Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[Guest]

Speaking of hot, you should check out Joe Siddall's son, Brett, at milb.com. He has been on fire for quite a while in the High A league at Stockton, in the Oakland organization. We're talking 21 for 39 in his last 10 games, with 14 ribs. Brett Siddall's now leading the league in OPS and slugging, and is third in average at .320.

[Dr. Dinger]

12:36

My name is also Dave: Im fascinated by the way you view prospects seeing how it’s very different than public list. So who are Dave Cameron’s 5 best prospects in baseball?

12:38

Dave Cameron: Assuming we don’t count any of the recently promoted guys (Devers, Moncada, Albies, Rosario, etc…)

1. Guerrero

2. Acuna

3. Torres

4. Tucker

5. Verdugo

[BTS]

I don't completely understand the love Verdugo gets.

[Dr. Dinger]

I don't completely understand the love Verdugo gets.

 

What's not to love? A corner OF who can hit .275 with 15 HR and 10 SB!

 

He does have an elite OF arm though, apparently.

[Dr. Dinger]

Man, the FSL is such a terrible hitter's league. How does a .269/.405/.299 line equate to a 119 wRC+?

[Spanky__99]

Man, the FSL is such a terrible hitter's league. How does a .269/.405/.299 line equate to a 119 wRC+?

 

The answer's in your question, lol.

[HERPDERP]

Really impressed with the plate discipline. Not necessarily because he is young, but we all know of Vlad's desire to be called up as soon as possible. If you're young and desperate you'd probably do too much and swing for the fences all the time. But nope - this kid is doing what he's always been doing and doesn't mind taking the walk rather than the XBH.

[THANOS]

The answer's in your question, lol.

 

Another reason to shoot off at what Bo is doing lol.

[Stoneyen]

We've got two teenagers in A+ both with good power and one is walking more than striking out, while the other has a K rate below 10%. Amazing

[Jonn]

Have to think Edward Olivares will get called up to Dunedin to give them a boost. They have a chance to make the Flordia State League playoffs. Good shape in the second half standings.

 

Be nice for Bo and Vlad who have really propelled that team since moving up.

[THANOS]

We've got two teenagers in A+ both with good power and one is walking more than striking out, while the other has a K rate below 10%. Amazing

 

Holy crap! I didn't even note that, the last time I looked at Bo's fangraphs page. I know it's only a 20 game stretch but he's cut his k-rate down from 17.5% to 9.7% with the jump to, not only, a higher level, but, also, a notoriously pitcher friendly league.

 

If this continues, I don't understand how he could not be Top 10-20 overall, or better, by season's end.

[Spanky__99]

Holy crap! I didn't even note that, the last time I looked at Bo's fangraphs page. I know it's only a 20 game stretch but he's cut his k-rate down from 17.5% to 9.7% with the jump to, not only, a higher level, but, also, a notoriously pitcher friendly league.

 

If this continues, I don't understand how he could not be Top 10-20 overall, or better, by season's end.

 

A K rate has nothing to do with the league? It has everything to do with the approach. Stop trying, Thanos! Just enjoy.

[John_Havok]

Holy crap! I didn't even note that, the last time I looked at Bo's fangraphs page. I know it's only a 20 game stretch but he's cut his k-rate down from 17.5% to 9.7% with the jump to, not only, a higher level, but, also, a notoriously pitcher friendly league.

 

If this continues, I don't understand how he could not be Top 10-20 overall, or better, by season's end.

 

He won't get the top rankings from publications until he performs at AA, regardless of his stat lines. Scouts who look at his approach and mechanics still have concerns about how it will play against high level competition.

 

He's shut them up so far.... hes only hitting .400 for his minor league career across 3 levels as a 19 year old...but AA will be his true test for those scouts and prospect sheets. I think it's a stretch for the main publications to put him top 10-20 to startvthe season but if he hits at AA to start next season, I have no doubt he'd jump to top 5-10 by midseason.

