Blog Archives
Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (1-10)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 1-10 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. If you want to see the analysis for the rest of the top 100, please visit my blog: www.dynastydigest.sportsblog.com
- Yoan Moncada (BOS, 21 Years Old, 2B): Moncada has stolen my heart and he has stolen the top prospect in my midseason rankings. In 414 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A, Moncada is batting .294, with 12 home runs, 43 stolen bases, .404 OBP, and a .513 slugging percentage. He is blocked by Dustin Pedroia at second base, but there is a good chance the Red Sox move him to third base or to the outfield at some point. Regardless of what position he plays, Moncada will be an elite ball player, and an even better fantasy player. He has the ability to steal 40+ bases, with an on base percentage of .370+, and 20 home runs or more in a season. Needless to say, those statistics would put him in an elite class in fantasy baseball.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (11-20)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 11-20 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Alex Reyes (STL, 21 Years Old, RHP): If you are looking for a frontline starter, look no further. Reyes has the upside of a top-10 pitcher in the next few years. He has an elite fastball-breaking ball combination and his changeup has developed quite nicely. He has been known to touch 102-103 MPH with his fastball, so that speaks for itself. He has struggled this season at Triple-A, but that doesn’t take away from his potential. In 55 innings pitched, he owns a 5.07 ERA, 51 hits against, 79 strikeouts, and 27 walks. He has an elite strikeout rate, but his walk rate does scare me. He was just scratched from his most recent start in the minors, so many people believe the Cardinals are preparing to call him up to the big leagues.
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Andrew Benintendi Could Be Promoted By The Boston Red Sox Very Soon
Following the promotion of Alex Bregman and David Dahl, Andrew Benintendicould be the next star prospect called up to the big leagues. The Boston Red Sox organization could use an everyday outfielder in left field, and Benintendi could be the answer.
Benintendi was drafted seventh overall by the Red Sox in the 2015 MLB Draft. Since stepping on the field as a Red Sox prospect, Benintendi has done nothing but impress. He has proven his bat is above average, possesses above average speed, and he has very good defense in centerfield. Over the past two years, he has started every game in centerfield, but the Red Sox have switched him to left field over the last two games. Many people believe this position change is prepping one of their top prospects for a move to the big leagues.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (21-30)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 21-30 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Orlando Arcia (MIL, 21 Years Old, SS): The smooth-fielding shortstop has struggled a little during the 2016 season, but his future remains bright. In 382 plate appearances at Triple-A, Arcia is batting .269, with seven home runs, 44 RBIs, 56 runs, 13 stolen bases, .325 OBP, and a .407 slugging percentage. He still profiles as an above average shortstop in the big leagues, but I’m not convinced he is going to be an elite fantasy baseball player. He has the ceiling to produce 15-20 stolen bases, .270 BA, 10-15 home runs, and a .340 OBP once he reaches the bigs. If he does put up those numbers, I retract my statement about his fantasy baseball value.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (31-40)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 31-40 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Willy Adames (TB, 20 Years Old, SS): Adames has developed quite nicely over the last few seasons. At 20 years old, he is showing great success in Double-A. In 360 plate appearances, he is batting .264, with eight home runs, nine stolen bases, and a .365 OBP. After a slow 2015 season, Adames has rebounded very nicely after his promotion in 2016. He is starting to show more power, speed, and he is getting on base at a better rate. I don’t think he will ever be an elite fantasy baseball player, but he should be average-to-above average.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (41-50)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 41-50 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 51-60
- Jason Groome (BOS, 17 Years Old, LHP): Well, this ranking won’t mean anything if the Red Sox don’t sign Groome after drafting him 12th overall in the 2016 MLB Draft. The Sox and Groome are still in negotiations, but nothing as been finalized yet. At only 17 years old, Groome is incredibly advanced on the mound. He throws a mid-90’s fastball from the left-side, which has great late movement. He also shows a great feel for his breaking ball and changeup. To go along with his great repertoire, Groome has showed great command for a kid his age. Many people expected Groome to go first overall in the draft, but he started to trend downwards due to maturity questions and sign-ability issues. If the Red Sox sign Groome, he has the upside of a frontline starter.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (51-60)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 51-60 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 61-70
51. Jake Bauers (TB, 20 Years Old, 1B): Bauers has improved his game a lot in 2016. Last season, he hit .272, with 11 home runs, eight stolen bases, .342 OBP, and a .418 slugging percentage in 534 plate appearances. In only 368 plate appearances this season at Double-A, Bauers is batting .285, with 10 home runs, seven stolen bases, .373 OBP, and a .430 slugging percentage. He also has very advanced plate discipline, which should serve him well in his career. Bauers has one of the prettiest left-handed swings you will see, so it is no surprise that he is hitting so well this year.
