Category Archives: Organization Depth Charts MLB and MiLB Affiliates
Minor League Baseball Announces its Top 25 Teams in Licensed Merchandise Sales
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida — Minor League Baseball today announced its list of Top 25 teams in licensed merchandise sales for 2016, with the combined totals of all 160 teams setting a Minor League Baseball record with more than $68.3 million in retail sales. The $68.3 million total marks a 5.06 percent increase over 2015’s total of $65.1 million, which had been the highest total recorded since Minor League Baseball’s licensing program began in 1992. The numbers are based on total licensed merchandise sales from January 1 – December 31, 2016, and include the 160 teams in the domestic-based leagues that charge admission to their games.
The Top 250 MLB Prospects For 2017
PLAYERS LIKELY RISING THE TOP PROSPECT RANKING
RANK 218 – FRANKLIN PEREZ
Franklin Perez is a tough cookie to quantify. He is 19 years-old with a decent fastball and a curveball that shows hints of elite status and throws at plus on a bad day.
On the surface, I am in love with Franklin Perez and think he has the chance to be something magnificent long-term.
Question marks arise on pitches outside his curve and are primarily geared at the change up. He also needs to clean up his delivery and become more repeatable. He is very early on in the development for a transitional pitcher from third base.
Though this ranking is likely more passive than aggressive, the future for Perez could net him a top 50 grade by season’s end if he showcases improvement in the mentioned areas. At the moment he looks like a potential SP4 with the upside of an SP2.
With his current offerings and age in mind, he didn’t calculate out higher than other names who are younger or hold better offerings. But, that doesn’t mean he can’t beat them out quickly. Read the rest of this entry
Los Angeles Angels Top Prospects
The Angels commitment to winning a World Series while Mike Trout is still affordable has led to a lot of money and prospects being spent, in most cases, unwisely. Among those lost included future starter and future bullpen piece Sean Newcomb and Victor Alcantara. Furthermore, the team’s hesitancy to draft high upside players in favor of high floor athletes has kept the team as the worst system in Major League Baseball. However, the team does have some promising players acquired via the draft. 2015 second rounder Jahmai Jones may have a ways to go, but the team has put a solid value on his toolsy approach. 2016 first rounder Matt Thaiss may be blocked by Albert Pujols and CJ Cron, but his bat has shown why he was taken with the 15th overall pick. And should 2016 picks Brandon Marsh, Nonie Williams and Chris Rodriguez show the upside that had the team sold on them, the system could start climbing out of the cellar.
Los Angeles Angels Top Prospects
St. Louis Cardinals Top Prospects
Right now the thing that jumps out at you about this system is the number of big arms that populate the various levels. I will rank Alex Reyes on this list, but he is far from the only guy who will light up a radar gun in this system. Sandy Alcantara, Dakota Hudson, Junior Fernandez, Rowan Wick, Ryan Helsley, and Ronnie Williams all are radar gun delights who can push triple digits in short spurts. The Cardinals philosophy in regards to pitching has always been to teach fastball command to all four quadrants first and foremost, so even if a pitcher is showing high strikeout rates and posting quality ERA’s, they may not move quickly if they cannot demonstrate fastball command first and foremost. They tend to favor athleticism in their pitchers first and foremost, believing they can teach consistent mechanics if they have the requisite athleticism. The Cardinals look for loose, fast arms, as they believe this is an indicator of an ability to create spin on a baseball- needed for great breaking balls. Finally, they look to the changeup as their secondary offering of choice. Pitchers who can locate a changeup and keep their deception are less prone to platoon splits against either right-handed or left-handed hitters.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS TOP PROSPECTS
Phenom Prospect, Julio Urias, Called Up To The Big Leagues And Ready To Shine
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up top prospect, Julio Urias, to pitch against the New York Mets on Friday. Urias is ranked as the #2 overall prospect my MLB.com.
This left-handed pitcher is only 19 years old, which makes him the youngest pitcher to start in an MLB game since Felix Hernandez in 2005.
Urias might be 19 years old, but he pitches with the maturity of a 10-year veteran. His future for the Los Angles Dodgers and fantasy baseball owners should be very bright.
