5 million per season from 2014 through 2016 (when he’ll turn 35), it seems completely unreasonable that the team felt that Upton wasn’t worth $12.8 million per season over the next three years before he turns 27 and can cash in again. Ross had a fine 2012 season, but is the potential that Upton brings not worth the extra $3.3 million that they would have paid Upton per season, had they not signed Ross to join an already-crowded outfield?
While B.J. Upton has been quite unpredictable when it comes to his consistency, he was still worth a five-year, $75.25 million deal this winter. It just seems unreasonable for the Diamondbacks to have rid themselves of the talented, young slugger, given his 108 home runs, 80 stolen bases, and .832 OPS in his six seasons, Kirk Gibson, the Diamondbacks’ manager, or Kevin Towers, their General Manager, must have had some personal belief that Upton wasn’t going to improve.
Maybe someone in Arizona should read what Keith Law thinks of Upton’s 2012 season:
Upton has some of the best bat speed and the strongest wrists in the game, generating hard contact and easy power, similar to Andrew McCutchen when he’s squaring up the ball consistently. In 2012, Upton’s timing was off for much of the year, and he was popping up a lot of pitches on the inner half that, the year before, he would have driven to the left-center gap or out of the park. Much of this probably was tied to a thumb injury he suffered in the third game of the season but never addressed with time off. Hand injuries of any sort tend to sap power by reducing a hitter’s ability to make hard contact, and that was a major issue for Upton all year.
Martin Prado is a solid major-leaguer, one of the better contact hitters in all of MLB, but he certainly shouldn’t have been a centerpiece to a Justin Upton trade. Randall Delgado, who turns 23 in February, has a solid 3.95 ERA over 127.2 innings and he has the potential to become a solid No.2 or No.3 starter for Arizona. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Diamondbacks will flip Nick Ahmed, with a pitching prospect, to the Detroit Tigers for Rick Porcello. Spruill has back-end starter or long relief in his future, while Drury has struggled to make consistent contact and lacks plate discipline.
The package that the Diamondbacks received from Atlanta was a far cry from the offer that the Seattle Mariners supposedly made (Taijuan Walker, Nick Franklin, Charlie Furbush, and Stephen Pryor), but you can’t blame Arizona since Upton had the ability to veto the trade, and he did.
The Diamondbacks have made some interesting moves this winter, dumping Upton today and Trevor Bauer earlier this winter in their three-way deal with Cincinnati and Cleveland. Were these deals purging of players that weren’t willing to mold to the goals of management at the expense of acquiring equal talent in return? It certainly looks that way on paper.
Upton apparently needed a change of scenery and the Diamondbacks seemed to do whatever it took, even taking a lesser offer, to help make that happen. The team was forced to make the deal when they signed Cody Ross and as the season crept closer, Upton’s value and his potential suitors seemed to be dwindling. Unfortunately, this offer was probably the best that they could do, and it is another example of indecisiveness and a lack of direction for a team that appeared to have built a strong minor league system to match production at the major league level in recent seasons.
What Are the Mariners Doing?
Courtesy: seattletimes.com
Last year, the Seattle Mariners finished 75-87, last place in the AL West, a spot that they have held for seven of the last ten years. What are the Mariners doing to build a contender?
Not much.
The club is loaded with pitching prospects, like Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen, Brandon Maurer, and James Paxton, and they have collected some fine offensive prospects, like Mike Zunino, Nick Franklin, and Brad Miller along the way. With Jesus Montero being added last season and the ascension of Dustin Ackley to the majors, you would think that the Mariners were building for a run in 2015.
However, that can’t be the case after the club has traded for Kendrys Morales and Mike Morse, both free agents after the 2013 season. While the club gave up John Jaso to get Morse and Jason Vargas to get Morales, the Mariners left themselves with some question marks.
With Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, Erasmo Ramirez, and Blake Beaven penciled into the rotation, the club may have to rely on Hector Noesi, Hultzen, or Paxton in the rotation to start the year. Noesi was 2-12 with a 5.82 ERA for the M’s in 2012, Hultzen was just 1-4 with a 5.92 ERA in 12 Triple-A starts in 2012, and Paxton would be jumping to the majors from Double-A. While Vargas isn’t close to being considered an ace, the Mariners will have a tough time replacing the 217 innings and 3.85 ERA that he provided last year.
After trading Jaso to Oakland, the Mariners only have Jesus Montero at catcher. Montero, who turned 23 in November, caught in just 56 games in 2012, throwing out 17 percent of base runners and posting a -8 Rtot (runs below average that he was worth defensively). While his bat has great potential, Montero is not an everyday catcher at the major league level.
Add in the Jason Bay and Raul Ibanez signings to the trades that Seattle has made, and the club is loaded with mediocrity.
There are two examples of their everyday lineup that I have found:
C: Montero C: Montero
1B: Morse 1B: Smoak
2B: Ackley 2B: Ackley
3B: Seager 3B: Seager
SS: Ryan SS: Ryan
LF: Ibanez LF: Morse
CF: Gutierrez CF: Gutierrez
RF: Saunders RF: Saunders
DH: Morales DH: Morales
Example one is eliminating Justin Smoak from the equation. Smoak has over 1,200 at-bats and has a career slash of .223/.306/.377 line, but he is just 26 years old and he posted a .341/.426/.580 in September, showing a glimpse of what he can do when he is healthy, and he has battled a thumb issue for the last couple of seasons.
Example two eliminates Raul Ibanez from the lineup. Ibanez has had great success in Seattle, having played 10 of his 17 seasons with the Mariners, but at the age of 41, he may just be a situational talent.
The Mariners could really use a catcher. If the club was able to deal Smoak to Boston for Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Ryan Lavarnway, the Mariners could then move Montero to DH, Morales to first, and Morse can play left field. The Red Sox only have Mauro Gomez at first base right now, so the deal would make sense for both clubs, as the Sox have David Ross and whatever catcher they don’t trade to roster.
The M’s could also rush Mike Zunino, who was the top college player in last year’s MLB draft. Zunino could take over at catcher, allowing for the same moves with Morales and Morse as above, while the club could keep Smoak around in case of an injury. Zunino had 51 at-bats in Double-A last year, so he could use some more seasoning in the minors, but he could be a better option behind the plate than Montero already.
Regardless of the moves at catcher that the Mariners could make, the additions that the club has made have not been stellar.
Morse has a powerful bat but he has issues making contact, having posted a 223:52 K:BB while hitting 49 home runs over 928 at-bats over the last two seasons. Turning 31 years old in March, Morse has two seasons with a WAR over 1.0 (1.2 in 2010 and 3.1 in 2011), so one has to wonder if his 2011 season (with 31 home runs and a .910 OPS) was his peak.
Ibanez is not a player that a rebuilding team needs. His age and declining skills limit his potential.
Morales rebounded nicely after missing nearly two years due to injury, posting a .787 OPS. In 2009, Morales posted a .924 OPS and he had an .833 OPS in 2010 prior to his celebratory injury. Is the drop in production due to his injury, timing issues due to being away from the game, or pressing to hit at the levels that he did in 2009? Can he reach those numbers when he is playing half of his games in Seattle?
Add in the interest that the Mariners have in Justin Upton and the supposed offer (Taijuan Walker, Nick Franklin, Stephen Pryor, and Charlie Furbush) that they made, and the team seemingly has no long-term or short-term direction. The Mariners pitching, as it stands, is questionable at best. If the team is rebuilding, why would they offer two of their top five prospects instead of cashing in on any of their veterans that have value, even Felix Hernandez?
While John Jaso and Jason Vargas aren’t superstars, you have to wonder if the club would have been better off with the two players still on their roster. While they wouldn’t have made many moves to improve upon their last place finish from 2012, the Mariners wouldn’t have question marks all over the field like they do right now.
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