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RUMORS: Houston Astros To Call Up Top Prospect, Alex Bregman
Following a very impressive appearance in the the MLB Futures Game, Houston Astros’ top prospect, Alex Bregman, could find himself back in a Major League Baseball stadium very soon. There has been rumors and reports that the Astros could call up Bregman as early as this weekend. While nothing has been confirmed, this is very exciting news for baseball fans and fantasy owners.
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Midseason Top 100 Prospect Rankings Analysis (61-70)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 71-80 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 71-80
- Kyle Lewis (SEA, 20 Years Old, OF): Kyle Lewis was drafted 11th overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 2016 MLB Draft. Lewis went to a small college named Mercer University, but nothing about Lewis is small. He puts up HUGE numbers at the plate, he is a massive human being, and he is going to be a big-time prospect. He stands 6’4 and weighs about 210 pounds. He currently plays centerfield, but as he fills out, he is expected to play one of the corner spots in the outfield. In his last season at Mercer, Lewis hit .395, with 20 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a .525 OBP. In his short time in the minors, he hasn’t been overmatched at all, which is a great sign. Lewis has immense potential and could be a serious home run threat down the line.
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Midseason Top 100 Prospect Rankings Analysis (71-80)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 71-80 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 81-90
- Luis Ortiz (TEX, 20 Years Old, RHP): Oritz has been very impressive when he is on the mound. Unfortunately, Ortiz has been very injury prone in his first few seasons of professional baseball. He was drafted 30th overall by the Rangers in 2014. Since being drafted, he has flown through the minors. At the age of 20, he is already in Double-A. He is 4.3 years younger than the average competition in Double-A, so that is very impressive in itself. In 61.1 innings between High-A and Double-A this season, he owns a 3.23 ERA, 61 hits allowed, 56 strikeouts, and only 13 walks. He has a great feel for all of his pitches, which translates to very few walks. Ortiz has the potential to be a 2/3 starter in the Rangers rotation in the near future.
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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (81-90)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 81-90 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 91-100
- Gary Sanchez (NYY, 23 Years Old, C): Sanchez has been a highly touted prospect since 2011. He has fluctuated in the rankings each year, but he is finally close to the big leagues. In 243 plate appearances this season, he is batting .281, with nine home runs, .321 OBP, .487 slugging percentage, and a .808 OPS in Triple-A. His defense has improved quite a bit to go along with his elite arm, so it looks like he will stick behind the plate. Sanchez is the catcher of the future for the New York Yankees.
SEE THE ANALYSIS OF PLAYERS RANKED 82-90
Midseason Top 100 Prospect Rankings Analysis (91-100)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 91-100 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Braden Shipley (ARI, 24 Years Old, RHP): Shipley was considered a top 50 prospect following the 2014 season, but he has declined since. In 2016, he has thrown 107.1 innings, with a 3.69 ERA, 117 hits against, 68 strikeouts, and only 18 walks in Triple-A. His walk rate and command have drastically improved, but his lack of strikeouts is a concern. A few years ago, Shipley was viewed as a potential 2/3 starter in a rotation, but it looks like he could be more of a 4/5 starter when he gets his chance.
SEE THE ANALYSIS FOR PLAYERS RANKED 92-100
Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings
Hello all you baseball fans. Below you can find my 2016 midseason top 100 prospects list. I will be posting daily articles highlighting and analyzing each prospect (in groups of 10) throughout the next week, so keep an eye out for those articles. To get email updates when these articles are published, please follow my blog (dynastydigest.sportsblog.com). If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me on Twitter (@dynasty_digest).
1. Yoan Moncada (BOS, 21 Years Old, 2B)
2. Lucas Giolito (WSH, 21 Years Old, RHP)
3. Alex Bregman (HOU, 22 Years Old, SS/3B)
SEE THE REST OF THE RANKINGS
Who Will Be The Next Superstar Baseball Prospect Called Up?