[Ray]

If Bo finishes the season hitting .300-.400 in High-A, I can see him being top 15 in some lists. I think at this point, most scouts have bought into his unorthodox approach.

 

AA will be interesting. The jump from A+ to AA is the hardest in all of baseball. That'll be the biggest test for Bo in the minors.

[Jimcanuck]

If Bo finishes the season hitting .300-.400 in High-A, I can see him being top 15 in some lists. I think at this point, most scouts have bought into his unorthodox approach.

 

AA will be interesting. The jump from A+ to AA is the hardest in all of baseball. That'll be the biggest test for Bo in the minors.

 

the jump to MLB is not harder?

[Ray]

the jump to MLB is not harder?

 

Obviously the MLB is better than AA, but for prospects, AA is known as their proving ground.

 

They wrote an article on it for the Hardball Times: http://www.hardballtimes.com/the-double-a-jump-2/

[G-Snarls]

 

[Slade]

Baseball America ranked us the 9th best farm system after the trade deadline. Anyone have that full article?

[jays4life19]

Baseball America ranked us the 9th best farm system after the trade deadline. Anyone have that full article?

 

 

Best of the Best

 

1. Braves

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Braves-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Our preseason No. 1 still has depth as well as impact talent.

 

2. White Sox

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/White-Sox-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Massive farm system makeover has White Sox nipping on Braves' heels.

 

 

Elite Farm Systems

 

3. Phillies

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Phillies-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Phillies are still deep in upper-level talent but also helped by improvement from young pitchers.

 

4. Padres

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Padres-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Many of Padres best prospects are in Class A and below, but depth of the farm system is notable.

 

5. Astros

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Astros-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Development of Franklin Perez, Forrest Whitley and Yordan Alvarez boosts already deep group.

 

6. Rays

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Rays-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Depth less notable here than strength of the top prospects.

 

7. Yankees

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Yankees-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Even after trading to help bullpen and rotation, Yankees are still loaded.

 

 

 

 

Near-Elite Farm Systems

 

8. Brewers

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/BrewersLogo-50x50.png

 

The skinny: Big league Brewers have been better than expected in '17; farm system should keep momentum going in '18.

 

9. Blue Jays

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Blue-Jays-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: The system is top-heavy, but the trio of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Anthony Alford is a great way to lead off a system.

 

10. Dodgers

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dodgers-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Even after Yu Darvish deal, Dodgers have Walker Buehler, Alex Verdugo leading a strong group. L.A. has drafted very well of late.

 

11. Reds

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Reds-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Adding Nick Senzel and Hunter Greene at the top of the last two drafts has buoyed an already deep system.

 

 

Middle of the Pack

 

12. Indians

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Indians-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Francisco Mejia/Triston McKenzie are the Indians' battery of the future.

 

13. Cardinals

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Cardinals-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: While 2017 has been a wasted year for Cards in majors, the farm system has gotten deeper and better.

 

14. Pirates

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Pirates-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Graduations have thinned the system, but Mitch Keller is still a great No. 1 prospect.

 

15. Rockies

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Rockies-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Rockies graduated Jeff Hoffman, German Marquez, Antonio Senzatela and Kyle Freeland, understandably dropping them in the rankings.

 

16. Athletics

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Athletics-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Recent trades have helped bolster the system. If Dustin Fowler and James Kaprielian are healthy next year, the A's will climb.

 

17. Mets

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Mets-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Injuries have hurt the Mets at the big league and minor league levels.

 

18. Nationals

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Nationals-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: The top of the Nationals' Top 10 is really impressive, but system thins out quickly.

 

 

Bottom-Third Farm Systems

 

19. Twins

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/1196-150x150.png

 

The skinny: Twins sold off pieces at deadline but lacked the big league talent to land impact prospects in return.

 

20. Red Sox

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Red-Sox-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Michael Chavis' development this year helps a trade-thinned system.

 

21. Rangers

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Rangers-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Darvish trade can't fully make up for graduations/trades of past two years.

