Bringer of Rain Elite Dynasty - - bjmbleagues.com

[BTS]

LOL the only glove first prospect I ever fapped about was Lindor, who proved to be a much better hitter than you all gave him credit for.

 

Almora?

[Dr. Dinger]

Almora?

 

I have never really liked Almora, you all know I just pretended to in order to troll Boxy.

[Boxcar]

I have never really liked Almora, you all know I just pretended to in order to troll Boxy.

 

Lol f***ing horseshit. f*** off

[TheHurl]

LOL the only glove first prospect I ever fapped about was Lindor, who proved to be a much better hitter than you all gave him credit for.

 

I really wish I would have pursued him more. I have him in my cash league and that's it.

[z3r0s]

fwiw I generally read the dialogue as; "Winker Sux so much that Albert f***ing Almora will be better than him"

[TheHurl]

Where? Show me the list.

 

Well it's not a list...but there is this

 

Connor Reed (Connecticut): That's a killer trio at the top for Boston. Where do you potentially see them in the Top 100? Can they all crack the top 30 - or does Benintendi need a longer track record?

Alex Speier: I’m not involved in the top 100 conversations, so don’t have a good feel for this. Don’t exclude Espinoza from that group, however — I heard cases made for all four of Moncada, Devers, Benintendi, and Espinoza as the best prospect in the Sox’ system.

[TheHurl]

Wow, glowing report on Crawford. I might have to reconsider him at 5.

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/card/images/headshot_102559.jpg1. J.P. Crawford, SS

DOB: 01/11/1995

Height/Weight: 6’2” 180 lbs.

Bats/Throws: L/R

Drafted/Acquired: Drafted 16th overall in the 2013 MLB Draft, Lakewood HS (Lakewood, CA); signed for $2,299,300

Previous Ranking(s): 2015: #1 (Org), #36 (Overall)

2015 Stats: .288/.380/.418, 7 HR, 12 SB between High-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading

Key Tools: 65 hit, 60 run, 60 glove, 60 arm, 50 power

Role: 70—All-Star shortstop

There might not be a more complete prospect in the game. Crawford is an assured defensive shortstop with soft hands and smooth actions. He can make all the plays. He knows this too, and will show off in infield drills. He moves well to both sides and around the bag. The arm strength is only plus, but plays up due to his quick trigger and overall accuracy from multiple angles.

At the plate he shines just as brightly. It's a pretty swing from the left side with good extension and rotation. He has excellent feel for getting the barrel to the ball, and has enough bat control and strong enough wrists to get hits when fooled. The approach is excellent. He is comfortable working deep into counts, and won’t expand the zone when behind. Even if the hit tool doesn't play to the full projection, he should be an above-average-OBP bat at the top of a lineup. The one quibble is that the raw power still hasn't truly shown up in games. Crawford will show 55 raw to the pull side in batting practice, and I've seen him turn major-league velocity onto the berm in right-center in Lakewood, which is not an easy place to park one. Fifteen-plus home run power is in that swing, but he might need to physically mature to fully tap into it.

Crawford is an elite shortstop prospect. The glove and approach should make him a good regular for the next decade on their own, with star potential if the bat reaches its ceiling. He doesn't have Francisco Lindor's top-of-the-scale defensive tools, but the rest of the profile is similar, and Crawford is clearly no slouch with the leather. He has also already seen some success at Double-A at just 20 years old, so it is possible he debuts sometime in 2016. The Phillies will be in no hurry to start his clock, but it will be tough to keep him out of a major-league uniform much into 2017.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The fantasy floor for Crawford may be the second highest in the minors right now, next to Corey Seager, but don’t let that lead you to believe the ceiling isn’t exciting in its own right. He’s not going to give Carlos Correa a run for top fantasy shortstop, but a .280 hitter with 10-12 homers and 20-plus steals (along with plenty of runs if he hits atop a lineup), is enough to give him an inside track to the top-five. And as Jeff noted above, there may be more power to come.

Major league ETA: 2017

 

You really have to judge prospects by character and who they associate with...