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Three Sleeper Boston Red Sox Prospects For 2016
Andrew Martin (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – baseballhistorian.blogspot.ca) Follow @historianandrew
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The Boston Red Sox enter the 2016 season with a revamped major league roster, having landed some significant talent this past offseason. At the same time they have been able to maintain a well-stocked farm system that no less an authority than Baseball America has ranked as fourth-best in baseball this year.
While many will be familiar with some of their better known prospects, their young talent pool is so deep that there are many who have largely flown under the radar thus far in their young careers but may start to get more recognition.
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2016 Houston Farm System Handbook
Jayne Hansen (Featured BBBA Baseball Writer/Owner – www.whattheheckbobby.blogspot.ca ) Follow @JayneWTHB
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The 2016 Houston Farm System Handbook is now available for purchase and is already drawing great reviews! When I introduced the Houston Farm System Handbook in 2015, almost all of the reviews were of the 5-star variety (one person raved that they loved it but only gave it 4 stars).
Astros Announcer Bill Brown complimented me on doing “a masterful job cataloging tons of information on the Astros prospects” and really liked the portability of an e-book.
As good as that 2015 Handbook was, the 2016 version should prove to be even more valuable to prospect fans everywhere with the addition of a “Beyond the Top Prospects” depth chart.
Before last season I was touting prospects such as Matt Duffy, Tyler White, Jon Kemmer and Albert Abreu, all of whom landed in Baseball America’s Prospect Handbook for the first time recently.
In my depth charts, I have identified a number of players who may very well debut in that publication next year, including RHP Dean Deetz, 1B Chase McDonald and many others.
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How To Stop Tanking Maneuvers In Order To ‘Rebuild’ MLB Teams
In the last year of the current ‘CBA’ there may be a change to the new agreement that would stop teams from intentionally losing under the “integrity of competitiveness” clause. Teams such as Houston and the Chicago Cubs have laid the template down, and now other teams are following suit like the Phillies, Braves, Reds, Padres, Rockies and Brewers.
Jordan Gluck (Part Owner/Featured Writer): Follow @jgluck777
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How to stop Tanking?
Spearheaded by Jeff Luhnow – the complete ‘tank philosophy’ has taken off across sports which is a terrible thing for competitive balance.
Teams in other leagues such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Cubs, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Timberwolves and Indianapolis Colts have had completely terrible teams with the goal of landing the top selection in that draft(s).
Tanking has become much more widespread and is EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE. The problem is losing this badly leads to teams being terrible likely for long periods of time so they can be at the top of the draft and have a chance at elite players.
The differences in tanking differ by league though, in basketball if you don’t have the elite talent then you will never win and that talent is found almost always at the top of the draft.
In football you need a quarterback to be a super bowl contender and tanking will likely be just for the quarterback as the Colts did for Andrew Luck.
Hockey (like baseball) requires depth but top line players carry a huge premium and are available at the top of the draft and you defiantly need at least a few to be Stanley Cup contenders. Read the rest of this entry
30 MLB Teams Needs/Notes And Financials For The Offseason
Perhaps no team is more top-heavy than the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. They need a Catcher/3B/OF/2B and have Erick Aybar, C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver clearing off the books after next campaign. It is an important off year for them. Will they spend a lot of money, or will they wait until next winter?
Jordan Gluck (Part Owner/Featured Writer): Follow @jgluck777
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Team Needs notes and financials
Braves: need 4/5 SP depth Setup/Closer type and Catcher budget 15-30M -but will likely save huge splash signings for next years new stadium.
Marlins: maybe 1B Could trade Marcell Ozuna and sign an OF will likely acquire 2 SP one of them being a #2 starter the other lower end. needs lefty reliever. Budget 10-25M.
Mets: Could trade Matt Harvey or Jon Niese/Need MI (at least 1)/ and a big bat for Yoenis Cespedes replacement. Budget 20 -30M.
Phillies: Needs all over especially SP Needs all over offense except SS and 3B Bullpen can use beefing up 10-100M Budget don’t know what they are going for but should wait for next season to make some game changing moves new GM. Unknown philosophy could sell Odubel Herrera high.
Nationals: 7th/8th inning man maybe SP (Would only be high end) Possible CF. Budget could be -10M to upwards of 30M.