 

22. Orioles

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Orioles-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Austin Hays and Ryan Mountcastle's development provides some hope amidst big league struggles.

 

23. Mariners

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Mariners-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Mariners have made a ton of trades, but some have hurt more than they have helped.

 

24. Diamondbacks

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Diamondbacks-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Good work by Arizona front office allowed it to land impact bat in J.D. Martinez while retaining top four prospects.

 

25. Tigers

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Tigers-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: With Alex Faedo and Matt Manning developing in the low minors, Tigers will likely rise in next year's farm system rankings.

 

 

Bottom of the Barrel

 

26. Angels

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/3202-90x90.png

 

The skinny: After years of drought, the first green shoots of growth are poking through the topsoil, led by Jordon Adell.

 

27. Giants

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Giants-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Some Giants prospects have taken leaps forward this year, but the lack of impact talent is apparent, as is a lack of upper-level help.

 

28. Cubs

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Cubs-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Trades of Eloy Jimenez, Isaac Paredes and Jeimer Candelario leave Cubs with a very pitching-heavy Top 10.

 

29. Royals

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Royals-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Royals managed to help big league club without hurting farm system much, but team lacks any Top 100 Prospects.

 

30. Marlins

 

image: http://www.baseballamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Miami-Cap-4c.jpg

 

The skinny: Trades, injuries have left Marlins very thin in prospects in full-season ball.

 

Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/organization-talent-rankings-updated-trade-deadline/#QuujPGQiYIcjOrXD.99

[Ray]

Midseason Top 10 farms according to MLB.com:

 

1. Chicago White Sox

2. Atlanta Braves

3. San Diego Padres

4. New York Yankees

5. Tampa Bay Rays

6. Oakland A's

7. Philadelphia Phillies

8. Milwaukee Brewers

9. Houston Astros

10. Los Angeles Dodgers

 

I think we've got to be creeping up that Top 10 at this point. According to prospect points, we're #11.

[HERPDERP]

Top heavy is very risky

[Jonn]

Top heavy is very risky

 

wat

[Captain Adama]

I have to agree with the Braves having the best farm. Their best prospects are up the middle guys of Acuna, Albies and Maitan. They've got ridiculous pitching depth that has a few guys in the upper minors and a bunch of high upside guys in the low minors. Pache and Waters are solid prospects in their own right.

[Ray]

I don't know how the Dodgers keep finding quality players deep into the draft:

 

Verdugo (2nd round)

 

Calhoun (4th round)

 

Bellinger (4th round)

 

Ross Stripling (5th round)

 

Austin Barnes (9th round)

 

Joc Pederson (11th round)

 

Walker Bueler and Corey Seager were 1st round picks, but even they were out of the Top 10. To say they've drafted well in recent years would be a gigantic understatement.

[flafson]

I don't know how the Dodgers keep finding quality players deep into the draft:

 

Verdugo (2nd round)

 

Calhoun (4th round)

 

Bellinger (4th round)

 

Ross Stripling (5th round)

 

Austin Barnes (9th round)

 

Joc Pederson (11th round)

 

Walker Bueler and Corey Seager were 1st round picks, but even they were out of the Top 10. To say they've drafted well in recent years would be a gigantic understatement.

 

I guess it helps when your front office get's paid like MLB players.

[gruber92]

Vladdy Jr 3-4 (2 doubles and a walk) Bo 0-5

 

Ryan Borucki 7 IP 6 H 0 ER 0 BB 7 K (owning AA in his three starts so far)

[King]

Vancouver is playing on MiLB.TV right now with a good quality feed if anyone is interested in watching.

[Stoneyen]

I feel like Danny Jansen doesn't get talked about enough here. He's putting up a 124 wRC+ in AA through 200 PA, and he's got more walks than Ks. Not sure how the defense is but if he sticks at C, that's very intriguing.

[John_Havok]

I feel like Danny Jansen doesn't get talked about enough here. He's putting up a 124 wRC+ in AA through 200 PA, and he's got more walks than Ks. Not sure how the defense is but if he sticks at C, that's very intriguing.