 

[Dr. Dinger]

I really wish I would have pursued him more. I have him in my cash league and that's it.

 

I had a share in FC but traded him away.

[King]

Where? Show me the list.

 

None of the "big" sites list come out until about a month, but here is a no name one:

 

http://www.faketeams.com/2015/12/24/10656884/consensus-top-100-fantasy-baseball-prospect-list (#24)

[Dr. Dinger]

None of the "big" sites list come out until about a month, but here is a no name one:

 

http://www.faketeams.com/2015/12/24/10656884/consensus-top-100-fantasy-baseball-prospect-list (#24)

 

MLB.com keeps an updated list and he's not in their Top 100 or Boston's Top 5.

[TheHurl]

None of the "big" sites list come out until about a month, but here is a no name one:

 

http://www.faketeams.com/2015/12/24/10656884/consensus-top-100-fantasy-baseball-prospect-list (#24)

 

These guys "By Jason Hunt, Brian Creagh, bardin, Domenic Lanza, Jarrod.Pilgrim, Matt Powers, and Michael Schwarz" could be us though. I mean one guy doesn't have two names

[King]

MLB.com keeps an updated list and he's not in their Top 100 or Boston's Top 5.

 

MLB.com is notably dumn though.. and they only update the list when people graduate or get traded off the list. They are doing a big update on January 29th, he should be there then.

[TheHurl]

MLB.com keeps an updated list and he's not in their Top 100 or Boston's Top 5.

 

I assume BP hasn't put out their Boston list. Seriously though, even being in Low A before his 18th BDay, most sites say a 2020 debut. With the boredom of people in this league he'll either be a bust or traded 11 times by that time (every time he walks 6 guys)

[Cyborg]

Real life value I would say:

 

Moncada

Benintendi

Devers

Espinoza

 

Fantasy would be different.

[King]

If you are an MLB.com guy, here's Jim Callis "Top 10 Prospects to Surge in 2016" from a few days ago.

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/160706752/jake-bauers-among-prospects-poised-to-surge?topicid=151437456

 

Anderson Espinoza, RHP, Red Sox: Boston thought he was the top pitcher on the international amateur market when it paid him a Venezuelan-record $1.8 million bonus in July 2014, but it didn't realize Espinoza was this good. He reached Class A at age 17 in his pro debut, posting a 65-14 K-BB ratio along the way, hitting 100 mph with his fastball and displaying advanced secondary stuff and command. He also earned some hyperbolic Pedro Martinez comparisons.

[P2F]

In about a month, Espinoza will be pretty much a household name in the prospect lists. Generally, players as far away as he is wouldn't get that much love yet, but he's a potential ace and Red Sox, soooo yeah. Top 50.

[Boxcar]

I assume BP hasn't put out their Boston list. Seriously though, even being in Low A before his 18th BDay, most sites say a 2020 debut. With the boredom of people in this league he'll either be a bust or traded 11 times by that time (every time he walks 6 guys)

 

Yeah I was gonna say. Once BP's list comes out, Dinger will be a huge Espinoza fanboy

[Dr. Dinger]

MLB.com is notably dumn though.. and they only update the list when people graduate or get traded off the list. They are doing a big update on January 29th, he should be there then.

 

Not really. They've poached good talent.

[Dr. Dinger]

Yeah I was gonna say. Once BP's list comes out, Dinger will be a huge Espinoza fanboy

 

Nah. I have gone for these high ceiling rookie ball Mexicans before and been burned. I don't have the patience to wait for them, not by a longshot.

[Dr. Dinger]

*drafts 16 year old*

[Dr. Dinger]

Anyway you guys are sorta missing the larger commentary which is that ranking a rookie ball arm higher than Devers is straight up demented.

[jays4life19]

From BA...meh.

1. Yoan Moncada, 2b

SCOUTING GRADES

Bat: 60

Power: 55

Speed: 65

Defense: 60

Arm: 55

Based on 20-80 scouting scale—where 50 represents major league average—and future projection rather than present tools.

 

Born: May 27, 1995. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 205. Signed: Cuba, 2015. Signed by: Eddie Romero.