Following the promotion of Lucas Giolito, MLB’s #1 overall prospect, many people are wondering who and when the next superstar prospect will be called up. There are quite a few people who come to mind when pondering this question. Some of those names include Alex Bregman, Manuel Margot, Alex Reyes, Orlando Arcia, Tyler Glasnow, Aaron Judge, and many more.
It is difficult to predict when a prospect is going to be called up, but it can be even harder to predict if that prospect is going to be a superstar. Every one of those guys listed above have the potential to be something special, but who will make that superstar impact this year? Could it be Alex Bregman taking over third base for the Houston Astros? How about Alex Reyes toeing the rubber in St. Louis? Both of those individuals will be superstars, but they are not who I have in mind.
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The Atlanta Braves Need To Trade Julio Teheran, But It Might Not Happen
As it gets closer to the trade deadline, Atlanta Braves pitcher, Julio Teheran, is gaining more and more attention. Through five starts in June, Teheran has been absolutely dominant throwing 37.2 innings, with a 1.91 ERA, 17 hits against, 37 strikeouts, and only four walks. The Braves will bring in quite the haul if they decide to deal the right-hander to a competing team at the trade deadline.
So far in 2016, Teheran owns a 3-7 record, with a 2.46 ERA, 70 hits against, 99 strikeouts, and 24 walks in 106 innings pitched. Pay no attention to the record since he is currently playing for the worst team in baseball, but this might not be for long. Many teams have expressed interest in Teheran, including the Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, and other teams competing for a spot in the playoffs.
Teheran would help a competing team, but he may not be worth the price the Atlanta Braves are asking for. Not only is the price high, but there are some concerning factors that might show that Teheran’s success in 2016 could be a fluke.
To read more about how Teheran’s 2016 season could be a fluke, click the link below:
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Exclusive Interview With 2017 Draft Prospect and UNC Tar Heel, J.B. Bukauskas
J.B. has an electrifying fastball and slider combination, which both have potential to be plus-plus pitches. He is also developing a change-up that many scouts believe could solidify him as a top of the rotation starter one day. It’s hard to say which pitch is his best between his fastball and slider. He sits between 93-96 MPH with his fastball, but his slider could be the best breaking ball in the 2017 draft class. His elite combination of pitches, command, and maturity on and off the mound should make him one of the top prospects in the 2017 MLB Draft.
He is one of the top arms in the Cape Cod League this summer. He is also playing with Team USA this summer in Japan, Taiwan, and Cuba.
To view the rest of the article and the interview, click the link below:
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Astros’ Prospect, Alex Bregman, Hit In The Head By A 94 MPH Fastball
Many Houston Astros and fantasy baseball fans have been wondering when Alex Bregman will finally make his MLB debut. Unfortunately, it might be delayed after taking a fastball to the head on Monday night. Luckily Bregman got up on his own power and he seems to be okay, but he sat out last night as a precautionary measure. Hopefully this event doesn’t hurt Bregman physically or his approach at the plate.
To view the rest of the article, click the link below:
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The Time Has Finally Come… Jameson Taillon To Be Called Up To The Big Leagues
You read that correctly folks, Pirates’ right-handed pitching prospect, Jameson Taillon, is finally getting called up! As many of you well know, I am a huge fan of this pitcher. He has the potential to be a frontline starter in the Pirates rotation in the future and he could be there faster than you think.
Taillon has had a very difficult road to the major leagues. He was drafted in the first round (second overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010. From 2011 to 2013, he shot up the organization and was on the fast track to a promotion to the big league team. Unfortunately, he was sidelined in 2014 after receiving Tommy John Surgery.
To read the rest of the article, click the link below:
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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Washington Nationals’ Top Prospect, Trea Turner, Could Be Called Up On May 30th
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
The Washington Nationals are currently sitting at the top of the National League East standings, but they are starting to slip. The New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Miami Marlins are all within two games of the first place spot in the East.
In order to hold onto their current position, the Nationals must start creating more run production opportunities. This problem can be easily fixed with one move, call up star prospect, Trea Turner.
In Triple-A, Turner is currently batting .324, with 3 home runs, 17 RBIs, 32 runs, 14 stolen bases, and a .387 OBP. These numbers scream run production. Not only are his numbers fantastic, but the player he would be replacing has done nothing but struggle at the plate.
