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Post by AstrosGM on Nov 16, 2013 16:16:34 GMT -6
Prospects Acquired: Brett DeVall (prospect) Luis Exposito (prospect) David Mailman (prospect) Kellen Kulbacki, OF SD Logan Forsythe, 3B SD Yefri Carvajal, OF SD Randal Grichuk, OF LAA Chris Owings, SS ARI Christian Yelich | OF l Westlake HS Brett Eibner (traded) Cody Buckel, SP TX JD Martinez (LF-HOU) -Prospect- Tyler Thornburg (RHP-MIL) -Prospect- Osmel Perez (RHP-MIL) -Prospect- Alex Cobb SP TB Brett Nommensen OF TB Mikie Mahtook | LSU | OF (Rays) Dan Vogelbach | Bishop Verot HS, Fort Myers | 1B (Cubs) Carlos Correa l SS l PR Baseball Academy (Astros) Stephen Piscotty l 3B l Stanford (Cardinals) Ty Buttrey | RHP | Providence HS (Red Sox) Kyle McPherson SP PIT Dilson Herrera | 2B | PIT Jared Lakind 1B PIT Braden Shipley | RHP | Nevada (ARI) Austin Wilson | OF | Stanford (SEA) Rowdy Tellez | 1B | Elk Grove HS (TOR) Jose Urena | OF | SD Franmil Reyes | OF | SD Grant Holmes | RHP | Conway, SC (LAD) Bobby Bradley | 1B | Harrison Central HS (CLE) Jakson Reetz | C | Norris HS (WAS) Nick Plummer | OF | Brother Rice HS (STL) Demi Orimoloye | RF | St. Matthew Catholic SS (MIL) Bryce Denton | 3B | Ravenwood HS (STL) Heath Quinn l OF l Samford (SFG) Nolan Williams | SS | Homeschool (LAA) Joey Wentz | LHP | Shawnee Mission East HS (ATL) - Traded D.L. Hall | LHP | Valdosta (Ga.) HS GA (BAL) Ryan Vilade | 3B | Stillwater (Okla.) HS (COL) Cole Brannen | OF | The Westfield School, Perry, Ga. (BOS) Triston Casas | 3B | American Heritage (BOS) Cadyn Grenier SS Oregon State (BAL) Nick Northcutt | 3B | (BOS) Connor Kaiser | SS | PIT Hunter Bishop | OF | Arizona State (SF) Rece Hinds | SS | IMG (CIN) Sammy Siani | OF | William Penn Charter (PIT) Nick Gonzalez | SS | New Mexico State (PIT) Jared Kelley | P | Refugio HS (CHW) Masyn Winn | SS | Kingwood HS (STL) Colt Keith | 3B | Biloxi HS (DET)
Players lost in FYPD Kyle Gibson Alex Wimmers Levi Michael | North Carolina | SS (Twins) Travis Harrison | 3B | Tustin (Calif.) HS (Twins) Byron Buxton | OF | Appling County HS (Twins) Jose O. Berrios | RHP | Papa Juan HS (Twins) Adam Brett Walker | 1B/OF | Jacksonville (Twins) Luke Bard | RHP | Georgia Institute of Technology (Twins) Kohl Stewart | RHP | St. Pius X HS (MIN) Ryan Eades | RHP | LSU (MIN) Nick Gordon, SS, Olympia HS Nick Burdi, RHP, Louisville Michael Cederoth, RHP, San Diego State Tyler Jay | LHP | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (MIN) Travis Blankenhorn | 3B | Pottsville HS (MIN) Alex Kiriloff | OF | Plum HS (MIN) Akil Baddoo | OF | Salem HS (MIN) Jose Miranda | SS | Leadership Christian Academy (MIN) Ben Rortvedt | C | Verona HS (MIN) Royce Lewis | SS | JSerra Catholic HS (MIN) Brent Rooker | OF | Mississippi State (MIN) Blayne Enlow | RHP | St. Amant (La.) HS (MIN) Landon Leach | RHP | Pickering HS, Ajax, Ont. (MIN) MIN Trevor Larnach OF Oregon State MIN Ryan Jeffers C North Carolina Wilmington Keoni Cavaco | SS | Eastlake HS. (MIN) Matt Wallner | OF | Southern Miss (MIN) Matt Canterino | RHP | Rice (MIN) Spencer Steer | SS | Oregon (MIN) Aaron Sabato | 1B | North Carolina (MIN) Alerick Soulaire | OF | Tennessee (MIN)
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Post by AstrosGM on Nov 16, 2013 16:16:59 GMT -6
1) Miguel Sano, 3B, Grade A-: I think he will be a monster power hitter. Questions about defense persist, and we'll have to see what his batting average looks like, but I am optimistic that he will make the necessary adjustments as he moves up.
2) Christian Yelich, OF, Grade A-: Borderline A. We'll have to see how much home run power he carries forward, but otherwise he'll contribute in every department and thrived in High-A at age 20. Hits for average, gets on base, has at least moderate power, swipes bags, plays well in center field.
2) Aaron Hicks, OF, Grade B: Substantial progress refining his hitting skills last year, tapping into his power more readily. Patience, speed, defense are also assets. Broader skill base than Arcia, but bat isn't as potent. GRADE CHANGE: This grade was raised from B to B+ after Hicks performed strongly in spring training and won the Minnesota center field job.
2) Tyler Thornburg, RHP, Grade B: I don't think his stuff is quite as good as Peralta's, but he's got a solid three-pitch mix, a deceptive delivery, and throws strikes. Seems ready for a full trial to me.
3) Oswaldo Arcia, OF, Grade B+: Another masher. Upside isn't quite at Sano's level, but he'll be ready sooner. Venezuelan Jason Kubel.
3) Randal Grichuk, OF, Grade B-: His slash line (.298/.335/.488) was decent but not great by Cal League standards. Good power potential, baserunning and fielding have improved, but scouts still worry about complex swing being exposed at higher levels. I'm putting him ahead of Cron because he has a better balance of skills and is younger.
4) Dan Vogelbach, 1B, Grade B: Borderline B+. I'm having the courage of my convictions with this one. This guy is not just a masher, he's got excellent pure hitting skills too, and he's worked hard to get himself into better shape. Could end up as a Prince Fielderish run producer if everything maxes out.
4) Cody Buckel RHP, Grade B: He might not rank as highly on other lists, but the more I study him, the fewer reasons I find NOT to rank him this high. Strike-thrower with excellent makeup, best friends with Trevor Bauer, handled the Texas League just fine at age 20 which is not easy.
6) Eddie Rosario, 2B-OF, Grade B: A personal favorite, should hit for average, draw walks, and produce moderate power. Not sure he sticks at second base. Plays with intensity.
9) Chris Owings, SS, Grade B-: Exciting offensive tools but is held back by horrible plate discipline. Defense has improved with better reliability to go with good range and plus arm. Young enough at age 21 to improve a great deal
9) Dilson Herrera, 2B, Grade B-: Colombian showed unusually good power for a rookie ball middle infielder.
9) Max Kepler, OF, Grade B: German outfielder took huge step forward, tapping into his power and maintaining his plate discipline. Transition to full-season ball might be a challenge but I'm optimistic that the progress is real.
10) Mikie Mahtook, OF, Grade B-: I was very pro-Mahtook entering the season and I still like him, but he didn't live up to my expectations, particularly in the power department. I still see him as a solid regular but it is possible he may be more of a very good fourth outfielder.
12) Mason Melotakis, LHP, Grade B-: One of several lively relief arms drafted in 2012.
13) Kyle McPherson, RHP, Grade C+: At this point it becomes a matter of taste and you can order the C+ guys in just about any way you want with good empirical and scouty support. Strike-throwing McPherson looked good in September, could be back-of-rotation starter or a long/middle reliever. I have him a little ahead of Morris and Black on this list because he is more versatile, but they have better stuff.
14) Joe Benson, OF, Grade C+: At this point the placement on the list becomes problematic, with slots 12 through 20 being plausibly ordered in many different ways. Benson's tools (power, speed, defense) continue to stand out. The grade is generous but I'm willing to write off his poor '12 season due to injuries. He really needs to take a step forward in '13, given the outfielders coming up behind him.
15) Jorge Polanco, 2B-SS, Grade C+: Big bonus ($750,000) signee from Dominican Republic in 2009 took a huge step forward with strong season for Elizabethton thanks to better strength and physical maturity. Very good with the glove at second base.
16) Niko Goodrum, SS, Grade C+: Made incremental progress refining his tools. Needs to take a step forward in '13 as he moves up to full-season baseball after two years in the Appy League.
17) J.T. Chargois, RHP, Grade C+: Another relief arm from 2012 draft, has closer potential (as do Bard and Melotakis) and should move through system rapidly.
18) Zack Jones, RHP, Grade C+: Another bullpen prospect from 2012 draft, performed well at Beloit and touched 100 MPH in instructional league, though secondary pitches need some work.
19) Michael Tonkin, RHP, Grade C+: Another relief prospect whiffed 97 in just 69 innings in A-ball this year due to improved command of 92-95 MPH fastball and nasty slider. Pitching well in Arizona Fall League.
21) D.J. Baxendale, RHP, Grade C+: Excellent pro debut, polished, would rank higher if he threw harder, but knows how to pitch and will make short work of A-ball.
22) Nate Roberts, OF, Grade C+: Has been held back by injuries and was old for the Midwest League, but has a smooth swing, excellent plate discipline, can swipe a base, and is tearing up the Arizona Fall League.
23) Corey Williams, LHP, Grade C+: Another relief prospect features plus stuff from left side, still working to refine command, extremely tough on left-handed hitters.
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Post by AstrosGM on Feb 5, 2014 23:08:50 GMT -6
1) Carlos Correa, SS, Grade A: I love this guy. The only negative is that he won’t steal many bases, but he will hit for average, get on base, will steadily improve his power production, and is a very, very good defender at shortstop who would be an elite gloveman at third base if he moves there eventually. He also has tremendous makeup and is still just 19.
2) Miguel Sano, 3B, Grade A: Power-mashing beast, comparable to a young Miguel Cabrera. He may not hit for the high averages that the mature Cabrera has produced, but power should be similar. Sano has made a lot of progress with the glove and a move to first base is not automatic. ETA: late 2014.
2) Braden Shipley, RHP, Grade B+: Former college shortstop took easily to pitching and earned his way into 2013 first round. Three quality pitches with 90s heat, curve, changeup, and he throws strikes. Mid-rotation potential.
4) Stephen Piscotty, OF, Grade B+: Refined approach at the plate, only question is how much of his raw power becomes genuine home run production, which seems a typical issue with Stanford products. Personally I’m optimistic he can get to 20 homers someday with strong OBP contribution.
3) Chris Owings, SS, Grade B: Pacific Coast League MVP held his own during big league trial. Won’ t hit .330 in the majors like he did at Reno and his OBP could be troublesome due to low walk rate, but should deliver some power and speed contributions and provide solid glovework.
5) Eddie Rosario, 2B, Grade B: Solid line drive hitter with consistently good production through the Double-A level. Converted outfielder has made good progress learning second base. Strong makeup adds to package. Development of Brian Dozier means the Twins won't have to rush Rosario. ETA: late 2014.
9) Dan Vogelbach, 1B, Grade B: Yes, everyone knows he's 6-0, 260, and he'll always have to work hard to keep the weight from getting out of control. His bat is excellent though: not just a power hitter, he has pure hitting skills with a great batting eye and better knack for contact than most young sluggers.
6) Austin Wilson, OF, Grade B-. Great athlete with a high ceiling as a complete player, but contact issues and erratic track record make ranking difficult. Hitting well in the early going in the Midwest League. Could be a star or a Triple-A flameout. What is the deal with Stanford anyway?
7) Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Grade B-: Australian lefty dominated the Gulf Coast League after gaining 5 MPH on his fastball and improving his secondary offerings including slider, curve, and change. A long way off at age 17, but GCL sources loved him, see mid-rotation upside, and possibly more. ETA: 2017.