TOP PROSPECTS OF THE DECADE

Year Player, Pos. 2015 Org.

2006 Andy Marte, 3b KT Wiz (Korea)

2007 Daisuke Matsuzaka, rhp Did not play

2008 Clay Buchholz, rhp Red Sox

2009 Lars Anderson, 1b Dodgers

2010 Ryan Westmoreland, of Did not play

2011 Jose Iglesias, ss Tigers

2012 Will Middlebrooks, 3b Padres

2013 Xander Bogaerts, ss Red Sox

2014 Xander Bogaerts, ss Red Sox

2015 Blake Swihart, c Red Sox

 

Background: When Major League Baseball declared Moncada, a 19-year-old Cuban sensation, free to sign with any club in February 2015, it incited a bidding war. His workout in late 2014 brought hundreds of evaluators to Guatemala and led to additional rounds of private workouts. The Red Sox decided to go all-in on Moncada after working him out in Fort Myers, Fla., in February 2015. In that session, he took live batting practice against five different pitchers as a test of his offensive approach against an array of offerings. In the end, Boston was convinced that Moncada’s skill set would make him a potential No. 1 overall pick if he were draft eligible, so they spent $63 million to sign him. Their bill included a $31.5 million bonus and an MLB-issued $31.5 million tax penalty for obliterating bonus pool allotments. Assigned to low Class A Greenville to considerable fanfare in 2015 that included MLB authenticators, Moncada initially struggled in his first game activity in more than a year, hitting just .200 through 25 games. But when he returned from the South Atlantic League all-star break, he played with a renewed freedom and aggressiveness after a move to the leadoff spot, asserting himself as one of the most dynamic talents in the minors. He hit .310/.415/.500 with 25 extra-base hits and 45 steals in 48 attempts over 56 games.

 

Scouting Report: Physically, Moncada stands out. “He could be a defensive back for Ohio State,” one scout said. That physicality lends itself to explosiveness in games, though it remains to be seen if that will manifest itself as power or in the rest of his game. At Greenville, his level swing plane created hard liners to the gaps instead of loft, meaning he might profile more as a standout two-hole hitter than a middle-of-the-order threat. Even if that proves the case, Moncada will offer plenty of impact with 10-12 homers, given bigger baserunning and defensive upside than anticipated. While he made errors in bunches at times, he made some spectacular plays at second base that showed above-average defensive potential at the position and the athleticism (and offensive profile) to move nearly anywhere but shortstop depending on team need. Though Moncada’s disciplined approach is more advanced from the left side, where his swing draws frequent comparisons with that of Robinson Cano, he put up better numbers as a righthander and shows the overall skill to be a true switch-hitter. His power projection ranges from average to plus. Moncada suffers from occasional concentration lapses, and he still needs to learn how to handle the physical rigors of a full season, but he’s a rare physical talent who engenders all kinds of daydreaming projections.

 

The Future: Moncada, whose planned participation in the Puerto Rican League was scrapped by a bone bruise suffered on a hit by pitch in instructional league, will open 2016 at high Class A Salem. With the rust of his layoff behind him, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play at multiple levels in 2016. “He could completely explode and be in Fenway in September,” one evaluator said.

2015 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Greenville (Lo A) .278 .380 .438 306 61 85 19 3 8 38 42 83 49

 

2. Rafael Devers, 3b

 

Born: Oct. 24, 1996. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 195. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2013. Signed by: Manny Nanita/Eddie Romero. Video

 

Background: The Red Sox evaluated Devers as the best international amateur bat available in 2013, viewing him as a potential all-fields slugger who would spend a career in the middle of the order. Nothing has altered that opinion. At low Class A Greenville in 2015 he ranked among the South Atlantic League leaders with 38 doubles and 50 extra-base hits.