Cubs: SP 3/CF/RF/CL. if needed but not urgent Quagmire at 2B High end SP a priority Should acquire shutdown closer. 40-80M budget. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 100 MLB Prospects In 2015
Kris Bryant is about as sure of a prospect there has been in the last 5 years. Will the Cubs let him start the year in 2015, or will they send him down until the end of April to save service time. All you need to know about the franchises desire to win it all this campaign may be based on this decision. The young slugger had 40 HRs in the Minor League’s last year.
By Jordan Gluck (MLB Parts Writer/Part-Owner): Follow @jgluck777
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Top 100 Prospects
1-30
These are my top 100 prospects in baseball. There is a lot of talent in the minor leagues right now across almost all levels. Yoan Moncada signed after I wrote this but he would slot in the 8th slot right ahead of Joey Gallo and I do believe Moncada will be a stud.
1. Kris Bryant 3B CHC – He will hit for power and hit for a high average at what is an underrated position. He was the 2nd overall pick in 2013 and has the looks of a perennial all star.
2. Carlos Correa SS Hou- He was having a very nice season at the best hitters park in the minors in Lancaster before he broke his leg. I think he can stay at SS with almost all five tools with power rapidly emerging. He’s the future face of the Astros.
3. Corey Seager SS LAD- There are people who think he may get too big for SS and have to transfer to 3B but I think he has much more value at SS and can stick there for at least a few years. He should have an elite bat with plus plus power. Possibly the next Troy Tulowitzki with a slightly worse glove.
MLB Farm System Rankings (1 – 30) In 2015
By Jordan Gluck (Featured Writer): Follow @jgluck777
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1. Chicago Cubs- They are still one of the top systems even with Javier Baez graduating from the list. I love the bats headed by what maybe the top prospect in baseball in Kris Bryant and high end talent in Addisson Russell, Jorge Soler, Kyle Schwarber and Dan Vogelbach.
They also have upside in Albert Almora, Eloy Jimenez and Jeimer Candelario. The pitching on the farm remains the main concern with a wiry C.J .Edwards, a mid ceiling Paul Blackburn and Pierce Johnson and a very far away Carson Sands.
The best farm system in the league that will see some graduates very soon.
2. Minnesota Twins- Last season was unfortunate for the twins and all of major league baseball as Byron Buxton got injured in spring training and Miguel Sano got TJ surgery.
I believe both of them will bounce back with ease and could be close to the major league level. Pitchers J.O Berrios, Alex Meyer and Kohl Stweart have frontline potential with Meyer possibly a candidate to make the rotation out of spring training.
They took Dee Gordons brother Nick in the first round last year and he can be a complete player. There is upside all over in Lewis Thorpe, Felix Jorge, and 50th overall pick Travis Harrison. A very solid farm that can hopefully bear some fruit this season.
The Toronto Blue Jays Prospects + Org. Depth Charts For All Affiliates – 2014 (MLB + MiLB)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
The Blue Jays have used their system well to acquire several key pieces from other organizations via trade over recent years.
Despite all of the prospects that have left, several are still on their way to the Majors for the big club and several are highly touted.
In 2014, the Blue Jays will try to erase a 21 year playoff drought. Will the franchise part with some more of its youth, or may they hold steady with the personnel in the MiLB?
If you are a fan, get to know these players we list in the post, and follow their progress in the Minors. if you click their name, it will take you to baseballreference.com’s player page of them. Read the rest of this entry
The Philadelphia Phillies Prospects + Organizational Depth Charts For All Affiliates – 2014 (MLB + MiLB)
Among Amaro’s staff of scouts and underlings, there must be some level of discomfort because no group of baseball men this large who evaluate talent for a living can make that many mistakes on a professional level. Unless, of course, these men are afraid to go against Amaro’s will. If that’s the case, it will be up to Phillies President and team ownership to hear that the citizens of Philadelphia have already figured out that the emperor has no clothes. It’s time for Amaro to go. It won’t happen soon enough, and with Montgomery’s latest proclamation, this club will set themselves back for a few more years by not selling off some players in a futile season.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
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TRADE DEADLINE CHAT/Build your system by trading veterans and regroup for 2015.