8) Josmil Pinto, C, Grade B-: Age 24, this Venezuelan catcher has hit the snot out of the ball for two years while improving his glovework. He looked excellent with the bat during September trial with the Twins, but is still underrated/overlooked as a prospect. Even with a so-so glove the bat will play. ETA: 2014.
9) Randal Grichuk, OF, Grade B-: Acquired from the Angels in the Bourjos trade. This guy can be awful good if he makes just a bit more progress with the strike zone and I think the Cardinals are a good place for him to do that. Could be a real steal, and hey, he’s 4-for-9 so far in Triple-A with a home run.
9) Jorge Polanco, INF, Grade B-: Solid switch-hitter showed gap power and hit .308 with decent strike zone judgment in Low-A at age 20, along with defensive versatility. Good athlete, has a chance to develop into a regular second baseman or a fine super-utility man, perhaps more. ETA: 2016.
10) Max Kepler, OF, Grade B-: German-born outfielder was inconsistent but flashed good hitting skills in Midwest League despite missing half of the season with elbow problems. Needs to resolve difficulties against left-handed pitching and improve his defense, but I still like him. ETA: late 2016.
14) Michael Tonkin, RHP, Grade C+: At this point on the list, the rankings get more flexible: you can make a case for slotting any of the Grade C+ guys from about 14 on, so don't sweat the exact placements. Tonkin is a hard-throwing reliever who has performed well the last two seasons and has little left to learn in the minors. He should slot into the Minnesota bullpen and might get a shot at closing games somewhere eventually. ETA: 2014.
15) Danny Santana, SS, Grade C+: Speedy switch-hitter had solid Double-A campaign. Erratic but promising on defense, can swipe a base, needs to sharpen OBP ability to make it as a regular but could be a fine utility player with disruptive speed and valuable glove. ETA: late 2014.
16) Kennys Vargas, 1B, Grade C+: Switch-hitter from Puerto Rico with excellent power, hit 19 homers and 33 doubles in High-A and has some feel for hitting. Would rank higher but his glove is quite poor and he may be a born DH who finds it hard to slot into a position. ETA: 2016.
17) Felix Jorge, RHP, Grade C+: Dominican right-hander dominated the Appalachian League, throws strikes, and has enough stuff to be a mid-rotation starter with proper development. I wouldn't expect him to be rushed, but he could rank much higher on this list next year. ETA: 2017.
18) Zack Jones, RHP, Grade C+: Saved 14 games in High-A with excellent strikeout numbers, has been clocked as high as 100 MPH. Command needs work; currently pitching in the Arizona Fall League and should begin '14 in Double-A. Potential closer option. You can make a case to rank him as high as 13. ETA: mid-to-late 2015.
19) Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Grade C+: Fourth round pick in 2013 looks like a real bargain; mechanical problems in high school sapped his velocity but this wasn't an issue in pro ball and he dominated the rookie levels in a short stint, fanning 39 in 28 innings with a 0.95 ERA. Could rank much higher once he gets some innings in. ETA: 2017.
20) Ty Buttrey, RHP, Grade C+: Here’s another guy who could become a mid-rotation arm; needs work with his secondary pitches.
OTHER GRADE C+: Rowdy Tellez, 1B; Niko Goodrum, SS; Mason Melotakis, LHP; Taylor Rogers, LHP; Miguel Sulbaran, LHP
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Post by AstrosGM on Dec 21, 2014 11:38:47 GMT -6
2015 Twins prospects:
1) Carlos Correa, SS, Grade A: Age 20, hit .325/.416/.510 in 62 games in High-A before going down with a broken leg. Perhaps the top position player prospect in all of baseball, a multi-tooled, multi-skilled shortstop with excellent makeup who can hit for average, hit for power, steal bases, and play sound defense. Just needs to stay healthy.
2) Miguel Sano, 3B, Grade A-: Season lost due to Tommy John surgery. That shouldn’t have a long-term impact on his hitting. Questions remain unanswered about defense and what his batting average/OBP will look like against the best pitching, but enormous power keeps him at premium prospect level. ETA: late 2015.
3) Braden Shipley, RHP, Grade B+: Age 22, 3.86 ERA with 127/42 K/BB in 126 innings at three levels. Paired with Blair, more of a pure athlete than Blair, also projects as a number three starter, similar stuff to Blair with low/mid-90s heat, good changeup, good curve. Not quite as overpowering but has better command.
4) Grant Holmes, RHP, Grade B/Borderline B+: Age 18, posted 3.72 ERA with 58/13 K/BB in 48 innings in rookie ball, 39 hits, 2.32 GO/AO. 2014 first round pick with heavy fastball, power curve, and solid command for his age, number two starter projection assuming the change-up progresses and he stays healthy.
4) Austin Wilson, OF, Grade B/Borderline B-: Age 22, hit .291/.376/.517 with 12 homers, 26 walks, 65 strikeouts in 261 at-bats in Low-A. Was destroying the Midwest League but missed much of season with Achilles tendon injury. Second rounder in 2013. Big power, but injury-prone and has the stereotypical trouble of Stanford products: he doesn’t fully tap his raw power. He made progress with that last year before getting hurt.
5) Bobby Bradley, 1B, Grade B: Age 18, hit .361/.426/.652 in rookie ball, won Arizona Rookie League triple crown, 2014 draftee could be huge bargain in the third round, was also one of the youngest players in the draft. Doesn’t have Mejia’s defensive value but the bat looks quite strong. Also an aggressive grade.
5) Stephen Piscotty, OF, Grade B-/Borderline B: Age 24, hit .288/.355/.406 in Triple-A, OPS and wRC+ production exactly average for PCL, big guy without big power, prefers to focus on pure hitting skills. Grounded into 18 double plays. Runs well, good throwing arm. He’s a good prospect but perhaps somewhat overhyped.
6) Randall Grichuk, OF, Grade B-/Borderline B: Age 23, hit .259/.311/.493 in Triple-A with 25 homers, 28 walks, 108 strikeouts. In the majors hit .248/.278/.400 in 110 at-bats. If you could combine Piscotty’s plate discipline with Grichuk’s power you’d have an All Star slugger. However, that kind of human experimentation and genetic engineering has been banned by the United Nations.
8) Jorge Polanco, INF, Grade B-: Borderline B. Solid tools across the board, versatile, switch-hitter, has less speed than Danny Santana but potentially more power. Likely needs another year in the high minors, but a big breakout is possible. ETA: late 2015.
9) Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Grade B-: Borderline B. Classic lefty from Australia was a bit erratic in Low-A but was just 18 years old, shows low-90s fastball and a good slider and change-up when he’s on. Like teammate Stewart, there were some late-season arm worries with a sore elbow. He understandably needs more polish, but he could be the top pitching prospect on this list entering 2016 with just a little more skill growth and good health. ETA: late 2018.
10) Eddie Rosario, OF-2B, Grade B-: Tools are not as robust as Polanco’s, but up until 2014 he’s always hit very, very well. Impressive instincts and on-field effort help all of his tools play up, but a drug suspension hurt his stock with observers and adjustments to Double-A pitching have not been smooth. I still like him but some caution is warranted. ETA: late 2015.
12) Max Kepler, OF, Grade B-: Still continues to look good in uniform, has sharpened up his defense, makes contact. Power still hasn’t developed, but given unusual European background and his age (21) I still think it may. ETA: 2017.
13) Dan Vogelbach, 1B, Grade B-: Age 21, hit .268/.357/.429 with 16 homers, 66 walks in 482 at-bats in High-A, very impressive production for power-difficult Florida State League. I’m quite confident in his bat but he’s a born DH who has to work hard to stay lower than 260 pounds. Not sure how he fits in Chicago other than trade bait.
13) Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Grade B-: Strong statistical profile, projectable body, already hits 90 MPH and has a good change-up, breaking ball still developing but throws strikes and had some dominant outings down the stretch in Low-A. Just 20, could leap ahead on his list next year. ETA: 2018.
13) Jakson Reetz, C, Grade C+: Age 19, third round pick from Nebraska high school, highest ceiling among intriguing group of Nationals catching prospects, hit .274/.429/.368 in rookie ball. Good strike zone judgment, good defensive tools, needs experience. Could vault up the list next year.
15) Stuart Turner, C, Grade C+: Will rank ahead of Harrison on other lists and that’s quite logical actually: Turner is an excellent defender and that will get him to the majors even if his bat remains in its current mediocre state. If the hitting improves, he’ll get into the B- category. The slotting here is more because I think Harrison will break out rather than any slight on Turner. ETA: late 2016.
15) Franmil Reyes, OF, Grade C+: Age 19, hit .248/.301/.368 with 11 homers, 38 walks, 118 strikeouts in 508 at-bats in Low-A. High-ceiling bat but not there yet, needs polish in all phases, tighter strike zone.
18) Jake Reed, RHP, Grade C+: Another hard-throwing reliever from the college ranks, University of Oregon fifth round in 2014, up to 95, good slider, stuff not quite as powerful as Cederoth or Burdi but did a good job throwing strikes in his debut. ETA: 2017.
19) Amaurys Minier, 1B, Grade C+: HIGH CEILING ALERT: Big bonus Dominican signee from 2012 class slashed impressive .292/.405/.520 in Gulf Coast League at age 18. Raw power from the left side stands out, but scouting reports worry about his swing and approach at higher levels and his defense is troublesome. Could vault up list if he shows sufficient polish against better pitching in ’15. ETA: 2018.
20) Chih-Wei Hu, RHP, Grade C+: SLEEPER ALERT: Hasn’t received much attention outside Twins circles but there are good markers here, low-90s fastball, slider, unusual palmball, throws strikes, dominant down the stretch in Low-A at age 20. Seems like a good sleeper to me. ETA: 2018.
20) Rowdy Tellez, 1B, Grade C+/Borderline C: Age 19, hit .305/.375/.438 with 26 walks, 37 strikeouts in 233 at-bats between Bluefield and Lansing. Massive difference of opinion about this guy: some observers love him for his power potential and solid sense of the strike zone, others hate his body (listed at 6-4, 220 but looks bulkier) and point to serious defensive limitations. Let’s see what he does with a full season.
HIGH CEILING ALERT GRADE C+: Lewin Diaz, 1B SLEEPER ALERT GRADE C+: Tyler Duffey, RHP OTHER GRADE C+: Mason Melotakis, LHP; HIGH CEILING ALERT GRADE C: Huascar Ynoa, RHP SLEEPER ALERT GRADE C: Mitch Garver, C
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Post by AstrosGM on Jun 4, 2016 8:24:40 GMT -6
2016 Prospects:
3) Max Kepler, OF, Grade B+: Got stronger with physical maturity, drove ball more often while improving pitch recognition and plate discipline from decent to outstanding, dominated Double-A as a result. He’s a good outfielder, too, though he spent time at first base due to a shoulder injury. Hitting was not a fluke in my view, though he’ll need some Triple-A time. Age 22.
4) Bobby Bradley, 1B, Grade B+: Age 19, hit .264/.357/.518 with 27 homers, 57 walks, 150 strikeouts in 409 at-bats in A-ball. Enormous power, strikes out a lot but can work a count and is not just a brute-force masher, has some pure hitting skills to go with it. Not much of a glove but a special bat.
2) Braden Shipley, RHP, Grade B/B+: Age 23, posted 3.50 ERA with 118/56 K/BB in 157 innings in Double-A, 147 hits, still somewhat erratic, looks like athletic number two starter with three plus pitches (low-90s fastball, plus change, solid curve) on his best days but on a bad day he’ll get blown up quickly when his location slips. Results not always the sum of the parts but I think he gets there eventually.
8) Grant Holmes, RHP, Grade B: Age 19, posted 3.14 ERA with 117/54 K/BB in 103 innings in Low-A, 86 hits, can hit mid-90s but didn’t show as much polish as expected with secondary pitches and command. Workhorse body, needs more consistency to avoid turning into Ethan Martin.