 

Scouting report: Devers launches the ball to all fields with a lefhanded swing that generates both loft and backspin. Though he hit just 11 homers in 2015, few doubt he will build on that total as he adds strength and gains a greater understanding of when to turn on pitches for pull power. Devers’ physical development will determine if he stays at third base—a position he has the hands, feet, and arm to play—or moves to first. One evaluator described him as a still-maturing player who could either shed his baby fat or who will struggle with weight in a fashion reminiscent of Pablo Sandoval. At either corner, his bat should play. He surprises evaluators with his athleticism and baserunning ability.

 

The future: Given that Devers was one of the youngest players in the SAL, the Red Sox need not rush him. At the same time, they don’t necessarily need to shy from an aggressive development path for a player with the most straightforward middle-of-the-order projection of anyone in the system.

2015 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Greenville (Lo A) .288 .329 .443 469 71 135 38 1 11 70 24 84 3

 

3. Andrew Benintendi, of

 

Born: July 6, 1994. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 170. Drafted: Arkansas, 2015 (1st round). Signed by: Chris Mears.

TOP DRAFT PICKS OF THE DECADE

Year Player, Pos. 2015 Org.

2006 Jason Place, of Did not play

2007 Nick Hagadone, lhp, (1st round supp.) Indians

2008 Casey Kelly, rhp Padres

2009 Reymond Fuentes, of Royals

2010 Kolbrin Vitek, 3b Did not play

2011 Matt Barnes, rhp Red Sox

2012 Deven Marrero, ss Red Sox

2013 Trey Ball, lhp Red Sox

2014 Michael Chavis, ss Red Sox

2015 Andrew Benintendi, of Red Sox

 

Background: After injuries impaired his performance as an Arkansas freshman, Benintendi dedicated his summer to strength training rather than playing in a wood-bat league. As a sophomore in 2015, his stock soared when he hit .376/.488/.717 with a Division I-best 20 homers en route to the Golden Spikes and BA College Player of the Year awards. The Red Sox selected him seventh overall and signed him for $3.59 million, a franchise record for a draft pick.

 

Scouting report: Many view Benintendi as the system’s top prospect, given that he could quickly become an above-average big leaguer. Though so small that his name is difficult to squeeze across his jersey back, he finished his pro debut at low Class A Greenville and hit a cumulative .313/.416/.556 with 11 homers and 35 walks in 54 games. Benintendi’s exceptional approach helps him unlock surprising thunder. Though he’s not a burner, he glides to the ball with advanced instincts, convincing most evaluators that he can be at least an average center field defender. He was sidelined for much of the instructional league as the Red Sox cautiously rehabbed his quadriceps injury.

 

The future: Benintendi probably will start 2016 at high Class A Salem, but he could develop quickly and be a starting outfielder in Boston by the end of 2017.

2015 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Lowell (SS) .290 .408 .540 124 19 36 2 4 7 15 25 15 7

Greenville (Lo A) .351 .430 .581 74 17 26 5 0 4 16 10 9 3

 

4. Anderson Espinoza, rhp

 

Born: March 9, 1998. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 160. Signed: Venezuela, 2014. Signed by: Eddie Romero/Manny Padron. Video

 

Background: The Red Sox considered Espinoza to be the jewel of the 2014 international pitching class when they signed him for $1.8 million. Yet not even Boston anticipated what he became in 2015. Espinoza touched the mid-90s in spring training and eventually reached triple digits while breezing from the Dominican Summer League all the way to low Class A Greenville as a 17-year-old.

 

Scouting Report: Espinoza’s precocious feel for a high-quality, three-pitch mix and efficient delivery are uncommon traits for a teen, to say the least. Despite his slight build, he generates striking velocity with an easy, repeatable delivery, while also featuring a curveball and changeup that grade as big league average now, with plenty of projection for improved command. The fact that Espinoza throws so hard at such a young age and with such a slight build raises questions about whether he can remain healthy. But if he can, he has obvious front-of-the-rotation talent and makeup.

 

The Future: Espinoza probably will start 2016 where he ended 2015: at Greenville. If he stays healthy, evaluators believe that he could reach the big leagues by the time he turns 20 in 2018—or perhaps sooner, depending on how Boston decides to parcel his innings.