I have a newsflash for David Montomery (President, part -owner of the Phillies), your fanbase already hates the team right now, and it is not like you won’t spend money on the club in 2015.
The Boston Red Sox were smart enough to realize that 2012 was a lost season. Instead of riding it out, they made huge changes to the roster.
Deals that led to numerous Free Agent signings in that winter, that helped them win the 2013 World Series..
A lot of the trades they did were based on the team dumping payroll, becoming younger, and also not having lengthy contracts plaguing their franchises for many years to come.
The “Phigtins” are 8.5 Games the NL East leading Braves, and 8 behind the playoff bar, but here is the problem…. Read the rest of this entry
The Atlanta Braves Prospects + Organizational Depth Charts For All Affiliates – 2014 (MLB + MiLB)
The Atlanta Braves went to the World Series 5 times in the 90’s, only winning the title in 1995. The team won 14 Division Titles from 1991 – 2005, and have been very competitive for the last 4 years, after a short dry spell from 2006 – 2009.. A lot of it has to do with their Minor League System.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
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Do you ever wonder how the Atlanta Braves have been so successful as an organization for the last quarter century? The answer is they are able to develop within.
In fact, the only times the club seems to do poorly is when it goes outside its comfort zone, and spend a bushel full of money for Free Agency.
Take the B.J. Upton abysmal deal, that may plague the franchise for spending until they reach their new stadium digs in Cobb County GA.
Yes, they hit a HR in the mid-90’s when they signed Greg Maddux, but times have changed for the economy of baseball.
The club also suffers from the trade to acquire Dan Uggla. These are small blips on a stellar establishment mostly comprised of homegrown talent.
Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Craig Kimbrel, Alex Wood, Julio Teheran, Andrelton Simmons and Evan Gattis are the future of this team. Braves fans are hoping for another World Series Winner.
If you are a fan, get to know these players we list in the post, and follow their progress in the Minors. if you click their name, it will take you to baseballreference.com’s player page of them.
Baltimore Orioles Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
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Management
| CEO- | Peter G. Angelos |
| GM- | Dan Duquette |
| MGR- | Buck Showalter |
| PCO- | Dave Wallace |
| HCO- | Jim Presley |
| 1BCO- | Wayne Kirby |
| 3BCO- | Bobby Dickerson |
| BHCO- | John Russell |
| BPCO- | Dom Chiti |
The Detroit Tigers Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
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The Detroit Tigers will be relying on their Minor League System more in 2014 than in the previous few years. Players have been traded or lost to Free Agency, carving a path and opportunity for some.
Nick Castellanos has the grandest shot at making some headway at the 3B position, and Jose Iglesias will see a full year at SS in Motown.
When you factor in Ian Kinsler at 2B – and Miguel Cabrera at 1B, then none of the 2014 opening days Infield positions will look the same.
Dave Dombrowski has done an exceptional job at replacing some of the Minor League levels. This was a big reason why they traded Doug Fister.
Robbie Ray is their best Starting Pitcher not to start the year in Detroit. He may even get the call at some point this campaign.
If anything, the Tigers were able to become younger, quicker and cheaper, which could bode well for the future
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here. Read the rest of this entry
The New York Yankees Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Brian Cashman has signed 10 new Free Agents this winter, and also made a mockery of the waiver wire list, with his 2013 pluckings last campaign to aid an injury riddled squad of veterans.
Simply put, this franchise has done a brutal job of drafting over the course of the last decade or so. Cashman has to take his share of the blame for that.
Luckily for the big market club, these can be overlooked when you feature a payroll in the $235 MIL range.
Having said this, the cupboard is not bare in the Minor Leagues. Read the rest of this entry
The Texas Rangers Organizational Depth Charts (All Affiliates) – Spring 2014 (Majors and Minors)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
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This has been the most successful run in Rangers history in the last 4 years. 2 World Series Appearances (albeit losses) – and the club has 4 straight 90+ Win Seasons.
Nolan Ryan envisioned this kind of progress when he anchored the current regime. While he has left the nest, many of the players have been stocked up in the Minors and Majors.