2) Rowdy Tellez, 1B, Grade B-/B: Age 20, hit combined .289/.347/.454 between Low-A and High-A, 38 walks, 84 strikeouts in 401 at-bats. Big raw power with good pure hitting skills, defense limited but good reason to be increasingly confident about his bat. Probably won’t rank this highly on other Blue Jays prospect lists but you’ll see the logic if you keep reading, even if you disagree with it.
6) Jorge Polanco, INF, Grade B-: Switch-hitter, batted .288/.339/.386 with 19 steals between Double-A and Triple-A, competent defender at both positions up the middle, could develop more power in time, age 22.
7) Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Grade B-: Went 13-3 with 2.01 ERA, 132/53 K/BB in 134 innings between Low-A and High-A, ratios not as strong after promotion. Looks very polished at times with four potential pitches, but still somewhat erratic with location. Age 21.
11) Alex Meyer, RHP, Grade B-/C+: Got killed as a starter early due to command issues, move to relief at mid-season and that seems to be his role going forward, intimidating at 6-9 but like Burdi he needs to show more consistent command. Age 25.
12) Nick Plummer, OF, Grade B-: Age 19, first round pick from high school in Michigan, hit .228/.379/.344 with 39 walks, 56 strikeouts in 180 at-bats in rookie ball. Debut was disappointing except for the very high walk rate, matching reports of a very selective approach. Like many Cardinals prospects he has solid, non-spectacular tools but showed the instincts to use them well. I think he’s better than the early numbers indicate.
9) Mikie Mahtook, OF, Grade B-/C+: Age 26, hit just .249/.304/.366 in Triple-A (after hitting very well there in 2014) but was much better in the majors, .295/.351/.619 with nine homers in 105 at-bats. Reports from International League implied that he was pressing and "playing tight" but he looked relaxed but confident in the majors and hit great. But was he relaxed because he was hitting well, or hitting well because he was relaxed? Either way he was a lot more like the guy who was a star at LSU and a first round pick in 2011. He will not slug .619 in a full season of course but he has slightly above-average power along with good speed and a solid outfield glove. On-base approach comes and goes and he may end up being streaky, but overall should be useful role player.
12) Jermaine Palacios, SS, Grade B-/C+: Aggressive ranking but I’ll take a risk here, hit .370/.398/.540 between GCL and Appy League, age 19, reports indicate solid tools across-the-board and a chance to hit for both average and power. Glove needs work but bat may be good enough to move elsewhere.
13) Dan Vogelbach, 1B, Grade B-/C+: Age 23, hit .272/.403/.425 with seven homers, 57 walks, 61 strikeouts in 254 at-bats in Double-A. Excellent strike zone judgment with loads of power potential, but limited to first base/DH defensively by 250 pound body. Trade bait barring lots of injuries ahead of him.
17) Demi Orimoloye, OF, Grade B-/Grade C+: Age 18, born in Nigeria, schooled in Canada, fourth round pick in 2015 draft. First round tools with 20/20 potential, hit .292/.319/.518 with 19 steals in rookie ball but with just three walks, 39 strikeouts in 137 at-bats. Star-caliber physicality but needs lots of refinement as a hitter. High risk, high reward.
13) Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Grade C+/B-: Rated a B- pre-season before he underwent Tommy John surgery. Mid-rotation arm if he makes a full recovery.
13) Austin Wilson, OF, Grade C+: Age 24, hit .239/.342/.374 with 10 homers, 31 walks, 115 strikeouts in 380 at-bats in High-A. Looks bad, but hit great in second half: .290/.393/.452, big offensive potential in 6-4, 250 body but size leads to contact issues; can he make adjustments in Double-A?
14) Stuart Turner, C, Grade C+: Age 23, excellent defender, hit just .223/.322/.306 in Double-A at age 23 but posted good 45/69 BB/K in 327 at-bats. Might hit some eventually, glove will get him to majors at least as a backup.
15) J.T. Chargois, RHP, Grade C+: Another hard-throwing relief arm who has been clocked at 100, Rice pitcher with history of injuries, posted 2.73 ERA with 34/20 K/BB in 33 innings in Double-A, closed for Chattanooga. Like Burdi and Meyer, has plenty of stuff but command wobbles. Age 24.
17) Lewin Diaz, 1B, Grade C+: Age 18, big signing out of Dominican in 2013, hit .233/.322/.371 with four homers, 17 walks, 41 strikeouts in 159 at-bats in rookie ball, size and bat speed to hit for plus power from left side but still working the kinks out of his approach. High upside.
18) Michael Reed, OF, Grade C+: Age 23, hit .269/.361/.410 with 73 walks, 26 steals in 439 at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A. Everyone likes his speed/walks combo and his hustle but unless he shows more power I think he is a tweener/fourth outfielder, albeit a good one.
19) Zach Jones, RHP, Grade C+: Age 24, yet another hard-throwing reliever with control issues, dominated High-A (2.19, 38/10 in 25) but had problems in Double-A (6.00, 30/18 in 27). Stuff not quite as good as Burdi, Meyer, or Chargois but he can still hit 97.
20) LaMonte Wade, OF, Grade C+: 2015 ninth round pick from University of Maryland, hit .312/.428/.506 with 12 steals in Appy League with excellent 46/34 BB/K. Drew praise for pure hitting skills and better-than-expected power.
23) Rio Ruiz, 3B, Grade C+/C: Age 21, hit disappointing .233/.333/.324 in Double-A, drew 63 walks but just five homers. Erratic, productive in June (.310/.424/.380) and August (.302/.353/.481) but well below Mendoza Line in May and July. At times he looks excellent with a pretty swing and a good eye. Other times his swing gets out of whack, too mechanical. This has been his pattern since Low-A.
20) Ty Buttrey, RHP, Grade C/C+: Age 22, 4.20 ERA with 81/45 K/BB in 116 innings in High-A, 117 hits, like Ball and Stankiewicz he could be a back-of-the-rotation arm if he develops more consistency with low-90s fastball, curve, change-up.
OTHER GRADE C+: Michael Cederoth, RHP; Wander Javier, SS; Felix Jorge, RHP. Jakson Reetz;
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Post by AstrosGM on Dec 24, 2016 7:23:07 GMT -6
2017 Top Prospects:
2) Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Grade B+: You can make a good case to put him ahead of Gordon on strength of stellar 2016, 2.06 ERA in 140 innings, 155/57 K/BB, just 86 hits. Improvement in secondary pitches (curve, change, cutter) was key factor in 2016 and the numbers certainly back up strong reports. Fastball isn’t always premium in low-90s but respectable for a lefty, projects as a number three starter and perhaps more. Age 22. ETA: late 2017.
3) Fernando Romero, RHP, Grade B+/B: One of the better-kept secret in the minors after missing 2015 with Tommy John, came back hitting mid/upper-90s and throwing strikes, posted 1.89 ERA in 90 innings in A-ball with 90/15 K/BB and just 66 hits; a bit more refinement of his secondaries will help but overall both numbers and scouting reports are excellent and he is just 21 years old. Don’t sleep on this one. ETA: 2018.
4) Bobby Bradley, 1B, Grade B+: Age 20, hit .235/.344/.466 with 29 homers, 102 RBI, 75 walks, 170 strikeouts in 485 at-bats in High-A; huge left-side power, at least a 60 and perhaps more, with patient approach; obviously has contact issues which could hamper batting average at higher levels, though high walk rate helps with OBP; mediocre glove at first base could improve to average eventually but bat will have to carry him; I think it will; ETA: 2019.
6) Rowdy Tellez, 1B, Grade B: Age 21, 30th round pick in 2013; hit .297/.387/.530 with 23 homers, 63 walks, 92 strikeouts in 438 at-bats in Double-A; you will likely find him behind Anthony Alford on every other Blue Jays prospect list (including this one) but Tellez is actually younger and closer to the majors and I’m more confident in his bat; power, plate discipline, and under-rated pure hitting ability; lacks range at first but not a butcher and catches what he gets to, though may be a DH long-term; projects as .270-hitter with above-average OBP and SLG, could be consistent run producer. ETA 2018.
9) Juan Hillman, LHP, Grade B/B-: Age 19, 4.43 ERA in 63 innings in short-season A, with 47/24 K/BB, 66 hits allowed; velocity down from high school in upper-80s, still showed promising curveball and change-up and usually threw strikes although command within the strike zone could wobble; remains athletic and projectable; was strong early but looked tired down the stretch in August; I still like his chances to be a mid-rotation starter. ETA: 2021.
6) Grant Holmes, RHP, Grade B/B-: Age 20, first round pick by Dodgers in 2014, another part of the Hill/Reddick deal; 4.63 ERA with 124/53 K/BB in 134 innings in Cal League with 147 hits; reports still have fastball in mid-90s with plus curve, but change-up has lagged and he hasn’t been as dominant as you’d expect from the stuff reports; command within the strike zone remains inconsistent, traced to mechanical problems which come and go; still young enough to live up to the early hype. ETA 2019.
6) Lewin Diaz, 1B, Grade B-: Signed for $1,400,000 out of Dominican Republic in 2013, scuffled in ’14 and ’15 but broke out in ’16, hitting .310/.353/.575 with nine homers, 12 walks, 35 strikeouts in 174 at-bats in Appy League; poor defender and lacks speed but 60/65 power from the left side and ability to make contact stand out, age 19; long way off but high ceiling, ETA: 2021.
9) Wander Javier, SS, Grade B-: Signed out of Dominican Republic for $4,000,000 in 2015; played just nine games in Dominican Summer League due to hamstring injury but hit .308/.400/.654 with three doubles, two homers in 26 at-bats, four walks and five strikeouts; has tools to stay at shortstop; hitting approach, strike zone judgment, and swing mechanics were questioned when he signed but he didn’t have any problems in the DSL, granted the sample was miniscule; very high physical ceiling but we need more data; only 17 years old, ETA: 2021. 10) Heath Quinn, OF, Grade B-: Age 21, third round pick in 2016 out of Samford; hit .337/.423/571 with nine homers, 26 walks, 50 strikeouts in 205 at-bats in Northwest League, then went 6-for-17 (.353) in four games in High-A; 6-2, 190 pound right-handed hitter with 55-60 grades in raw power and throwing arm along with average running speed; likely to strike out a lot but also draws walks; right field profile and glove may be under-rated; not sure the batting average will hold up but should be productive with OBP and SLG. ETA late 2019.
10) J.T. Chargois, RHP, Grade B-: Second round pick in 2012 out of Rice; posted 1.35 ERA in 47 innings between Double-A and Triple-A with 55/13 K/BB, 16 saves; pitched 23 innings in majors with 4.70 RA, 17/12 K/BB but still a rookie entering 2017; fastball earns 70 and some 80 grades due to combination of 95-100 MPH velocity and tailing, sinking movement; breaking ball and changeup are workable; if he throws strikes and stays healthy he could close games. Age 25, ERA 2017 and ready for an extended trial.
10) Heath Quinn, OF, Grade B-: Age 21, third round pick in 2016 out of Samford; hit .337/.423/571 with nine homers, 26 walks, 50 strikeouts in 205 at-bats in Northwest League, then went 6-for-17 (.353) in four games in High-A; 6-2, 190 pound right-handed hitter with 55-60 grades in raw power and throwing arm along with average running speed; likely to strike out a lot but also draws walks; right field profile and glove may be under-rated; not sure the batting average will hold up but should be productive with OBP and SLG. ETA late 2019.
9) Andres Gimenez, SS, Grade B-/C+: Age 18, signed out of Venezuela in 2015 for $1,200,000; hit .350/.469/.523 in Dominican Summer League with 46 walks, 22 strikeouts in 214 at-bats; I am normally skeptical about gaudy DSL numbers but in his case I think it is real; lefty hitter with very refined swing for his age, combined with excellent eye and gap power; raw power weakest tool at this point however given age and athleticism his power potential should not be underestimated; plus running speed; 60-speed, 60-arm, and strong defensive instincts; ETA 2020, which would get him to the majors at 22.