2014 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG

DSL Red Sox ® 0 0 1.20 4 4 0 0 15 13 0 3 21 .232

GCL Red Sox ® 0 1 0.68 10 10 0 0 40 24 0 9 40 .170

Greenville (Lo A) 0 1 8.10 1 1 0 0 3 4 0 2 4 .267

 

5. Michael Kopech, rhp

 

Born: April 30, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 205. Drafted: HS—Mount Pleasant, Texas, 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Tim Collinsworth. Video

LARGEST BONUSES IN CLUB HISTORY

Yoan Moncada, 2015 $31,500,000

Jose Iglesias, 2009 $6,250,000

Rusney Castillo, 2014 $5,400,000

Dalier Hinojosa, 2013 $4,000,000

Andrew Benintendi, 2015 $3,590,400

 

Background: Kopech in high school set a goal of hitting 100 mph. In 2015, days after he turned 19, he achieved it. The righthander often proved overpowering at low Class A Greenville, primarily on the strength of his fastball, but evaluators remained unsure about whether he would harness his delivery and secondary pitches. Ironically, a mid-July, 50-game suspension for amphetamine use allowed Kopech to focus on those key areas of development during instructional league.

 

Scouting report: Though he’s a strike-thrower who isn’t afraid to challenge hitters, Kopech has not yet developed command. If he does, he possesses what one evaluator described as “a mega-special fastball,” with velocity and late, explosive life at the plate. His power breaking ball sits in the 78-82 mph range, and some believe he’d be better off working with a true slider or even a cutter. Kopech almost never used his changeup in high school, but during his suspension he made strides with it to the point where it could be the third pitch he will need to start. His 6-foot-3 size and strength suggest the potential to handle a heavy workload.

 

The future: If Kopech develops a three-pitch mix, he possesses a No. 2 starter ceiling. If not, he will fit as a late-innings arm. He appears destined for high Class A Salem in 2016.

2014 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG

Greenville (Lo A) 4 5 2.63 16 15 0 0 65 53 2 27 70 .228

 

6. Brian Johnson, lhp

 

Born: Dec. 7, 1990. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 240. Drafted: Florida, 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Anthony Turco.

 

Background: After a breakout 2014, Johnson cruised through the first half of 2015 at Triple-A Pawtucket, looking like a major league-ready starter. But when the Red Sox called him up, they handled his debut in puzzling fashion. Johnson’s initial start on July 21 came after a 15-day layoff, and he allowed four runs in 41⁄3 innings. Sent back down, he suffered nerve irritation in his elbow two starts later, and it ended his season.

 

Scouting Report: Johnson is a pitcher in every sense of the word. While he features a swing-and-miss curveball, his trademark is the ability to unbalance hitters and induce bad contact by changing speeds and locating his four-pitch mix. He keeps batters on the defensive with an aggressive pace that echoes Mark Buehrle. Johnson sat mostly at 88-89 mph in 2015, which was down from 90-91 in 2014. At his best, he adds and subtracts from the high 80s to the low 90s.

 

The Future: While Johnson’s injury virtually guaranteed that he will open 2016 back at Pawtucket, he represents a first-wave depth option. He resumed throwing in 2015 instructional league and is expected to be healthy for 2016. Evaluators are nearly unanimous that he can start in the big leagues, with a ceiling as a No. 4 or 5 starter.

2014 Club (Class) W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H HR BB SO AVG

Pawtucket (AAA) 9 6 2.53 18 18 1 0 96 74 6 32 90 .211

Boston (MLB) 0 1 8.31 1 1 0 4.1 3 0 0 4 3 .214

 

7. Sam Travis, 1b

 

Born: August 27, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 195. Drafted: Indiana, 2014 (2nd round). Signed by: Blair Henry. Video

BEST TOOLS

Best Hitter for Average Rafael Devers

Best Power Hitter Rafael Devers

Best Strike-Zone Discipline Andrew Benintendi

Fastest Baserunner Yoan Moncada

Best Athlete Yoan Moncada

Best Fastball Michael Kopech

Best Curveball Brian Johnson

Best Slider Michael Kopech

Best Changeup Marc Brakeman

Best Control Brian Johnson

Best Defensive Catcher Jake Romanski

Best Defensive Infielder Deven Marrero

Best Infield Arm Yoan Moncada

Best Defensive Outfielder Andrew Benintendi

Best Outfield Arm Yoan Aybar

 

Background: A 2014 second-round pick, Travis shined in his full-season debut, batting .307/.381/.452 with nine homers in 131 games at high Class A Salem and Double-A Portland in 2015. He continued hitting in the Arizona Fall League to thrust himself into Boston’s unsettled long-term outlook at first base.