 

Last things I've read about him say scouts aren't sold on his defense as a catcher.

 

BA doesn't even rank him in the top 10 prospects for toronto in their midseason list.

 

This was 2 months ago from fangraphs Fringe 5 weekly lists when talking about Jansen and he not being included despite strong numbers:

 

Damaso

C D.Jansen (22, AA), spent his career at age appropriate levels so far, though his last two years have been savaged by injuries. Gets good marks for his gamecalling and receiving.

 

MILB Career: 882pa, 10.3bb%, 12.7k%, .285babip, 117wrc+

2017 (A+/AA): 161pa, 6.2bb%, 9.9k%, .398babip, 184wrc+

 

Carson Cistulli

Because catchers don’t move gracefully down the defensive spectrum, but rather tend to plummet all the way to first base, I’ve become progressively more cautious about including them here unless their defensive reputations are beyond reproach.

 

Eric Longenhagen’s assessment of Jansen’s catching skills — or, perhaps, the assessment that he’s relayed from scouts — suggests to me that Jansen’s defense might merit a little bit of reproach.

 

I agree, though, that the offensive skills are promising, and I’m constantly willing to consider new information.

[King]

Just looking over how some guys have fared this year.

 

 

JB Woodman. 20 hit tool = 93 wRC+ and 37% K Rate as a 22 year old in Low A.

 

Josh Palacios. No power and groundball profile has resulted in a poor season in Low A.

 

Bradley Jones. His midwest league run was fun but he has since gotten exposed in Dunedin and has been injured for over a month.

 

Cavan Biggio. Having the best season of these 4 who I have viewed as a group together being fringe guys from the 2016 draft. I don't like his MLB upside but it will be interesting to see how he fairs in AA next season.

 

Rowdy Tellez: Not hitting well in AAA which doesn't bode well for his future. Not too sure what his issue is here but hoping for a bounce back in 2018.

Jon Harris: Cementing himself as a non prospect in AA.

 

Christian Lopes: Have always had a soft spot for this guy so hoping he can be a possible up and down guy at the MLB level. Not expecting much though.

 

Tim Mayza: Still not seeing it with this guy but some in the organization like him and he could be on the roster in September. For a guy with his stuff I would expect better numbers than what he's done so far.

 

Richard Urena: Doesn't look like a whole lot of upside here as the bat isn't coming around and the reports on his defense have been poor. He is young though so has time to turn it around.

 

Anthony Alford: Was having a great season in AA before having another season derailed by injuries. He's 23 now and it's time for him to show he'll be an MLB guy.

 

Dalton Pompey: Probably close to quitting baseball.

 

Danny Jansen: Had a big batted ball profile change where he went from an extreme fly ball hitter to a more line drive/ground ball/spray hitter approach. I was skeptical at first but it's worked out for him and now he looks like he could be a guy for us.

 

Reese McGuire: Has been passed by Jansen on the catching depth chart after a season full of injuries. Not much has changed here but he's going to have to have a big year in 2018 to stay relevant.

 

Harold Ramirez: His bat is starting to come around over the last month or so, but definitely a poor season from Ramirez.

 

Lourdes Gurriel: Not really what we all expected but a throwaway season due to injuries.

 

Conner Greene: Put him in the bullpen and let him air it out. I'm going to have an aneurysm if I pull up a box score and see another 5+ walk start this year.

 

Sean Reid-Foley: Definitely not a good season from SRF but there's still upside here.

 

Ryan Borucki: In a season full of guys who have disappointed he's put himself on the map as a possible starter by mid 2018. Proving the front office right in their decision to add him to the 40 man roster.

 

Francisco Rios: K rate hasn't translated from that 2016 run in the midwest league but doesn't look like there is a whole lot of starting upside this season. Might do well in a bullpen role.

 

Angel Perdomo: Having a pretty terrible season as a 23 year old in Dunedin and looks like he might also be suited well for a bullpen move.