11) Garrett Whitley, OF, Grade B-/C+: Age 19, first round pick in 2015 from high school in New York; hit .266/.356/.379 with one homers, 21 steals, 30 walks, 75 strikeouts in 256 at-bats in New York-Penn League; 60-65 speed with more raw power than home run total indicates; can draw a walk but whiff rate is high and will have to watch batting average at higher levels; overall he improved dramatically after hitting just .174 in his ’15 debut; defense features solid-average arm and above-average range, can play center; next step is developing power. ETA: 2021.
13) LaMonte Wade, OF, Grade C+/B-: Drafted in ninth round in 2015 from the University of Maryland, hit .280/.410/.396 in the Midwest League then .318/.386/.518 after being promoted to Florida State League; very nice swing and a good feel for the strike zone; tools are all average in general except slightly above-average speed but he’s very polished and could be a very good fourth outfielder; if power develops further he could be more than that. Age 22, ETA 2018.
14) Huascar Ynoa, RHP, Grade C+/B-: Signed for $800,000 in 2014; posted 3.18 ERA in 51 innings in rookie ball with 51/12 K/BB; made huge progress with command after having some problems with that in the Dominican Summer League in 2015; brother Michael Ynoa pitches in Chicago White Sox organization; fastball in 90-95 range but could get consistently into mid-90s as he matures; both curveball and changeup have plus potential; needs to build up workload but a very high ceiling and could be top pitcher on this list a year from now. Age 18, ETA: 2021.
11) Nonie Williams, SS, Grade C+: Age 18, third round pick in 2016 out of high school in Kansas; hit .244/.280/.282 with eight walks, 40 strikeouts, eight steals in 156 at-bats in rookie ball; best tool is speed, 60 or 65 grade; impressive overall athlete and has some switch-hitting power to go with the legs; bat very raw at present, with pitch recognition and swing mechanics all needing much more polish; high ceiling but years away and could develop into just about anything, or nothing. ETA 2021.
15) Mitch Garver, C, Grade C+: Ninth round pick in 2014 from the University of New Mexico, hit .257/.334/.419 with 25 doubles, 11 homers in Double-A then was very hot late in the year in Triple-A with .329/.381/.434 mark; flashes above-average power but not likely to hit for average in the majors; was often seen as a future first baseman in college but his defense has turned out to be very impressive: threw out almost 50% of runners this year and has made huge strides with receiving and game-calling; older prospect at age 25 but given need for catching in Minnesota he is someone to track closely. ETA 2017.
16) Felix Jorge, RHP, Grade C+: Went 12-8, 2.69 in 25 starts between High-A and Double-A, combined 109/23 K/BB in 167 innings although ratios were weaker in Double-A (32/12 in 74 innings, 83 hits); command and control are best attributes, fastball can hit 94-95 but may have better movement at lower velocities; slider and change-up have made slow but steady progress; would like to see more strikeouts. Fourth starter projection but stuff could play up if used in bullpen; age 22, ETA 2018.
19) Zack Granite, OF, Grade C+: Drafted in 14th round in 2013 out of Seton Hall, hit .295/.347/.382 with 56 steals, 42 walks, 43 strikeouts in 526 at-bats in Double-A; speedy left-handed hitter with some feel for hitting, lacks power but makes contact; has developed into a very skilled defensive outfielder with very good range; collected 13 assists on the season despite a mediocre arm. Age 24, could fit very well as a fourth outfielder. ETA: late 2017.
20) Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Grade C+: Missed 2015 with Tommy John and 2016 with a viral infection; when healthy can hit mid-90s and shows promising set of secondaries in curve, slider, change; still just 20 years old, showed surprising polish back in 2013 and 2014 for an Australian pitcher just getting started in North America. Monitor spring reports closely.
Others: Max Wotell, LHP CIN C+ Alex Jackson OF ATL C+ Michael Reed OF MIL C
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Post by AstrosGM on Dec 8, 2017 16:44:22 GMT -6
2018 Top Prospects:
3) Bobby Bradley, 1B, Grade B+: Age 21, third round pick in 2014; hit .251/.331/.465 with 23 homers, 55 walks, 122 strikeouts in 467 at-bats in Double-A; scouting profile hasn’t changed much, huge power from the left side but with concerns about batting average/contact and defense; lowered strikeouts from 170 in 485 at-bats in 2016 to 122 in 467 at-bats in 2017, which is progress of course; defense has also improved a bit but may never be more than average, which is OK if he hits enough; I have been positive about him overall and remain so. ETA late 2018.
3) Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, B+/B: Age 23, 3.27 ERA with 118/31 K/BB in 110 innings between Double-A and Triple-A; needs more time in Triple-A but should get to the majors sometime in ’18; classic lefty approach with plus change-up as the leading pitch, mixed with low-90s fastball and steadily improving breaking ball; throws strikes with everything, mid-rotation potential. ETA 2018.
1) Andres Gimenez, SS, Grade B/B+: Age 19, hit .265/.346/.349 against older competition in Low-A, with 14 steals, 28 walks, 61 strikeouts in 347 at-bats; huge jump from Dominican Summer League and he held his own very well; best offensive tool is speed, not much power at this point but his OBP skills look solid so far and he could be a top-of-the-lineup mainstay as he develops physically; more reliable than most shortstops his age and has the arm, hands, and range to stay there; makeup also a significant positive; ETA 2021.
5) Ryan Vilade, SS, Grade B: Age 18, second round pick in 2017 from high school in Oklahoma, hit .308/.438/.496 in 117 at-bats in Pioneer League with 27 walks, 31 strikeouts; very impressive pro debut against slightly older players; hitting instincts quite polished for his age and shows very good eye for the strike zone, combine that with plus bat speed and you have a player; not a butcher at shortstop but range would fit better at second base; his arm is strong enough for third, which is also an option if he hits as expected; ETA 2021.
5) Fernando Romero, RHP, Grade B: Age 22; solid season in Double-A with 3.53 ERA, 120/45 K/BB in 125 innings, a mere four homers allowed; campaign ended on a down note with poor pitching in August (8.38 ERA) punctuated by a trip to the disabled list with a shoulder impingement; status unclear at the moment; when healthy combination of plus stuff and command could make him number three starter or impressive power reliever. ETA 2018 if healthy
6) Wander Javier, SS, Grade B: Age 18, signed for $4,000,000 in 2015 from Dominican Republic; hit .299/.383/.471 in the Appalachian League; has reportedly smoothed out his hitting mechanics some but I’d like to see this at higher levels; has range and arm strength for shortstop but still quite error-prone; high-ceiling, high-risk type, consider him as an upside investment; he could be an All-Star shortstop or he could fizzle out in Double-A; I tend to optimism here but there could be some ups-and-downs. ETA 2021.
9) Lewin Diaz, 1B, Grade B-/B: Age 20, signed out of Dominican Republic in 2013 for $1,400,000; solid year in Midwest League at .292/.329/.444 with 33 doubles, 12 homers; defense at first base needs more work; what you think of him depends on how you project his power long-term; some qualified observers are skeptical about how many home runs he’ll hit down the road and would rank him lower than this; I’m more optimistic and think some of those doubles will turn into homers. ETA late 2020.
8) Grant Holmes, RHP, Grade B-: Age 21, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 Josh Reddick/Rich Hill trade; posted 4.49 ERA in 148 innings in Double-A with 150/61 K/BB, 149 hits; relies on low-to-mid-90s power sinker, mixed with power curveball; change-up and overall command remain inconsistent and results don’t always seem to match the stuff; on the right day he looks like a number three or even number two starter but consistency issues could make him more of a four; it would be interesting to see how he would look in the bullpen although I haven’t heard of any moves in that direction. ETA 2019.
5) DL Hall, LHP, Grade B-: Age 19, drafted in first round in 2017 from high school in Valdosta, Georgia; small sample debut with 10 innings in Gulf Coast League, struggled with 6.97 ERA and 10 walks but also fanned 12; reportedly pitched very well in instructional league; fastball 90-95 MPH with above-average curveball for his age; change-up and command need work but could be number three starter if all goes well; ETA 2022.
11) Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Grade B-: Age 21, from Australia, posted 2.69 ERA with 84/31 K/BB in 77 innings in High-A; missed 2015 with Tommy John surgery and 2016 with mononucleosis, but back in action in ’17 and performed well, 90-94 fastball with a good change-up, solid curve, could stand to tighten his command, possible number three starter; watch the strikeouts and K/BB ratio as he moves up to Double-A, especially as his workload increases. ETA 2019.
14) Alex Jackson, C; Grade B-: Age 21, former first round pick of the Mariners, traded to Braves in November 2016 after fizzling with the bat with Seattle; Atlanta returned him to his high school position of catcher and he responded, hitting .267/.328/.480 with 19 homers, 23 walks, 106 strikeouts in 367 at-bats between High-A and Double-A; still has issues with contact/approach but is getting to his power more frequently; glove needs more work as you’d expect given three years of rust but showed sufficient mobility and arm strength to merit patience. ETA 2019.
13) Mitch Garver, C, Grade B-/C+: Age 26, older prospect but showed potent bat in Triple-A, hitting .291/.387/.541; hit .196/.288/.348 in 46 major league at-bats but showed enough to get more chances; defense has been very good in the minors, can also handle first base; not much left to prove in the minors. ETA 2018
14) Brusdar Graterol, RHP, Grade B-/C+: Age 19, signed out of Dominican Republic in 2014; missed 2016 with Tommy John but back this year, 2.70 ERA with 45/13 K/BB in 40 innings, just 26 hits in Gulf Coast and Appalachian Leagues; clocked up to 98-100, secondary pitches need some development but both curve and slider have promise; we need to see how he handles a larger workload and it is unclear just yet if he projects best as a starter or reliever but the ceiling is high either way. ETA late 2020
16) LaMonte Wade, OF, Grade B-/C+: Age 23, ninth round pick in 2015 from University of Maryland, hit .292/.397/.408 with 76 walks, 71 strikeouts in 424 at-bats; lefty hitter with mature, polished approach combined with gap power; solid glove capable at all three positions; should be valuable fourth outfielder but could be a regular if power spikes further. ETA late 2018.
17) Jermaine Palacios, SS, Grade B-/C+: Age 21, signed out of Venezuela in 2013; hit robust .320/.362/.544 in 259 at-bats in Low-A then .269/.303/.359 in 245 at-bats in High-A; Florida State League cut into his power but he’s more of a doubles threat than someone who will slug .500 in the majors, although you can never say never these days; needs more patience at the plate; tools work at shortstop. ETA 2020
19) Andrew Bechtold, 3B, Grade C+/B-: Age 21, fifth round pick in 2017 from Chipola Junior College; hit .299/.406/.424 in Appalachian League; expected to hit for average and shows some feel for the strike zone; there’s power too although whether that projects for homers or doubles remain to be seen; solid glove at third base. ETA late 2020
12) Cole Brannen, OF, Grade C+: Age 19, second round pick in 2017 from high school in Georgia, hit .224/.383/.252 with 34 walks, 41 strikeouts, 10 steals in 143 at-bats between rookie ball and NY-P; 70-grade speed and impressive strike zone judgment make him a potentially potent leadoff hitter; no power at this point; if the power doesn’t come he could be a four/five outfielder but if he develops sufficient pop he could be a regular. ETA 2022
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Post by AstrosGM on Jan 26, 2019 17:44:48 GMT -6
2019 Top Prospects:
3) Brusdar Graterol, RHP, Grade B+: Age 20, signed out of Venezuela, posted 2.74 ERA in 102 innings between Low-A and High-A, 107/28 K/BB, 89 hits, 1.33 GO/AO; fastball into upper-90s mixed with hard slider and above-average curve; change-up in development but has improved; usually throws strikes although general control (avoiding walks) is ahead of spot-specific command; high-ceiling, just needs to build stamina; ETA 2021.