Nationals’ starting shortstop, Danny Espinosa, is currently batting .208, with 3 home runs, 14 RBIs, 8 runs, 1 stolen base, and a .307 OBP. Based on these numbers, many people must be wondering why Trea Turner hasn’t gotten a promotion in 2016, but there is a simple answer to this, service time.
To view the rest of the article, click the link below:
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Five Minor League Prospects Who Will Be Fantasy Baseball Stars In 2016 And Beyond
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
1. Lucas Giolito (RHP; 21 Years Old; Washington Nationals): Giolito is commonly known as the top pitching prospect in the minor leagues. After recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2012, he has done nothing but impress every baseball scout, fan, and especially the Washington Nationals organization.
Since his surgery, he has thrown 261 innings, with a 2.58 ERA, 83 walks (2.9 per nine innings), and 288 strikeouts (9.9 per nine innings). While his numbers are great, his physical projection is what makes him an elite prospect.
Giolotu stands 6’6 and weighs 255 pounds. His body-type projects for a hard fastball, a nasty slider, and an exciting future. He throws his fastball in the mid to high 90’s and compliments that with one of the most elite breaking balls in the minor leagues.
Assuming he can stay healthy, he has the ability to be a top 10 pitcher at his prime. He should get a promotion to the big leagues in 2016, but the Nationals will limit his innings this year as his career high (in 2015) is only 117 innings.
Before you know it, Giolito will be the household name in Washington, not Max Scherzer.
To see the other 4 potential stars, click the link below:
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Cade Kreuter Interview: Padres Prospect Returns To The MLB Reports!
Monday December 3rd, 2012
Jonathan Hacohen ( Lead Baseball Columnist): Follow @jhacohen
Last February we introduced you to Cade Kreuter. As part of the interview, we learned all about the “Crocodile Hunter.” A third generation baseball prospect and a member of the Miami Hurricanes, Cade was getting ready to make his own mark on the game.
Now a member of the San Diego Padres organization, Cade has a bright road ahead. We talked about many facets of his career. From joining the Padres, to playing multiple positions, his offseason in the Dominican and much more. Being around the game his whole life, Cade knows what he needs to do to succeed. 2013 will be his first full season in professional baseball. At 21 years of age, he has his whole career ahead of him. We will be certainly be watching his progress with great anticipation!
Today on MLB reports, we bring you our interview with Padres’ prospect and 3rd generation player, Cade Kreuter:
MLBR: Congrats on joining the Padres! What was the process like joining them?
CK: Well, as you may know, I missed my entire junior season at The U this past year due to a broken left foot caused by a foul ball I hit off of it in practice the day before our season opener. I was misdiagnosed with a deep bone bruise for the first month of my injury so that was a setback right there for me. I went understandably undrafted after my junior season, after really only playing almost 1 full season out of 3 years in college. But, I felt it was still time for me to move up and play pro ball. I knew another season at The U was not what was best for me. I was contacted by the Padres and they asked me if I was interested in doing a workout and possibly signing as a free agent. I jumped at the opportunity and made the most of it. Later that week I signed and headed to Peoria, Az for the rookie ball season! Read the rest of this entry
Pedro Alvarez: Finally Meeting The Hype in Pittsburgh
Saturday September 15th, 2012
Jake Dal Porto: Pedro Alvarez is starting to turn the corner. Taking the next step. But, early career struggles had insiders, fans, writers, and everything in-between, labeling him as a “bust”. Let’s not forget that he was the second overall pick in the 2008 draft. So pressure and expectations are sky-high for him, and that’s not anything out of the ordinary. That’s a common theme with almost all high MLB draft picks. Alvarez, however, didn’t meet or exceed those expectations when he first broke into the majors, which caused some concern throughout the club.
In an article on Baseball America, one writer called him “the biggest waste of hitting talent in draft history”. That’s a pretty bold statement especially from a respected baseball publication. Sure, if it came from some snobby fan, then a statement like that would simply be shrugged off. That wasn’t the case, however. And believe it or not, that bold statement was pretty precise. Harsh? Yes. True? You bet. Yes Alvarez was young, but there were too many red flags to ignore at this stage of his young career. Read the rest of this entry
September MLB Call-Ups: The Fantasy Low-Down
Tuesday, September 4th, 2012
Peter Stein (Fantasy Baseball Analyst): Follow @PeterWStein
In what many have dubbed the “Year of the Rookie”, can we really expect any more impact youngsters in the crop of September call-ups? This is the time of the year that we generally have to wait to the teenagers and early twenty-something’s. However, competing teams, particularly in the NL West, have showed increased willingness, or perhaps found it a necessity, to expedite the developmental process of their minor league talent and give them a taste of the big leagues. For many, they have had more than just a taste and proved ready to produce at the big league level. As a result, after Trout and Harper led the way, there has been an implosion of young talent in the big leagues.