The Rangers have many young players like Jurickson Profar, Leonys Martin, Martin Perez and Elvis Andrus that are entering their prime.
The greatest job done by the brass was to assemble a pitching unit of homegrown products, as this has kept the teams payroll within reason – even as some of these guys mature. Read the rest of this entry
The St. Louis Cardinals Organizational Depth Charts – Spring 2014 (Majors and MInors)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org Depth Chart + Payroll Expert – find his website here) Follow @prosportsroster
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For all of those websites that put off writing about the Cardinals after the World Series due to fatigue, it is time to brush up on the best run franchise in the Major Leagues.
The majority of the players in the system and in the Majors were developed by the Cardinals franchise.
Last year, I did a Roster Tree of how all of the players were acquired. Something like 18 of the 25 players were Drafted by the club.
That is light years ahead of the next team in the race.
When you see that St. Louis has made it to the final four clubs 8 teams in 13 years, and now has made 4 trips to the World Series in a decade, you are leaving another chapter in the legacy of the franchise. Read the rest of this entry
Pittsburgh Pirates 2014 Roster + Organizational Depth Charts (MLB and MiLB)
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Pittsburgh Pirates broke a 21 Year Old playoff drought in 2013, by winning 94 Games, winning the Wild Card Game to the Reds – before bowing out to the St. Louis Cardinals in 5 games of the LDS.
Neil Huntington has done an exceptional job assembling this club both via trade an drafting.
Not signing A.J. Burnett to a deal is actually a smart move when you figure he is going to earn $16.0 MIL in 2014. If the Bucs GM would have doled out the 1 YR/$14.1 MIL for the cagey veteran, it would have blown the teams salary structure. Read the rest of this entry
Tampa Bay Rays Organization: 2014 Depth Charts + Rosters, (MLB + MiLB)
Joe Maddon has a career Record of 704 – 644 (.522), but is 552 – 421 (.567) over the last 6 years from 2008 – 2013. He runs his offenses like the Angels used to, with a NL style built on speed and contact. He may be the best AL Skipper when it comes to utilizing players versatility and matchups. Maddon is also great at working in Rookie players.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Tampa Rays have been the model franchise in the AL for the last 6 years. Of course the St. Louis Cardinals club would be the team of the National League.
Besides the New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays have won more games in the last 6 years.
The teams record is 552 -421 during this time span, including 4 playoff spots and 1 AL Pennant.
The key to the teams continuous consistency is their Minor League System. From 9 years of drafting high from 1998 – 2007, to then making smart trades, the Rays have have been able to sustain their club by using the farm.
Wil Myers 2013 Highlights
The Cleveland Indians Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) 2014
The Indians hosted the Wild Card Play in Game for the right to play Boston in the ALDS, but were ultimately ousted by the Tampa Bay Rays. Now minus several pieces from last years team, they turn to their franchise depth in hopes of another playoff birth in 2014.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Indians had a triumphant and surprising year in 2013. They blasted their way out of the gate led by Mark Reynolds and Jason Kipnis and Justin Masterson.
Halfway through the year, renaissance pitching from Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir helped jump into the foray among all the best AL clubs.
This club took advantage of a cupcake schedule – in order to reel off a 10 game winning streak to tend the campaign.
For those people who failed to see what a tough May.15 – June.15 schedule they had, in which they played almost all of the Division leaders across the board in the MLB, being all over .500 teams.
Because of that stretch, they deserved the late season ease of sked.
Jason Kipnis Highlight Reel 2013
The Los Angeles Dodgers Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB) 2014
Puig slowed down a shade from his torrid 1st month pace – however still slashed .319/.392/.925 – with 19 HRs, 42 RBI. 66 Runs Scored and 122 Hits in just 434 AB for the 2013 year. He has now in the 2nd YR of a 7 YR/$42 MIL contract in his pocket, and that may be the bargain of ALL – Time if he continues these type of numbers all the way throughout his length of the deal. Puig, 23, finished in 2nd for NL Rookie of The Year Voting, and placed 15th in NL MVP balloting as well.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Los Angeles Dodgers had a rollercoaster 2013 campaign. After a late season 2012 trade, the club went on a spending bonanza to enter the 2013 year.