3) D.L. Hall, LHP, Grade B/B+: Age 21, first round pick in 2017 from high school in Georgia; posted 2.10 ERA in 94 innings in Low-A, 100/42 K/BB, just 68 hits; big stuff for lefty, tops at 97 and is consistently 93-94; both curveball and change-up flash plus and have improved; K/IP and H/IP marks confirm reports of strong stuff; main problem is erratic command, walk rate will need to come down as he moves up but the ceiling is high, possible number two starter if it all comes together; ETA 2021.
3) Triston Casas, 1B-3B, Grade B: Age 18, first round pick in 2018 from high school in Florida; limited to four at-bats in pro ball by torn thumb ligament but should be at full strength by spring training; rated as one of the top high school bats in the draft with intriguing power potential; obviously we need to see how it plays against pro pitching; ETA 2021?
5) Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Grade B: Age 24, fourth round pick in 2013 from high school in California; posted 2.76 ERA in 121 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, 120/65 K/BB, only 76 hits allowed; gave up 6.57 ERA in 25 major league innings due to poor 16/22 K/BB ratio; good stuff for lefty with low-90s fastball, change-up, slider and curve; stuff seems solid enough for a number four guy but needs sharper command, will try again with ETA 2019.
7) Wander Javier, SS, Grade B: Age 19, signed for $4,000,000 in 2015 from Dominican Republic; hit .299/.383/.471 in the Appalachian League in 2017 but missed all of 2018 with shoulder injury; obviously we’re in wait-and-see mode with this one; same grade as last year; high ceiling but we need to see how he fares against full-season pitching. ETA 2022?
9) Lewis Thorpe, LHP, Grade B: Age 22, from Australia, posted 3.54 ERA with 157/36 K/BB in 130 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, 125 hits; missed two seasons of development with Tommy John surgery then a severe case of mono; low-90s fastball, plus change-up, slider and curve are coming along well, throws strikes, nice K-rate; has occasional gopheritis but projects well as number four starter with a chance for more; I like him; ETA 2019.
13) Luis Arraez, INF-OF, Grade B-: Age 21, signed out of Venezuela in 2013, quietly had a very nice year hitting .310/.361/.397 between High-A and Double-A with 32 walks, 44 strikeouts in 406 at-bats; line drive type with advanced approach and keen batting eye, not much current power or running speed but a “professional hitter” type with a career .329 average; reliable defender being groomed as super-utility type; I think more power can come eventually and thus a somewhat aggressive grade; ETA 2020.
14) Jordan Balazovic, RHP, Grade B-: Age 20, fifth round pick out of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada in 2016; posted 3.94 ERA in 62 innings in Low-A with 78/18 K/BB, 54 hits; projectable when drafted at 6-4, 170; he’s up to 195 now and his fastball has increased into the mid-90s; slider and change-up have also progressed, breakout candidate for 2019 and one of my favorite cold-weather arms; ETA 2021.
20) Lamonte Wade, OF, Grade B-/C+: Age 24, ninth round pick in 2015 from University of Maryland; hit .298/.393/.444 in 171 at-bats in Double-A but just .229/.337/.336 in 253 at-bats in Triple-A; patient approach, draws a lot of walks, other tools are nothing super-special but can flash power and runs well, fourth outfielder or platoon player projection, same grade as last year but down four spots in rankings due to trades and development of other players; ETA 2019.
18) Cadyn Grenier, SS, Grade C+: Age 22, comp round pick in 2018 from Oregon State, jumped to Low-A and hit just .216/.297/.332 in 162 at-bats; best-known for excellent defense, bat showed signs of significant improvement in college but this didn’t carry forward into pro ball; needs to get stronger or at least cut down on higher-than-expected strikeout rate; ETA 2021.
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Post by AstrosGM on Feb 8, 2020 13:00:09 GMT -6
1. Triston Casas, 1B (’19 Midseason #1) Age: 20 2019 Highest Level: A+ Salem (2 games) (SG) If Casas lives up to my #boldpredictions jump into the Top 50 overall prospects range, then this Tier 1 ranking makes sense. If not there’s an argument that could be made that he’s a Tier 2 prospect. Regardless, Casas is Boston’s #1 prospect. His ceiling just might be a .250-.260 hitter, but the power is his calling card. 19 HR at Class-A Greenville in 118 games is promising, and that could turn into a 25-30 HR bat at the major league level with some additional growth in the minors. Look for this 1st round pick (2018) to spend a good portion of the year in High-A Salem with the outside shot of being promoted to Double-A Portland after the All-Star break.
3. Andres Gimenez, SS Age: 21 2019 Highest Level: AA 2019 Notable Statistics: .371/.413/.586 in 75 PA in the 2019 AFL Another former top international signing, Gimenez landed with the Mets for $1.2 million in 2015. Most of Gimenez real value comes from his well-above-average defense. Gimenez should be able to play wherever the Mets need him on the infield. Additionally, there were rumors of the Mets trying Gimenez in center field, something with his plus speed and baseball IQ, he should be able to learn if needed. Gimenez’s bat has been inconsistent. Gimenez has more raw power than in-game power, leading some to think an approach leaning more heavily on fly balls, and away from his naturally level swing, would suit him. While Gimenez did increase his flyball rates, this did not lead to more success, with a 124 and 100 wRC+ in A+ and AA in 2018, and a 105 wRC+ in 2019. When the Mets sent him to the Arizona Fall League, however, Gimenez returned to a level swing, producing the impressive slash line above. With this swing and Gimenez’ other tools, a bat which produces 10-15 home runs and 20+ stolen bases, while playing an important up-the-middle defensive position will be an incredibly valuable real and fantasy player.
3. Jordan Balazovic, RHP Age: 21 2019 Highest Level: A+ Fort Myers His breakout came in 2019, as he took on a hefty workload increase and continued to shine. Over both A and A+, he flourished with a 2.69 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 129 SO over 93.2 IP, which included a perfect game back in May for Fort Myers. The true test to see if these numbers are legitimate will be how he handles AA hitting. I’m guessing he will be given more innings to handle in 2020, and if all goes well, we could see him in my top 3 prospects heading into next season. Right now he’s got two pitches and is working on a third. I’m higher on him than others, but I do see him panning out like Graterol as a #2 starter.
3. Brusdar Graterol, RHP *via trade 2.4.20 Age: 21 2019 Highest Level: MLB (Dave Funnell’s write up from Twins Top 50) I’m staying with Graterol this high on my list because of the potential he has flashed. Right now he has two deadly pitches, one of which is a fastball that can consistently stay within the high 90’s and occasionally touch 100. If he can develop that third pitch (his changeup is raw), he could be a #3 or even a #2 starter on this (or another) team. There’s also the outside shot of him being in the bullpen, a place where I think he could dominate while limiting his chance of injury. While it’s a smaller chance, his domination of those two pitches combined with the velocity of which they’re thrown makes him an intriguing late inning bullpen option. Just something to monitor.
3. DL Hall, LHP Age: 21 (DOB 09/19/1998) 2019 Highest Level: High-A The swing and miss stuff is certainly there for Hall, as we saw his K/9 rise from 9.5 to 12.9 in 2019. He also dropped his H/9 to 5.9, however, we also saw his BB/9 rise to 6.0, making Hall a 3 true outcome pitcher at High-A Frederick. Everything about his stuff and delivery says the command should improve, but at this point it is holding Hall back a bit. I still see Hall as a potential 2/3 starter, ideally slotting in right behind Grayson Rodriguez, for years to come. ETA: 2021
4. Ryan Vilade, SS (5) Age: 20 (DOB: 2/18/1999) Highest 2019 level: High-A Vilade enjoyed his summer with 12 home runs, 24 stolen bases and a .303 batting average (.367 on-base percentage) at High-A Lancaster. Drafted in the second round in 2017 out of high school in Stillwater, OK, he may be the top player on this list a year from now.
4. Hunter Bishop, OF (Midseason #4) Age: 21 Highest 2019 Level: -A Bishop was chosen in the 1st round of this past year’s 2019 MLB Draft and there is a lot to like about him. Brother of Braden Bishop, Hunter is expected to play a major role in the Giants organization in the near future. Slugging 22 HR in 57 games for Arizona State in 2019, Bishop was able to carry over that hot stick and add another 5 in 32 games. Plate discipline was a concern of mine after the Giants drafted him, initial results brings optimism as he walked almost as much as he struck out, 38 BB/39 SO in 32 games. 2020 should be an interesting year for Hunter as it will be his first full season in pro-ball. If he comes out the gates hot, we should see him make a couple promotions as the year wears on.
5. Nick Solak, 2B/3B Age: 25 (01/11/1995) 2019 Highest Level: MLB Texas Solak was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in July of last season and immediately entered into the upper echelon of the system. Solak is listed as a 2B and 3B, but with the future of the hot corner reserved for Josh Jung, he most likely fits at second. Solak hit .293 in 135 plate appearances in the big leagues last September. With the struggles of Rougned Odor and the emergence of Solak, there’s a chance of there being a change out in Texas as early as Opening Day, especially if Odor continues to struggle in Spring Training or Solak lights the world on fire. Don’t expect Solak to be on the midseason Top 50.
6. Blake Walston, LHP Age: 18 2019 Highest Level: Short Season-A Walston was drafted with the compensation pick for failing to sign Matt McClain from UCLA the year before…a BIG upgrade in my opinion. He is an athletic 6’5″ 175 lbs. who split his time in high school between pitching and quarterbacking. So there’s lots of room for adding strength and skills with a focus on baseball. It’s surprising that the raw high schooler already has a 94 mph fastball with the makings of a good curve and changeup. He got an 11 inning taste in Rookie and Short Season-A ball, striking out 17 and walking just two. He’s all projection at this point, with a huge range of outcomes, but I think one of which is elite prospect with ace potential.
8. Michael Busch, 1B/2B Age: 22 (DOB: 11/9/1997) Highest 2019 level: A- Busch was the other first-round selection by the Dodgers in the 2019 MLB Draft and is one of the most intriguing prospects in the system. He walks at an uncanny rate and does not seem prone to strike out in the early stages. He played only 10 games of affiliated ball in 2019, but walked seven times. In college, he walked a ton and it is expected that he develops into an elite OBP threat down the road. He has some solid pop to add to the ledger and could prove to be one of the best values from the 2019 draft class.
8. Lewis Thorpe, LHP Age: 24 2019 Highest Level: MLB He’s someone that could be up with the Minnesota Twins all season, and someone who has worked hard to overcome injuries from his past. Unfortunately, it’s those injuries that may have diminished his velocity somewhat, causing him to work on other pitches, like his curveball which seems to be getting better. Overall, he’s more of an end of the rotation type of pitcher with that being somewhat of his ceiling rather than his floor.
9. Luis Frias, RHP Age: 21 2019 Highest Level: A- 2.83 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 76.1 IP, 101 K across two levels Frias has had a long journey from being a 3B signed in 2015, and turning into an athletic, intimidating presence on the mound. His 99 mph fastball and curve are already plus pitches with a change and slider that flash plus. He dominated this year in short season Hillsboro with a 37 K%. His command (3.4 BB/9) will be the determining factor. His inconsistent delivery and lack of innings have some concerned he might be better as a reliever, but I think he’s a starter. Along with Walston, Malone, Tabor, Kelly, and acquiring Gallen, Arizona is suddenly flush with young upper tier arms.
10. Misael Urbina, OF Age: 17 2019 Highest Level: Rookie (Dominican Summer League) A very intriguing prospect, Urbina was signed to a $2.5 million signing bonus in 2018. Only listed at 175 pounds in a 6’0” body, his power could be limited, but he is only 17 years old and has time to fill into his body. His power speed potential makes him worthy of someone to monitor and keep in the back of your mind for future reference.