From a fantasy perspective; however, this does not mean that the talent well has run dry in the core of players called up when the rosters expanded this past Saturday. And, if you find yourself out of the playoff race in your league, now is the time to scout talent for next year and try to locate the bargains of the 2013 draft. A prime example of such a player in 2011 was Addison Reed, who pitched brilliantly last September and a year later is the closer of the Al Central leading White Sox. Let’s take a look at the September call-ups who have potential to provide value down the stretch as well as in the 2013 season: Read the rest of this entry
Top 5 Center Field Prospects in Baseball
Saturday August 25th, 2012
Codey Harrison: (Lead MiLB Prospect Analyst) – Today represents the final installment of the three-part series featuring middle of the field positions. The most important outfield position usually is played by the team’s most athletic position player has seen some big stars come into the big leagues in recent years. With the likes of Matt Kemp, Andrew McCutchen, Mike Trout, Adam Jones, and Austin Jackson the center field position has grown from a defensive minded position, into one that includes some of the games biggest superstars. The current minor league crop of center fielder’s is a very solid group which is led by 2011 first round pick Bubba Starling of the Kansas City Royals organization.
1.) Bubba Starling (Kansas City Royals Rookie Lg) – The 6’4″ 180 pound former University of Nebraska quarterback commitment has it all in terms of abilities on a baseball field. The fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft out of Gardner Kansas has drawn comparisons to Cincinnati Reds center fielder Drew Stubbs, the only difference is that scouts see Starling as a much better pure hitter than Stubbs. In his first pro season, it’s pretty evident that Starling is still very raw as a baseball prospect, as he began this season with Rookie League Burlington at 20 years of age. In his first 50 career games, Starling has shown off all of his tools as he is currently batting .282, with a .379 OBP, .505 SLG, with 10 home runs, and 10 stolen bases. The Royals are already loaded with young hitting studs like Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Billy Butler, Wil Myers. With Bubba Starling, the Royals should be one of the AL’s premier offenses within the next 3-4 years. Read the rest of this entry
Dustin Ackley: What’s Gone Wrong For The Once Highly Touted Prospect?
Saturday August 18th, 2012
Jake Dal Porto: Dustin Ackley has a lot to live up to with the Seattle Mariners. Anyone who is selected in the top five of any draft in any sport is expected to perform right from the get-go. The Mariners highly touted prospect was selected second in the 2009 draft, right behind Stephen Strasburg, and in the same draft class as the American League MVP frontrunner Mike Trout. Granted, Ackley barely has a year of experience under his belt, but it’s safe to say that the bar is set extremely high for him. And thus far, he’s crawling under that bar.
Last season, Ackley, 24, bursted onto the scene in mid June. Of course, the Mariners were far out of contention at that point, but he brought a much-needed spark to the lineup. He was one of the few reasons that made Mariners’ fans look forward to the future of Seattle. And he still his.
However, he has hit a massive dry spell. After hitting .305/.366/.534 is his first 36 big league games last year, he went on a downhill slide that has continued into his second year in the majors. To be specific, the tumble began on the 1st of August in 2011. From that point, he would hit for a triple slash of just .252/.338/.342 for the remainder of the season. And 2012 has followed a similar script. For the season, he’s hitting .225/.296/.330 in 113 games. Thus far, his best month was May, although the numbers he posted were nothing to write home about (.255/.333/.402). Simply, he’s yet to find success for a consistent period of time. Sure, he gets a few hits here and there, then he hits a dry patch.
So what’s going on with Ackley? Read the rest of this entry
Top 5 Shortstop Prospects in Baseball
Sunday August 12th, 2012
Codey Harrison: In Major League Baseball, middle of the field players (catcher,shortstop, centerfield) are a premium position. So much so that most teams are reluctant to trade away elite level prospects from those positions. Shortstop is arguably the most important position in baseball. Every once in a while, shortstops like Troy Tulowitzki, and Derek Jeter come along and can propel a team to great success. The top prospects in baseball this year is fairly deep at shortstop with potential superstars in the making. Lets take a look at some of the best shortstops who are still prospect eligible.