In late May. it looked bleak. The franchise wanted to fire Don Mattingly, Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez were battling various injuries, and the club was 23 – 32.
Enter Yasiel Puig with his historic 1st month, and the team then went on a torrid pace at that hadn’t been done in nearly 60 years.
The crux of this crestwave, was a 42 – 8 stretch that saw the club bypass all 4 Division foes, putting a stranglehold on the NL West once and for all.
Dodgers own the West
The Boston Red Sox Players In All Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
Jackie Bradley can go a long way to help BoSox fans forget about the departure of Jacoby Ellsbury. Known as a patient batter with tonnes of speed, and exceptional fielding, Bradley taking the next leap up to the MLB on a permanent basis would do wonder for the Red Sox in 2014. At 23, he has a Career Minor League 3 Slash of .297/.404/.876
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 & Jeff Kleiner (Org. Depth Chart Expert) Follow @prosportsroster
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
It has come time for us to flip the calendar at the MLB Reports and shift gears into all of our 2014 season previews.
Each of the 30 MLB teams will have a organizational depth chart blog, a payroll blog, and 1 or 2 State of the Union Pieces from this day – all the way until the 1st day of MLB play this campaign.
We start of with the defending World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox.
Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts Are Future Superstars
The Colorado Rockies Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
Troy Tulowitzki is one of the best all-round shortstops in baseball. he plays Gold Glove caliber defense, and he actually hits well pretty much anywhere whether home (.934 OPS) and Away (.819 OPS). The team always plays better with their franchise Shortstop is in the lineup – and they have a punchers chance to compete in their Division. In 2013, he hit for a 3 Slash Line of .312/.391/.932 – with 23 HRS and 82 RBI in just 446 AB. The 28 Year Old missed 36 games this past campaign, and that cost him a chance to win the NL MVP, as he was an early favorite.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link her
The Rockies will enter the 2014 campaign without Todd Helton for the 1st time in 18 years. The team is always in a precarious situation when it comes to prospects, talented veteran’s, and an uncertainty of how the team will fare year to year.
Colorado has been a streaky club from 2007 – now. They made their only World Series Appearance ever in 2007, and the team has had chances for the playoffs most years that Troy Tulowitzki has played in significant AB.
The teams offensive prospects look great with Nolan Arenado, Jordan Pacheco. Dexter Fowler, Wilin Rosario and of course their big #2 Shortstop TULO. For the most part, this team has been able to develop within.
Yes Carlos Gonzalez was brought in by trade, but that was with the asset the team drafted in Matt Holliday.
Todd Helton: Look Back At A Franchise Player’s Career
The Toronto Blue Jays Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
The Blue Jays have been trading away all of their top prospects in recent years, and so far, not one of the players has come back to burn them. Unfortunately, the veterans brought in via trade haven’t pushed them over the top either.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
The Blue Jays have invested a great deal of their future in trades in recent years. First they traded away several prospects to acquire Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and John Buck.
The 2nd move was to also trade Travis d’Arnaud and Buck for R.A.Dickey. However the moves backfired on them in 2013.
What is worse for the team, is the franchise has not been able to develop their own talent over the last several years. Their best players on the club were all brought in via trades.
Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion were absolute steals for the guys they doled out to reel them in (Robinson Diaz, never played in the Majors for Pit in the Joey Bats deal, and they originally acquired in the Scott Rolen traded to Cincy. He was selected off of waivers by Oakland, before he came to the club via Free Agency.
Jose Bautista 2013 Highlights
The Chicago Cubs Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
Rizzo followed up his short 2012 campaign, in which he hit .285 with 15 HR and 48 RBI with a lower Slash line of .233/.323/.742 – but still clubbed 23 HRs and added 80 RBI. If he maximizes his potential, you are looking at a perennial threat each year to lead the NL in HRs. Rizzo was traded from the Padres for Andrew Cashner, and it was the 3rd time Jed Hoyer had acquired the guy in his management life. The team signed him to a 7 YR/$41 MIL extension this year, that will see him in until at least 2019, and potentially til 2021.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
Theo Epstein and the Ricketts new the job was going to be a tough one. Replenishing the young talent in the organization, after much trepidation, will continue to be the focal point of the North Chicago franchise.