12. Wander Javier, SS Age: 21 2019 Highest Level: A Cedar Rapids Speaking of boom or bust, we go to one of the most polarizing players within the entire system, and that is Wander Javier. He’s got all of the tools to succeed, but he hasn’t yet been able to bring them all together, even when he was healthy. His 2019, where he had 300 at bats, Javier posted a paltry .177/.278/.323 line, though he did hit 11 home runs. Last year at this time, he was the “unknown.” This year, he’s either “not that good” or “a year behind due to injuries.” Like Baddoo, this is a big year for a guy who wasn’t protected by the Twins on the 40-man roster.
12. Heath Quinn, OF (Midseason #8) Age: 24 Highest 2019 Level: AA Quinn started 2019 with his first taste of AA in his young career and struggled throughout the first 32 games. An injury pulled the season to a stop for a month before he was able to get back on the field. Quinn finished the year in A+ San Jose where he was able to post modest numbers. Continued health in the off-season with the chance to begin 2020 in AA, hoping for a solid bounce back season for Quinn. At 24 all is not lost but the shine is dimming on Quinn’s star.
13. Liover Peguero, SS Age: 19 2019 Highest Level: Short Season-A Peguero’s been climbing up my rankings every year. From 48th being signed as an international free agent in 2017, to 39th last year to 14th in the midseason rankings to 13th in a pretty stacked list this year. As an 18-year-old he crushed the Pioneer League to a tune of a .364/.410/.559 line. He walked at an 8% clip and had an wRC+ of 153. He then more than held his own in Short Season Hillsboro. He’s got speed and strength with the glove to handle SS, and the bat to handle 3B. He broke out in 2019, and still has the tools and potential to breakout to another level in 2020.
13. Nick Schnell, OF Age: 19 (3/27/2000) 2019 Highest Level: A .265/.325/.448, 5 HR, 5 SB, 8.1 BB%, 34.0 K% Schnell, the former Indiana High School Gatorade Player of the Year, improved across most statistical categories in his second season and continued to display a well rounded profile against older competition. He raised his average, while simultaneously improving his power and speed output, a very welcoming sign for a developing young athlete. The one weak link in Schnell’s game at the moment is a lack of plate discipline, as his 34.0 K% this year represents a 6.0% increase from the previous season. He already has a sweet left-handed swing, so working with the Rays player development staff to correct his approach should help to unlock his raw upside as a hitter.
15. Sammy Siani, OF Opening Day Age: 19 2019 Highest Level: Rookie – GCL 2019 Statistical Highlight: 15.9% BB% The younger brother of Reds prospect Michael Siani, Sammy was taken 37th overall in the 2019 MLB Draft and was sent to the GCL to start his pro career with the hope that he can make a bit more contact than his brother. There is no power yet, but his debut wasn’t awful and the 15.9% walk rate is great, especially considering that Sammy should be able to steal bases given his speed. Siani should start the season in Low-A and have to slug his way into Greensboro, all of which is very possible if he can stop striking out at such a high rate. ETA: 2024
16. Ethan Lindow, LHP (2019 Midseason Rank: 46) Opening Day Age: 21, DOB: 10/15/1998 2019 Highest Level: Lakewood A- 2019 Stats: 26 G, 16 GS, 2.66 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 94.2 IP, 103 K, 20 BB, 9.7 K/9, 5.41 K/BB Lindow was the organization’s Pitcher of the Year after another good season. He has a mid 90’s fastball and also throws a change-up, curveball and cutter, all of which he commands very well. ETA: 2021
16. Grant Holmes, RHP Age: 23 2019 Highest Level: MLB Holmes put together 86+ solid innings in 2019 and is knocking on the door to Oakland. It’s possible that he finds his way there via the bullpen this year.
18. Bailey Ober, RHP Age: 24 2019 Highest Level: AA Pensacola It’s an awkward marriage of size and velocity, as he stands at 6’9″ and 260 pounds, but throws his fastball in the mid 80’s . What else is unique is that he threw for 78.2 innings in 2019 over 3 systems and kept an ERA of only 0.69 and struck out 100 batters. Keep an eye on him this season. He reminds me a lot of “Dandy” Randy Dobnak as he rose up the Twins’ system. I had a tough time deciding on where and how to rank him. I originally had him in my 30’s, but moved him up considerably after some research. He’s someone that I would love to dig into a bit more later in the year and/or monitor once the season starts.
18. Rece Hinds, 3B Age: 19 Highest level played: Rookie Notes: Only 3 games and 10 plate appearances for Greeneville with no hits. Scouting reports indicate massive raw power and some interesting tools but there are concerns about ability to make consistent contact; considered a high risk prospect for the time being. ETA: 2023
20. Cole Sands, RHP Age: 22 2019 Highest Level: AA Pensacola A fifth round selection by the Twins in the 2018 draft, Sands has been plagued by injuries since then. If he could somehow stay healthy enough to work on his pitching, he could possibly move up the rankings. His 10.0 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 are highlighted with a fastball that registers in the 90’s. If he stays healthy, we could see him up with the Twins later this season.
21. Alex Jackson, C (2019 Midseason Rank #32) Age: 24 2019 Highest Level: MLB 2019 MLB Stats: 13 AB, 0 H, 5 SO, 1 BB I probably dropped Jackson too far down this list in the midseason update, but he simply has one carrying tool, his power. There isn’t much else he offers on the diamond and I don’t think he is a part of the Braves long term plans.
21. Cadyn Grenier, SS Age: 23 (DOB 10/31/1996) 2019 Highest Level: High-A A glove first middle infielder who won’t ever be a fantasy stud. He did show a bit more pop with 36 extra base hits in 385 at bats in 2019. Couple that with an almost 13% BB rate and Grenier may have enough bat to get his glove in the lineup. Altogether, that likely gives him a floor of a utility infielder though, which isn’t a horrible place to be. ETA: 2021
26. Griffin Jax, RHP Age: 25 2019 Highest Level: AAA Rochester One of the oldest prospects on the list, Jax has seen his career take off after having served in the Air Force a few years back. With a respectable 2.90 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 94 strikeouts in 127.1 innings over 2 levels last year, Jax pitches to contact using his technique rather than power to get batters out. Give him another year to develop and he’s at worst a spot starter for 2020. I’m very intrigued by his numbers and look forward to him helping the Twins in Minnesota in 2020.
27. Seth Gray, 3B Age: 21 2019 Highest Level: A Cedar Rapids Someone to monitor from a distance, he is an athletic, powerful bat who needs to strike out less and make more contact. If he improves on these things, he’s someone to keep a watchful eye upon as he will undoubtedly move up the rankings.
30. Jake Burger, 3B Age: 23 Highest 2019 level: N/A As noted with others, injuries have totally derailed some once highly touted White Sox prospects. When the drafted Burger with the 11th overall pick in the 2017 draft, they never would’ve imagined the roller coaster it’s been since then. Multiple achilles tears, foot issues during rehab, and other nagging injuries cost Burger the entire 2019 campaign. Although it’s been a bit of a rocky road, a fresh start in 2020 just may be what Burger needs.
31. Edwar Colina, RHP Age: 22 2019 Highest Level: AAA Rochester He throws with pure brute and strength, but doesn’t get enough movement on his pitches to compliment the velocity, thus making it less than elite. He looked incredibly nervous upon his promotion to AAA Rochester last year, and had disastrous outings. There’s a lot to like about Colina, as he was moved to the bullpen in 2019, and being a spot start or a low leverage arm out of the bullpen is definitely in question for this season.
32. Josh Winder, RHP Age: 23 2019 Highest Level: A Cedar Rapids Josh had a nice debut for A Cedar Rapids this year, throwing 125.2 innings, showing that he can throw for a full starter’s worth. During that time, he dominated the competition, posting a 2.65 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 118 strikeouts, while only walking 30 batters. The only thing that concerns me is his age, so it’s unclear how much better he could get. He has back of the rotation (at best) written all over him in my opinion.
33. Will Holland, SS Age: 21 2019 Highest Level: Rookie Elizabethton Coming into 2019, after a very successful run in NCAA, Holland struggled to get on base in Rookie Ball, though the power remained. If he could improve on his contact skills and his infield defense, there’s a potential for 20/15 from the middle infield that could help you late in drafts, but for now, he remains a lottery ticket.
34. LaMonte Wade Jr., OF Age: 26 2019 Highest Level: MLB I’ve never been a big fan of Wade, as he doesn’t well for average, doesn’t have power and is already in his 26th year. What he does do well is run, which is why he was called up to the Twins last year for speed off the bench. Steals are at a premium, and for a guy that walks a lot, that could possibly help in the deepest of “only” leagues.
36. Yennier Cano, RHP Age: 25 2019 Highest Level: A+ Fort Myers Addittedly, Cano is someone I knew little about when writing this piece, but looking at his profile intrigued me. He throws for power, touching in the high 90’s with his fastball, but is considered a ground ball pitcher for his secondary pitch and his inability to strikeout. It’s a unique mixture of power and movement. I’m going to keep an eye on him.
37. Cody Stashak, RHP Age: 25 2019 Highest Level: MLB Cody made some appearances for the Twins in 2019 after 2 solid bullpen seasons in the minors. Nothing new, nothing flashy, just someone who throws fastballs and breaking balls. I project him for effective middle relief for 2020 and beyond, and maybe the odd spot start.
41. Edouard Julien, OF Age: 20 2019 Highest Level: N/A Edouard had a successful 2018 playing NCAA ball, but had Tommy John late in 2019. He’ll try and come back successfully post injury and build on a solid NCAA career.
41. Nick Northcut, 3B (’19 Midseason #20) Age: 20 2019 Highest Level: A- Lowell (BW) Northcut didn’t have the breakout some envisioned this season at Lowell, but there’s plenty of development time left for the talented 3B. The power and throwing arm will carry his profile and should have enough skills and athleticism to stick at the hot corner.
42. Willie Joe Garry Jr., OF Age: 19 2019 Highest Level: Rookie Elizabethton Underwhelming numbers that don’t match the skill set, Garry Jr. has the potential to move up the rankings due to his athleticism. He has a lot of work to do in order to become more fantasy relevant.
42. Demi Orimoloye, OF (’19 Rank #41) Age: 23 (DOB: 01/06/97) 2019 Highest Level: High-A Orimoloye spent his second season at High-A in 2019. He slashed .240/.291/.386 with 125 strikeouts and only 25 walks. He has power (12 HR) and good speed (22 SB) but will need to be more consistent when he move to the upper minor leagues.
42. Nonie Williams, OF Age: 21 2019 Highest Level: A Former shortstop played all season in the outfield for Burlington. Williams is a great athlete with plenty of tools but has trouble turning those tools to offensive production. Nonie really has one problem, he has not been able to make consistent enough contact to take advantage of it all. When he does connect a third of the time, he’s standing on second or beyond. He walks a ton (64 times), but it came with 166 Ks. He’s got plenty of speed and stole 23 bags last season. He’s definitely a guy to wait and see on because if he makes contact he’ll have a breakout season. ETA: 2022
43. Caleb Hamilton, C Age: 25 2019 Highest Level: AAA Rochester Purely a defensive player, Caleb has struggled to make an impact with the bat at any level of ball. He can also play 3B, but isn’t likely to see much of any playing time in the majors until his bat takes the next progressive step.
44. Charles Mack, C Age: 20 2019 Highest Level: Rookie Elizabethton Former infielder who transferred over to catcher, Mack has some power and could catch on with the big league club IF he learns the position behind the plate.
44. Garrett Whitley, OF Age: 22 (3/13/1997) 2019 Highest Level: A+ .226/.339/.412, 10 HR, 16 SB, 14.1 BB%, 37.1 K% Whitley continues to strike out at a very high rate, but he was able to salvage his season after a very poor start (.218/.326/.388 in 188 AB pre All-Star break, compared to .235/.352/.437 in 183 AB after the break.) Before missing the 2018 season after suffering a torn labrum diving for a ball in the outfield, Whitley exhibited a well rounded profile that flashed serious power and speed upside. An adjustment period was expected in 2019 as he hadn’t faced competition in over a year leading up to the season, but now with that behind him, the Rays are hopeful he can round back into the player that convinced the team to draft him in the first round five years ago.