1.) Jurickson Profar (Rangers AA) – Texas Rangers shortstop prospect Jurickson Profar is the best shortstop prospect in all of baseball. Profar is so highly thought of by scouts, that some believe the Rangers may end up trading 23-year-old 2-time All-star shortstop Elvis Andrus or moving him to second base, with Ian Kinsler going to the outfield. Profar has all five tools (hit, power, speed, glove, and arm) and he’s proven he knows how to use all five. He’s currently raking in AA Frisco at only 19 years of age, posting monstrous numbers of .279 AVG, .356 OBP, .458 SLG, 23 doubles, 7 triples, 13 home runs, and 53 walks to 69 strikeouts. Some scouts believe Profar has a chance to be a gold glove caliber top, or middle of the order run producing machine, that is a perennial All-Star. No prospect is a guarantee, but Profar looks to be legit as far as prospects go. Read the rest of this entry
The Reds Should Not Call Up Billy Hamilton This Year
Sunday, August 5th, 2012
Photo Courtesy of Giants fan: Crystal Ramos
Sam Evans: Double-A Pensacola shortstop Billy Hamilton is one of the best prospects in baseball. He might be the fastest player in baseball history, and the other areas of his game are steadily improving. Cincinnati is currently in first place in the N.L. Central, and according to Baseball Prospectus’ playoff odds, they have a 97.5% chance of reaching the playoffs. Due to Hamilton’s current level of readiness and potential impact, the effect he will have on fans, and Hamilton’s future development down the road, Cincinnati should not call up Billy Hamilton in 2012.
In eighty-two games in High-A Bakersfield this year, Billy Hamilton hit .323 with a .413 OBP and he stole 104 bases. However, Hamilton was playing in the offense-friendly Cal League, where the average hitter is hitting .273/.342/.424. The Reds eventually promoted Hamilton to Double-A Pensacola, where he has hit .282/.404/.405 with eighteen steals in twenty-two games. Hamilton’s numbers at both levels this year have been tremendous. Billy Hamilton is going to be a superstar, and he might pass Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips, in terms of being the fan favorite in Cincy. However, that doesn’t mean he is ready to contribute right away. Read the rest of this entry
In The Year of The Rookie: Who’s For Real? Comparing MLB Prospects and Suspects in Fantasy Baseball
Monday July 30th, 2012
Peter Stein: 2012 truly has been the year of the rookie.
With all of this new talent and many surprises, it most likely means that there is a lot of parity amongst fantasy leagues. This is great. But the question you must ask moving forward: which players can actually sustain this level of play? Remember that last year, the entire buzz was around Eric Hosmer, whose sophomore campaign (.232/9/42) indicates that he might actually need some time in AAA. Don’t forget about Jason Heyward’s disappointing encore after his breakout rookie campaign too. And didn’t we all write of Anthony Rizzo after he was completely over matched by major league pitching in 2011?
Amazingly, Yoenis Cespedes has produced a stat line of .305/14/54 and 8 SB through 69 games played and has no shot of winning rookie of the year. That honor will belong to Mike Trout – .350/16/49 and 31 SB in 79 total games. A plethora of other rookies are mashing too, including Rizzo (.941 OPS), Todd Frazier (.857 OPS), Will Middlebrooks (.848 OPS), and Matt Carpenter (.836 OPS). Not included in this list is Bryce Harper, who is already a dynamic fantasy option at the age of nineteen. Read the rest of this entry
Interview with Arizona Diamondbacks Outfield Prospect Marc Krauss
Friday July 27th, 2012
Get to know baseball prospect Marc Krauss, as we proudly feature our interview with the rising star in the Arizona Diamondbacks system:
Codey – With some pro athletes you hear about them being multiple sport stars in high school, did you play any other sports in high school? If so how do you feel that they helped you with baseball?
Marc Krauss – “Yes I played football and basketball in high school along with baseball, so I was pretty busy in high school. I loved it though, being able to compete in all the sports. I grew up in a small town and there were not enough athletes to really specialize in one or two sports, so everyone pretty much played something year round. I definitely think it made me a better baseball player because it kept me active and I became a better overall athlete. And also when you’re in tough situations in any sport and can learn how to handle success or failure and pressure, it only benefits you in the other sports.” Read the rest of this entry