 

Jordan Romano: Finally having a healthy season and his velocity is back after TJS. Would like to see what he could do in New Hampshire.

 

TJ Zeuch: Zeuch was having a good season in Dunedin before his injury. Youth is still on his side as he turned 22 just 2 days ago.

 

Max Pentecost: It's nice to see him having a healthy season. Will have a lot to prove in New Hampshire next year.

 

Bo Bichette: Projects for a 78 wRC+ by Steamer which is absurd for a player with no at bats in AA. I don't think I've ever seen a player project that well in the middle level of the minors. If he crushes New Hampshire when given the opportunity, he should be considered a top 5 prospect in baseball and will probably break steamers projection system.

 

Vlad Jr: Having a season nearly as impressive as Bichette given his youth. So much upside with these two.

 

Justin Maese: Pitching profile hasn't changed a ton to me but again, with his shoulder injury his season has been derailed.

 

Patrick Murphy: Numbers aren't great in Lansing but I saw on twitter he was sitting 94-96 with his fastball in his last start which would bode well for his future, even if just as a reliever.

 

Yennsy Diaz: Has some pure arm strength and if he could develop his secondaries enough might be a bullpen arm down the line.

 

Yeltsin Gudino: Has a good feel for defense at shortstop with contact ability at the plate. Just wait for a little bit of power to come around and he could skyrocket.

 

Edward Olivares: Hard to believe he's 6'2 as every game I've watched he looks as small as Andrew Benintendi at the plate. Crushing it lately with a 156 wRC+ over the last calendar month, and looks like he will need to be challenged with a Dunedin assignment.

 

Mitch Nay: Finally getting back into the rhythm after playing everyday but not hitting that well in Lansing. The upside here is mostly gone.

 

Kevin Vicuna: Could be another Gudino if he even adds a little bit of strength. Almost everything is on the ground with a 70% GB rate this year. slap singles hitter!

 

Reggie Pruitt: He can run!

 

Jose Espada: Having a good season in Vancouver with 30k in 24 innings. Will be another interesting follow in Lansing next year.

 

Chris Hall/Orlando Pascual/William Oullette/Jake Fishman/Kyle Weatherly: Dont know too much about these guys but they are all having good seasons pitching in Vancouver.

 

Matt Morgan: Have to figure he's a release candidate at the end of this season, as he just hasn't hit in pro ball and the defense has been poor.

 

Mc Gregory Contreras: Hasn't hit in Bluefield this year in his first season state side, but could still be some upside here.

 

Ryan Gold: A 2016 draftee who has done all that he's needed to do in short season/rookie ball. A Lansing assignment for next season will be interesting to follow.

 

Maximo Castillo: An IFA who first popped up in 2016 with some arm strength has pitched well in Bluefield. Also look for him to solidify his prospect status with a Lansing assignment for the 18 year old next season.

 

Josh Winckowski: Winckowski has had an up and down season in Bluefield with some highs (9k start) and lows (5 walk start). Overall, it hasn't been very pretty.

 

Otto Lopez: A 2016 IFA who's a middle infielder with a contact oriented approach, much like Vicuna and Gudino. Only ~9 months younger than Vicuna with a lot less pro experience, likely not much upside here.

 

Dom Abbadessa: The speedy CF is crushing the GCL in his 2nd pro season hitting .390 with not many strikeouts. He's ready for Bluefield at this point.

 

Joseph Reyes: Our top IFA signing from 2016 has had a pedestrian season in the GCL (112 wRC+), but he's not that young being 19 years old. As a 1B the upside here is minimal too.

 

DJ Daniels: He should have played football.

 

Juan Meza: Top IFA signing from 2014 who was liked for his pitchability and ability to throw strikes hasn't been able to adjust to pro ball, now pitching out of the bullpen he looks like a release candidate.

 

DSL Jays: None of these guys have hit particularly well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not a whole lot to like here. Tons of injuries and most of the guys we had hopes for this past offseason have disappointed. Vlad and Bo are the crown jewels of the system now.