45. Charlie Barnes, RHP Age: 24 2019 Highest Level: AAA Rochester Charlie struggled to start 2019 before finding success in AA, by limiting the hits and walks surrendered. He’s got some mid-relief potential due to his moving fastball and a changeup that deceives. He needs to lower the amount of base runners while in AAA in order to be in consideration to get the call.
45. Jakson Reetz, C Age: 24 2019 Highest Level: A+ (Potomac) Reetz had his best power numbers (.188 ISO) last year, but he hasn’t played more than 100 games in any season. Last year was his third straight year at Potomac, and unless things change, I don’t see him being more than a third catching option. 2019 Stat I Like: .812 OPS 2019 Stat I Don’t Like: 24.5 K%
46. Jeferson Morales, C Age: 20 2019 Highest Level: Rookie Gulf Coast League Another physically raw talented player who has the physical tools for success; he needs to put it all together to have any shot of making it. He’s got a good arm and some pop.
49. Trey Cabbage, 3B/1B/OF Age: 22 2019 Highest Level: A+ Fort Myers A guy who can play multiple positions is nice, especially when he shows some power. Trey had a nice beginning of 2019, prompting a call up to Fort Myers, where he struggled. He did finish the year with 15 HR and 53 RBI, but struck out almost 3X as many times as he walked.
50. Jovani Moran, LHP Age: 22 2019 Highest Level: AA Pensacola A huge boom or bust prospect, Moran has very impressive numbers when healthy. His 13.1 K/9 jumps off the page right away, showing he can overpower when necessary. Unfortunately for him, health limited him to only 37.2 innings pitched in 2019. If he can stay healthy, and if he can limit the amount of free passes, he’s someone to keep an eye on possibly switching tiers.
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Post by AstrosGM on Jan 30, 2021 9:55:35 GMT -6
2021 Top Propspects:
1. Triston Casas, 1B Age: 20 Highest Level: A+ The Red Sox jewel of the system, Casas is an emerging middle of the order force. The big time all-fields power has never been questioned, but the positive gains he’s made physically and in the hit tool department significantly raise the probability he becomes an all-star caliber bat. Casas puts together quality at bats and still needs experience in the high minors, but he’s put himself in the top tier of 1B prospects in all of baseball. Even as a 1B, Casas should be considered a top 25 dynasty prospect which speaks to the significant potential to deliver impact four category production.
1. A.J. Puk, LHP (A's) Age: 25 Highest Level: MLB As you will notice, Puk is the only A’s prospect that made the Tier 1 level. This speaks to the level of depth, or lack thereof down on the Oakland farm. As a former high 1st Rd pick (6th overall, 2016), Puk has as high of an upside, as just about any pitching prospect in baseball. The problem is, he shouldn’t be on this list. Well, at least not anymore. Puk graduated to the majors in August of 2019, after having already had Tommy John surgery (2018), but didn’t appear in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, after having his pitching shoulder cleaned out due to bursitis. Do you see a recurring theme? Puk could be a poor man’s Randy Johnson, standing at 6’7″, with a sweeping hook out of his left arm. An imposing sight on the mound, when he is on the mound. Due to his injury history, I believe Puk’s best path to sticking in the majors might be through the bullpen. That is where the A’s used him in 2019 (11.1 IP). With Liam Hendriks moving on as a free agent (White Sox), Puk’s future might lie as the A’s closer for the foreseeable future. This might be an under use of his talents and ceiling, but it might also allow the A’s to protect his arm/shoulder and control his usage. IF, and that’s a big “if”, he can stay healthy, Puk’s ceiling is multi-time All Star. But “if” is not tangible and you cannot cash that at the bank of results.
2. Nick Gonzales, 2B (PIT) Age: 21 Highest Level: NCAA The 2020 MLB Draft was an absolute master class by Cherington and Co. Gonzales was one of the best bats available and is primed to produce regrets for the six teams that passed on him. He has crushed every level of available competition since before his MVP season in the 2019 Cape Cod League. With his diminutive 5’10” 190 lbs frame, Gonzales has been proving people wrong for as long as he has been playing baseball. Do not sleep on this kid. Second base is one of the weakest positions in fantasy baseball and the Pirates have a big hole in the middle of their infield right now. Kevin Newman, Adam Frazier and Cole Tucker are not long term options at 2B. Gonzales is the type of polished power bat that should have no issue dominating the competition in the minor leagues and arriving in the majors earlier than most of his fellow draftees. For my money, he has exactly the hitting profile you look for in a power bat. He commands the strike zone (89 walks and only 79 strikeouts in 128 college games), hits for both contact and power, and is able to garner more extra-base hits and chip in a few steals with above average wheels and a high baseball IQ.
3. Oneil Cruz, SS (PIT) Age: 22 Highest Level: AA I ranked Cruz above Hayes last winter due to the massive power potential and the fact that Hayes had yet to really show me a level of production that would make him a fantasy stud. Well, looks like I was wrong on that one. Cruz still has the potential to be the Aaron Judge of the infield, but the car accident he got into after the season that left three people dead in the Dominican Republic casts some serious doubt on his 2021 prospects. The investigation to determine whether or not Cruz was intoxicated at the time of the crash is still ongoing, so all we can do is wait for more information. Until then, Cruz is getting some reps in LIDOM (Dominican Winter League) in an attempt to stay game ready for the 2021 season. If he is acquitted, Cruz should start the season in AAA or the alternate site and make his MLB debut in 2021. Luckily for the Pirates, even if Cruz is found guilty, there is another shortstop prospect lurking below decks that can answer the call.
3. Jordan Balazovic, RHP Age: 22 Highest Level: A+ The organization’s best pitcher is Jordan Balazovic, and he, quite frankly, could be the next big thing. Despite limited time at the Twins’ instructional camp over the summer, he still impressed the team and its management. Due to the hard work the put in on his onward at the camp, he apparently added some velocity to his pitches, showing that he made the most out of his situation. Look for him to continue to develop his already above average fastball and curveball en route to debuting for the Twins no sooner than the 2022 season.
4. Ryan Vilade, IF/OF (COL) Age: 21 Highest Level: A+ Drafted in the second round in 2017 out of high school in Stillwater, OK, Vilade enjoyed his 2019 with 12 home runs, 24 stolen bases and a .303 batting average (.367 on-base percentage) at High-A Lancaster. He looked good at alternate camp and played outfield in the instructional league in 2020. Vilade’s days as a shortstop may be over but he could still play at third or in left field. Probably headed for AA Hartford in 2021.
4. Michael Busch, INF (LAD) Age: 23 Highest Level: Single-A After a compelling showcase at the 2020 LAD Instructs in late September, Busch has been one of the Dodgers’ prospects accompanied by hype of quickly developing ascension. Not only was hit bat amongst the best at Instructs, even more impressive was his improvement at 2nd base-a position he only briefly played as an amateur. Another soon-to-be mover and shaker, Michael Busch was the top NCAA hitting draft-pick in 2019 and he’s done absolutely nothing to dissuade that reputation. He’s actually only furthered his previous reputation, making me a believer. His approach is textbook. His hands are light, fluid, and his entire body moves as one through the hips and the hips alone. He can spray from one end of the field to the other and the more physically stronger he becomes, the more and more I envision Chase Utley. Keibert Ruiz (C, below) plays a premium position but I believe that Busch will hit somewhere in the .320/25/100 vicinity annually, and higher counting stats as his matures. In short, I believe Busch is a better prospect overall than Ruiz. I may get crushed because of it, but I’m fully confident in the decision to put Ruiz at #5.
4. DL Hall, LHP (BAL) Age: 22 (DOB 09/19/1998) Highest Level: High-A The lefty with the career 11.1 K/9 certainly has the swing and miss stuff to slot him into the front end of most any rotation in baseball. Hall has continued to use his 3 plus pitches to wear out opposing batters, especially lefties, surrendering only 16 hits in 116 plate appearances. The control has been a bit slower to progress, but his stuff suggests it should come and I believe he will move quickly once it does. I believe he will start 2021 in Double-A with Adley Rutschman and could very easily make his debut in Baltimore by the end of the season. ETA: 2021
5. Hunter Bishop, OF (SF) Age: 22 Highest Level: A- Bishop is an athletic and powerful prospect the Giants were fortunate to bring into their system. In 2019 Bishop slugged 22 HR, 12 more than his first two years combined. Bishop appears to have made some minor changes to his swing and hopefully that will allow him to drive the ball to all fields and help fine tune his approach. I’ll need to see him hit more consistently in 2021 and beyond but regardless the power and OBP will be key components to his game. Potential to be a star.
6. Rece Hinds, 3B (CIN) Age: 20 Highest level: Rookie Hinds had previously been labeled a high risk profile because of severe swing-and-miss tendencies and an over-aggressive approach at the plate, but more recent reports from the alternate site last season indicate that Hinds managed to greatly cut down on the strikeouts, reign in his approach some, while continuing to build on that monster power he has always had. I’m quite excited to see him in action hopefully next year!
7. Andres Gimenez, 2B/SS (CLE) Age: 22 Highest Level: MLB Barring injury, this should be Gimenez’s only appearance on this list. He spent most of the season in a part-time role for the Mets last season, compiling 132 PAs. Gimenez is an above average hitter, with power left to be unlocked in his swing. While he spent most of his year in Queens last year, he may start in AAA Columbus in 2021 as the Indians work to help him consistently tap into his power. Given his speed and athleticism and Tyler Freeman knocking on the door, the team may look to move Gimenez to center field, also.
7. Masyn Winn, SS/RHP (STL) Age: 18 Highest Level: High School Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2020 draft, Winn is solid on both sides of the ball. As a pitcher, Winn has a mid 90’s fastball that touched 98 mph at the World Wood Bat Association World Championship. Winn also throws a curveball, and a low 80’s changeup that is a plus pitch when he’s at his best. On the other side of the ball, Winn has plus power, as well as some good speed on the base paths. Winn has the stuff to be a decent player as either a pitcher or infielder. I’m looking forward to getting to see Winn in the 2021 season, and hoping he can stick at both positions.
8. Blake Walston, LHP (ARI) Age: 19 Highest Level: A- Walston owns a mid 90s fastball that should gain more velocity once he grows into his projectable frame. He’s currently only 175 so putting on some muscle may be key. He also owns what is said to be the best curveball in the D-backs system. It’s thrown in the mid-to upper 70s with tight spin and good depth. Walston throws a good lateral-breaking slider and promising changeup that’s a work in progress. All four pitches have the potential to be above average offerings. Blake’s control and command should improve even more with time. He’s on pace to become a mid to back end starter.
8. Jared Kelley, RHP (CWS) Age: 19 Highest level: Rookie Kelley possesses a prototypical power pitcher’s build and background. He’s listed at 6’3″ 215-pounds and hails from Refugio, TX, the birthplace of Nolan Ryan. His arsenal includes a plus fastball and secondaries that also flash plus, the only thing he lacks is experience and refinement. Entering the draft he was viewed as the top high school pitcher in the nation. His prep resume displays nothing less than complete dominance (32-3, 0.43 ERA). Kelley is likely to move up these lists quickly when he sees action in his first full season campaign in 2021. There are always caveats with prep pitchers and time will tell us whether Kelley is the next Josh Beckett, or the next Tyler Kolek?
9. Luis Frias, RHP (ARI) Age: 22 Highest Level: A Frias has an electric arm with a very quick release that helps him hit mid to high 90s with his plus fastball. He owns a 12-to-6 spike curveball that is a plus swing and miss pitch while also owning a split-changeup that runs in the upper 80s. This pitch is a work in progress but has potential. Frias doesn’t use his slider much but is an average offering at best. He has good control of the zone but his command is a work in progress missing his spots too often. Frias has mid rotation potential and worse case scenario, a high leverage reliever.