The most of the Veterans have left for prospects. Gone are; Matt Garza, Scott Feldman, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Marmol, David DeJesus, Ryan Dempster, Geovany Soto, Ian Stewart, Reed Johnson, Paul Maholm.
In are a bunch of young players acquired for the services of the old guys.
Players such as Pedro Strop, Jake Arrieta, Mike Olt, Corey Black, Justin Grimm and a host of other youngsters in the Minor League Level.
The Cubs also have traded for lots of International Money limits, where they have brought in further assets to the organization.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
The Minnesota Twins Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
Ron Gardenhire and Tom Kelly have been the only 2 men to manage the Twins in the last 27 years. Having stability in the Manager and GM position lends itself for a proper run franchise in terms of on the field success. The Twins will give Gardenhire the chance to rebuild with this club yet again. Stocked with several young prospects, we could the club turn around to be a contender again in the next few years.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
The Minnesota Twins have had 3 – 90+ Losses Seasons in a row. This came right on the heels of the franchise having made the playoffs 6 out of 9 years.
All of those Post Season Appearances were made as Division Champions from the AL Central.
The Twins had enough smarts about them to understand where they were in the 1990’s. The management knew the club was better off building within – rather than spending via Free Agency.
From 1993 – 2000, the team never finished better than 4th in the Division they played. The club drafted really high for this time period, and had a nice renaissance by the time 2001 started.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Joe Mauer 2013 Highlights
The Miami Marlins Payroll In 2014, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects, Depth Charts, (MLB + MiLB)
The Miami Marlins might have exited out of their plan to compete last season, however the talent wasn’t going to cut it – and they were able to restock the system with some talent, despite not having an chance to compete in 2013. Hopefully the ownership will buck up some cash when the team improves a little in future years.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
The Miami Marlins are known for doing a gazillion transactions throughout the year. Jeffrey Loria and CO. are always looking for ways to save dollars, become younger, and fill the Minor League System with players.
Since the team has won 2 World Series it is time in the MLB (21 Years), some people are even willing to give the franchise some credit, although most of that was attributed to the previous ownership regimes.
They are loaded with a multitude of young players that are highly touted and talented. The biggest question to ask is how they are going to move forward with Giancarlo Stanton?
2014 will be an interesting campaign for Miami. They have to hope that a lot of their several young players can mature and prosper, as they are in the same Division as the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves.
For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Miami Organization click here.
Giancarlo Stanton Highlights _- Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance is Advised
The Houston Astros Payroll in 2014 + Organization: Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
The Astros have scaled their Payroll to miniscule proportions. As of this minute, the players they have signed – that aren’t on entry level deals, equals $4.37 MIL, and that is if the club picks up their Team Option on Philip Humber for 2014. The only other player that makes more than an entry level is Jose Altuve at $1.37 MIL in 2014. The club is paying more in dead money to Wandy Rodriguez ($5.5 MIL in 2014) as part of the 2012 Trade worked out between clubs. It has been bantered about that the ownership and management are willing to spend some money in Free Agency for 2014. MLB currently does not have a floor for Team Salary in the current CBA, so why would the club do that until they are ready to compete?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
A 3rd straight season with 105+ Losses, and 15 straight losses to finish the 2013 campaign does not give the fans very much to look forward to in 2014.
I am here to tell you that the MLB should be ashamed of letting the Houston Astros field such an incompetent team.
Having said this, I don’t personally blame them for tanking it over the last 3 years. They are the other ‘extreme’ – of what the New York Yankees and LA Dodgers have done payroll wise.
Last season at the end of the year, their highest paid player for the Active Roster was Erik Bedard, making $1.1 MIL.
If they keep picking 1st overall, it is only a matter of time before the team becomes very good, just like the Rays, Nationals, Twins and Pirates have all done in recent times.
For the Up to Date Roster for the Astros all year around, please visit Jeff’s Website right here
For the Entire Page of teams links we have dedicated to Payroll, Rosters, Depth Chart, State Of the Unions and Roster Trees, please click right here. Please bookmark this page and check back, as we are busy on the analysis at MLB Reports always.
Jose Altuve Highlights
MLB Reports 
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