 

Scouting report: Travis describes his offensive approach as an attempt to “break the white thing into bits,” the brute strength in his gloveless approach described admiringly by evaluators as evocative of a caveman. While he made frequent, hard contact with pitches all over the strike zone, Travis’ willingness to let the ball travel and work to the middle of the field meant that his considerable strength translated to hard line drives rather than homers. That, in turn, creates profile questions given that his likeliest position is first base, even as some believe he has the athleticism to play left field as well. If he develops average power, however, there’s a considerable amount of value to his game. His makeup is a plus.

 

The future: Travis probably will open 2016 at Triple-A Pawtucket, with a chance to position himself for a callup should the Red Sox need a righthanded bat. He could see time at positions other than first base in an attempt to make him more marketable.

2015 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Salem (Hi A) .313 .378 .467 246 35 77 15 4 5 40 26 43 10

Portland (AA) .300 .384 .436 243 35 73 17 2 4 38 33 34 9

 

8. Deven Marrero, ss

 

Born: Aug. 25, 1990. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 195. Drafted: Arizona State, 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Vaughn Williams.

 

Background: After he spent the second half of 2014 at Triple-A Pawtucket, Marrero returned there in 2015. Though he did make some strides, he didn’t show the offensive step forward that many anticipated in repeating his level. Nonetheless, he continued to show standout defense at shortstop and in his first career exposure to second and third base.

 

Scouting Report: Marrero still represents a special defensive infielder who shows aptitude, instincts and an excellent clock in the field. His feel for the game, rather than pure athleticism or speed, makes him an impact defender at a position where offense is a bonus. At the plate, even with modest offensive results in 2015, scouts saw a diminished hitch and quieter approach that allowed his hands—the strength of his game on both offense and defense—to track the ball for respectable contact. Marrero won’t be confused for a power hitter, but evaluators see a player with at least the ceiling of a valuable utility player, with the possibility that he’ll deliver enough offense to sustain a place at the bottom of the lineup.

 

The Future: With Xander Bogaerts entrenched as Red Sox shortstop, Marrero’s future role in Boston probably is utility infielder—or trade chip to a team seeking a defensive upgrade at shortstop.

2015 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Pawtucket (AAA) .256 .316 .344 375 49 96 13 1 6 29 33 87 12

Boston (MLB) .226 .268 .283 53 8 12 0 0 1 3 3 19 2

 

9. Luis Alexander Basabe, of

 

Born: August 26, 1996. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 160. Signed: Venezuela, 2013. Signed by: Luis Segovia/Eddie Romero.

PROJECTED 2019 LINEUP

Catcher Blake Swihart

First Base Sam Travis

Second Base Dustin Pedroia

Third Base Rafael Devers

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts

Left Field Yoan Moncada

Center Field Andrew Benintendi

Right Field Mookie Betts

Designated Hitter Pablo Sandoval

No. 1 Starter David Price

No. 2 Starter Eduardo Rodriguez

No. 3 Starter Anderson Espinoza

No. 4 Starter Henry Owens

No. 5 Starter Rick Porcello

Closer Craig Kimbrel

 

Background: When Basabe and his twin brother Luis Alejandro, a shortstop, signed with the Red Sox, the distinctions between the two were modest. But Luis Alexander, an outfielder, has had a growth spurt, adding two inches, more strength and hand speed while retaining his athleticism to create an interesting collection of tools.