13. Jake Burger, 3B (CWS) Age: 24 Highest level: A Burger was a feel-good story for the White Sox in 2020 as he returned to the field after more than a two-year absence. He had become the forgotten man encountering numerous setbacks in an attempt to recover from an Achilles tear in 2018. This spring he will return to minor league action with a newly chiseled physique. The former first-rounder will begin 2021 attempting to build off of glowing reports from both the White Sox remote site and fall instructional league.
14. Misael Urbina, OF Age: 18 Highest Level: Rookie He’s someone that really could have used a 2020 season to continue his progress, but he still has the tools to put everything together. Quickness, patience, bat speed, contact skills. He should benefit from some sort of semblance in 2021 with organizational development. I’ll keep him at a tepid place on this list due to the quick progress the others in front of him have made, but I don’t blame you for putting Urbina much higher on your own lists.
16. Grant Holmes, RHP (A's) Age: 24 Highest Level: AAA Holmes is another organizational arm, with limited, but intriguing upside. His production has yet to catch up to his potential. Once a top 100 MLB prospect (2015, 2016), he is now seen as someone that the A’s have high hopes for, but have learned to curb their expectations. Arm issues have limited his development since becoming an A’s, as part of the Rich Hill/Josh Reddick trade with the Dodgers (2016). Based on potential alone, Holmes deserves to be the #2-#3 prospect arm, right behind A.J. Puk (and probably Jefferies). Will 2021 be the year he gets to shine in Oakland? I could see him hit his ceiling and be the set-up man, or 7th inning arm for Oakland for years to come. But remember, “potential” is just a word that is given to countless prospects, most of which never come close. Holmes could surprise all A’s fans, making a #16 ranking a gross mistake. Or he could just end up being another “guy” in the minors, who has now-and-again success in the majors.
17. Sammy Siani, OF (PIT) Age: 20 Highest Level: Rookie Siani is a burner who can play excellent defense in the outfield. The concerns are with the hit-tool right now, but he was one of the youngest players in the 2019 class and comes from a good baseball family (his brother Mike is with the Reds). The 15.9% walk rate he showed in his debut is promising, but I am anxious to see where the Pirates place him in 2021 and if he can hit enough to get to tap into his power/speed potential.
17. Bobby Bradley, 1B/DH (CLE) Age: 24 Highest Level: MLB With the departure of Carlos Santana, Bradley has the best shot at taking over full-time first base duties this year. Bradley will have some competition in Josh Naylor, but Naylor will likely spend most of his time at a corner outfield spot. While Bradley’s on-base numbers and strikeout rate may not be ideal, the power potential he possesses give the Indians a massive jolt to the middle of their lineup. If he’s able to keep the strikeouts within reason, Bradley shouldn’t have trouble sticking at first base.
17. Cole Sands, RHP Age: 23 Highest Level: AA The numbers on Sands are eye opening, as he strikes out a lot of batters and doesn’t walk a ton. He throws his fastball in the high 90’s with a lot of movement, and he isn’t afraid to go after batters and blow it by them. His change up and sinker are at the tail end of being a work in progress, so 2021 is more of a putting everything he’s learned together and see if it works. He’s got some upside here with a decent floor.
18. Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF Age: 17 Highest Level: Rookie Much like Urbina, Rodriguez is a long term investment, but the odds of him panning out as expected are a little less clear. He’s got the overall projected tools to compete and be successful, but there are a ton of variables that need to happen, such as his body filling out, his game translating onto the field and whether or not his debut is something that lives up to the hype. I think of Rodriguez a lot like Urbina, in that a few years from now the Twins could have some more stud outfielders waiting their turn. The only difference right now is that Urbina has a year of professional baseball under his belt.
20. Lewis Thorpe, LHP Age: 25 Highest Level: MLB If there is one thing lacking on the pitching front within the Twins’ organization, it’s that they don’t have many good left handed pitchers. Thorpe comes in after struggling with the Twins in 2020 (if you like the color blue, go check out his baseball savant page), but he still has the potential to be better than his 2020 output. He had personal issues to deal with and was used out of the bullpen, thus not allowing him to get his velocity back to where it belonged. I’ll give him another shot in 2021 to prove that he’s the real deal.
21. Edwar Colina, RHP Age: 23 Highest Level: MLB He throws as hard as anyone within the Twins’ farm system, but lacks the control needed to refine that velocity into something special. He did suffer from a Covid-19 setback in 2020, but there are a lot of reasons to like him going forward. Look for him to start the upcoming season in the minors to work on keeping the ball in the strike zone.
23. Wander Javier, SS Age: 22 Highest Level: A Here’s the tale of another prospect who had all the potential for massive success, but injuries and time off will have hurt any progression. He ended up hitting .179 in 2019, but still has some power left in his bat. However, the Twins left him unprotected in the Rule 5 Draft and he went unclaimed. The shine is wearing off this highly touted prospect, and Javier has an important upcoming year to prove he’s able to be the player the Twins thought he could be.
23. Colt Keith, 3B/RHP (DET) Age: 19 Highest Level: High School While Spencer Torkelson gets most of the Tigers discussion on the 2020 Draft, Keith might be the most interesting pick. A two-way player right of high school, Keith wanted the opportunity to play every day. His raw athleticism and 6’2” build allow him to hit for average and power naturally. It will be important to maintain arm strength and swing length during his body maturation. The risk is high, but the tools are there for development, even if it is a 3-4 year process.
25. Alex Jackson, C (ATL) Age: 25 Highest Level: MLB Jackson is one of three catchers currently on the Braves 40 man roster and while he may very well start the season as the backup catcher, I don’t think he is much of a fantasy option at the position for the time being. Sure, his power potential is sky high, I just dont think he hits enough to be very high on your catchers board.
25. Bailey Ober, RHP Age: 25 Highest Level: AA One of my favorite prospects on the list (read more about him in my deep prospect dive from last April), his stats and bio mesmerized me earlier last season. He’s such a big and tall pitcher, yet he throws incredibly slow with a unique downward release, making it difficult for batters to recognize what’s coming at them. Fully healthy and ready to go, I like it when pitchers are able to change their entire approach because it shows me that they understand their bodies, the mechanics and the game itself. I’m high on him, and I think he’s capable of rising in these rankings.
28. Will Holland, SS Age: 22 Highest Level: Rookie After an impressive college career, Holland scuffled to put it together in Rookie Ball, batting under .200 over 145 plate appearances. Still, he grades well with some raw power and speed, and if he can put things together at the plate (he spent time working with Brent Rooker and was at the Summer Camp doing the same thing), he’s got the potential for double digit home runs and steals in him. He’s still got a long way to go, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
29. Kala’i Rosario, OF Age: 18 Highest Level: High School Looking for a deep sleeper? Look no further than the Twins’ fifth round draft pick from the 2020 Draft, who will be attending Al Baptist University to hone his craft. He’s got massive power potential in his bat, as some scouts have graded him at an 80 power. I get that there is a LONG ways to go before he ever does anything in the majors, but an 80 grade power bat warrants some attention, so here it is!
31. Nick Schnell, OF (TB) Age: 20 (3/27/00) Highest Level: A Schnell was an impressive high school hitter and displayed signs of improvement in his second professional stint during the 2019 season. While he hit .239 with 1 HR and a .373 SLG in his debut, he went on to hit .265 with 5 HR and .448 SLG across three levels the following season. There are still some concerns with his approach and a 34.0 K%, but perhaps introducing a more compact swing path could go a long way for the big lefty bat. Although he has missed time due to injuries, there is plenty of projection remaining with Schnell, who looks the part of a budding CF talent that will greatly benefit from continued development within the Rays’ organization.
32. Cadyn Grenier, SS (BAL) Age: 24 (DOB 10/31/1996) Highest Level: High-A Grenier will never be a middle of the order bat, but the glove is advanced, so if he maintains enough contact, he has a strong likelihood of reaching the majors as a utility infielder.
ETA: 2022 32. Josh Winder, RHP Age: 24 Highest Level: A+ Already 24 years old, Winder could have really used 2020 to take the next step in his development. With four pitches in his repertoire, it’s his change up that needed the most work to separate itself as a solid secondary pitch. He did spend most of the Covid-19 down time working out and was also in constant contact with the Twins’ organization. It remains to be seen how valuable his time off was when he steps to the rubber in 2021.
33. Yennier Cano, RHP Age: 26 Highest Level: A+ Cano had a great 2020 in terms of development, as he worked out at Bartolo Colon’s academy, changed his physique and concentrated on his control. He’s been dominating in the Cuban Winter League and showing off his high 90’s fastball, his newly developed change up, a slider and a splitter to boot. Keep your eyes on him.
35. LaMonte Wade Jr., OF Age: 26 Highest Level: MLB He’s someone who will graduate this season, as he already has 96 at bats under his belt. He’s a speed first player who will be your last game substitute to help put the club in scoring position. Steals and runs count in fantasy leagues, but that’s solely where the value lies with Wade Jr.
37. Aaron Whitefield, OF Age: 24 Highest Level: MLB He made the Opening Day Roster last year for depth, but was dropped from the 40-man roster and went unclaimed. Not great with the bat, but he has 179 steals over 6 seasons in and out of the minor leagues and the Australian Baseball League.
38. Jakson Reetz, C (WAS) Age: 25 Highest Level: A+ Reetz must show something special in 2021, or he ends up being a third catching option. Power numbers were higher in 2019, but it was his 3rd straight year in High-A ball.
38. Jerming Rosario, RHP (LAD) Age: 18 Highest Level: DSL (Rookie) At only 18, Rosario has already developed a good feel for pitching. A stereotypical 18 year-old’s frame with a little length (6’1″) he’s pretty skinny but has still maintained considerable success versus his contemporaries. With added weight and coaching, Rosario should excel even further.
38. Seth Gray, 3B/SS/OF Age: 22 Highest Level: A He spent the entire shut down at the Springfield Baseball Lab and even faced at bats against the Pirates’ J.T. Brubaker as part of his training. He managed to hit 11 home runs in 2019 and seems focused and determined to be better. He says he learned a lot about himself. I’m interested to see how that translates in 2021.
39. Gabe Snyder, 1B/OF Age: 25 Highest Level: A He hit 19 home runs in A ball in 2019, and walked a fair amount too. He’s your traditional power hitter that pulls the ball. His offseason transformation, alongside the aforementioned Seth Gray, will be in play once baseball resumes.
40. Zander Wiel, 1B Age: 27 Highest Level: AAA He will probably be forever a minor leaguer, but he deserves some recognition for mashing 24 home runs in 2019. If he can somehow replicate that in 2021, there’s a chance he gets the call for depth with the Twins. Otherwise, this could be the end of the line.
41. Griffin Jax, RHP Age: 26 Highest Level: AAA Jax doesn’t walk a lot of batters (5.2% walk rate over two levels in 2019), but he doesn’t strike out a lot of batters either. He has good numbers, but it remains to be seen how his game will translate in the majors.
42. Charles Mack, 3B/DH/2B Age: 21 Highest Level: Rookie He hit eight home runs and an additional nine extra base hits for Elizabethton in 2019 and is a third baseman to watch going forward. He’s quite young, so there’s some time to see what he can do.
43. Austin Schulfer, RHP Age: 25 Highest Level: AA Striking out 124 batters over 97.2 innings in 2019 is no small number, but the .207 batting average against him is. Keep an eye one this development, as he hasn’t shown that K/9 potential before.
45. Jovani Moran, LHP Age: 23 Highest Level: AA A tale of two cities here, as Moran possesses a 70 grade change up but a 40 grade command. He will either develop nicely or not at all.
47. Donny Breek, RHP Age: 21 Highest Level: Rookie The Dutchman posted 38 strikeouts over 36 innings of Rookie ball, and is continuing his strong play in the 2020 Dutch Major League too.
48. Hector Lujan, RHP Age: 26 Highest Level: A+ Lujan, who dominated A+ ball in 2019 but struggled when called to AA, could be running out of time to make any impact at the major league level at age 26.
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