 

Scouting Report: As one of the youngest players in the short-season New York-Penn League in 2015, Basabe’s tools and athleticism established him as one of the circuit’s top talents. He became the first player in Lowell history to switch-hit homers in a game, something he did twice on his way to seven homers, the most by a NYPL 18-year-old since 2004. He also showed speed and impact potential in center field. The switch-hitter is more advanced from the right side, and his high strikeout rate (26 percent) raises questions about his bat, though one evaluator noted that he often struck out looking, in part because his strong strike-zone judgment left him vulnerable to bad calls.

 

The Future: Basabe has dealt with injury issues in his young career, and he’s miles from the big leagues. But if he stays healthy, he has the potential to combine top-of-the-order skills with a solid center-field glove and above-average power. A promotion to low Class A Greenville awaits in 2016.

2015 Club (Class) AVG OBP SLG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB

Lowell (SS) .243 .340 .401 222 36 54 8 3 7 23 32 67 15

 

10. Michael Chavis, 3b

 

Born: August 11, 1995. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 190. Drafted: HS—Marietta, Ga., 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Brian Moehler. Video

 

Background: Despite questions about his future position, Chavis was drafted 26th overall in 2014 on the strength of his loft power. True to form, he led the Red Sox system with 16 home runs at low Class A Greenville in 2015, though he also led the organization with 144 strikeouts and hit just .223.

 

Scouting Report: Chavis features bat speed that generates plus raw power that plays as average in games. Some evaluators felt he cheated on fastballs in an effort to demolish them, and in the process became completely vulnerable to breaking balls. Chavis himself acknowledged the need to establish and refine his offensive approach and recognize pitches—something that he never required in high school. His short, thick frame is atypical for a third baseman (he more often evokes Dan Uggla comps), but he worked hard and showed defensive gains over the course of the season. Some evaluators would like to see him try second base or left field, and he will need to manage his size to maintain the necessary agility to contribute defensively.

 

The Future: The struggles Chavis went through in 2015 were the most severe of his baseball life, but he showed improvement, leading to hope for further future gains. For all the questions about his overall profile, his plus power potential comes with a mandate for patience as he advances to high Class A Salem in 2016.

[The Cats Ass]

Anyway you guys are sorta missing the larger commentary which is that ranking a rookie ball arm higher than Devers is straight up demented.

 

But Devers and Espinoza finished the year on the same team.

[Dr. Dinger]

But Devers and Espinoza finished the year on the same team.

 

Well you just have an answer for everything, don'tcha?

[Laika]

Anyway you guys are sorta missing the larger commentary which is that ranking a rookie ball arm higher than Devers is straight up demented.

 

Dude, Devers had like 3 walks in A ball this year and a limp wRC+. People are already talking about him as a 1B too since he's slow as.

 

Snot demented

[KingKat]

Anyway you guys are sorta missing the larger commentary which is that ranking a rookie ball arm higher than Devers is straight up demented.

 

It's apples to oranges though. It's practically impossible to know who is better when you have two excellent players at different level in their development. I know some people will always use the higher level as a tie breaker but I've always found that approach facile.

 

Edit: Just read TCA's post which renders all of this invalid. Devers isn't even ahead of Espinoza anymore.

[TheHurl]

Dude, Devers had like 3 walks in A ball this year and a limp wRC+. People are already talking about him as a 1B too since he's slow as.

 

Snot demented

 

so I should not include you in the email when I deal him in the DDL...

 

PS. You don't need to walk or run fast when you hit 450 ft. bombs.

[TheHurl]

But Devers and Espinoza finished the year on the same team.

 

and he got rocked. can't handle the older boys.

 

You guys do know that he was moved up to Greenville because they were the only affiliate still playing on September 5th. There is a small chance he's still in SS ball next year.

[Dr. Dinger]

PS. You don't need to walk or run fast when you hit 450 ft. bombs.

 

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/0/v19127709/chc-cin-francisco-launches-one-out-of-the-ballpark

[KingKat]

and he got rocked. can't handle the older boys.

 

You guys do know that he was moved up to Greenville because they were the only affiliate still playing on September 5th.

 

Do you really think he would have posted that if he did? I appreciate you bringing the clarification even though you did it kind of snottily.