Mariner's Top 10 Prospects w/ Scouting Reports

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Mariner's Top 10 Prospects w/ Scouting Reports

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#1 Byron Buxton, CF (MLB Minnesota Twins)

2014 Twins #1 Prospect - Baseball Prospectus
2014 Twins #1 Prospect - Baseball America


from BP:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=22250

Position: CF
DOB: 12/18/1993
Height/Weight: 6’2” 189 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2012 draft, Appling County HS (Baxley, GA)
Previous Ranking: #1 (Org), #8 (Top 101)
2013 Stats: .326/.415/.472 at High-A Fort Myers (57 games), .341/.431/.559 at Low-A Cedar Rapids (68 games)


The Tools: 8 run; 6 arm; 7 potential glove; 7 raw; 6 potential hit

What Happened in 2013: With only a short-season resume to work with, we decided to rank Buxton in the top 10 in baseball coming into the year, and he rewarded our faith by blossoming into the top overall prospect in baseball.

Strengths: Well above-average athlete; elite run; glove could end up plus-plus or better; arm is plus; hit tool is advanced; lets balls travel deep into the zone; quick hands and explosive bat speed; power potential is plus (some sources suggest it could be plus-plus at maturity); advanced approach at the plate.

Weaknesses: Still transitioning from raw athlete to skill player; needs to refine baserunning utility; scout sources are mixed on future game power output; has struggled against plus breaking stuff.

Overall Future Potential: 8; elite potential

Realistic Role: High 6; first-division/all-star

Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate risk; yet to play at Double-A level

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: Just give me a second to take a breath and collect my thoughts. The sky is the limit with Buxton, but you already knew that. He has a chance to be the best player in fantasy with his combination of tools—the same type of value that we’ve seen from Mike Trout the last two seasons. It’s a clear five-category profile with impact potential in steals.

The Year Ahead: Buxton is a monster athlete, with elite speed, near-elite potential in center field, a potent hit tool and raw power that some think could end up emerging as yet another plus-plus tool in the coming years. He will move to Double-A in 2014, and barring an unforeseen developmental setback, Buxton will likely taste major-league action as a 20-year-old. One scout suggested Buxton’s career floor was Torii Hunter, which is both a ridiculous bar of success to reach and an absolutely justifiable suggestion based on the physical gifts. I don’t even want to discuss what the ceiling might look like.

Major league ETA: Late 2014



From Baseball America:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... g-reports/



Born: Dec. 18, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 190.
Drafted: HS—Baxley, Ga., 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Jack Powell.


Background: In consecutive years, Buxton won the BA High School Player of the Year and Minor League Player of the Year awards. He jumped directly onto the fast track after the Twins drafted him second overall in 2012, then gave him a $6 million bonus that remains the largest in franchise history. A product of rural Georgia, Buxton led Appling County High to the Georgia state 2-A championship as a senior. Still throwing 91 mph in the seventh and final inning, he recorded an 18-strikeout complete game in the title clincher. He helped Rookie-level Elizabethton win the Appalachian League title in 2012, then took his game to another level in 2013, ranking sixth in the minors in batting (.334) and seventh in on-base percentage (.424). The Twins aggressively sent him to the Arizona Fall League, where he was shut down with eight games left with a strained left shoulder. He finished with a .212 average and .288 OBP in the AFL, but those numbers weren’t much different from what Mike Trout put up in 2011, the year before exploding onto the big league scene.

Scouting Report: Buxton’s combination of tools and production made him the talk of the minor leagues. Blessed with quick hands and strong wrists, he generates tremendous bat speed and keeps the bat in the zone for what seems like forever. Considering his rural background, he stunned scouts with his advanced approach at the plate and shows excellent discipline for such a young player. He is learning to backspin balls and can generate easy power to all fields, and his future home run power is one of scouts’ few questions about Buxton. Timed at 3.9 seconds to first from the right side, he is an 80 runner underway but still is working to improve his reads and instincts. He stole 55 bases at a 74 percent success rate that should climb as he refines his craft. Not even having a nail removed on his right big toe in late July could slow him down. He missed just five days. In the field, Buxton has tremendous arm strength and plus-plus range in center field. As his jumps and routes have improved, he habitually makes the difficult play look effortless. Quiet and still somewhat shy, Buxton is unfailingly polite and has a deep-seated work ethic that is second to none.

The Future: After the shoulder scare in Arizona, the Twins will be even more cautious than usual with Buxton. He should open 2014 at Double-A New Britain, where he will play for Jeff Smith, the same manager he had in the AFL. A late-season promotion seems logical if he performs, and Buxton should have every opportunity to seize the starting center field and leadoff spots with the Twins by Opening Day 2015.
Last edited by Tigers on Wed Jan 15, 2014 10:09 am, edited 10 times in total.
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#2 Jonathan Gray

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#2 Jonathan Gray, RHP (MLB Colorado Rockies)
2014 Baseball America - Rockies #1 Prospect
2014 Baseball Prospectus - Rockies #1 Prospect


Link to BP Rockies 2014 Top 10 Prospects

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=22525

Position: RHP
DOB: 11/05/1991
Height/Weight: 6’4” 255 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2013 draft, University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK)
Previous Ranking: NA
2013 Stats: 0.75 ERA (24 IP, 10 H, 36 K, 6 BB) at High-A Modesto, 4.05 ERA (13.1 IP, 15 H, 15 K, 2 BB) at rookie level Grand Junction
The Tools: 8 potential FB; 7 SL; 6+ potential CH


What Happened in 2013: A 1:1 candidate coming into the draft, Gray slid to the Rockies with the number three pick despite possessing the best stuff in the draft.

Strengths: Big, strong frame; physical on the mound; elite arm strength; fastball routinely works in the plus-plus range and can touch triple-digits; shows good command of the offering; works to all quadrants; slider is wipeout pitch; fastball disguise with sharp, late tilt; changeup another plus offering; arm speed consistency with some late fade; frontline characteristics.

Weaknesses: Stiff front leg landing in delivery; can cause inconsistency in his release points and tendency to yank off target; changeup yet to be featured player in the arsenal; limited professional experience (not many weaknesses).

Overall Future Potential: High 7; no. 1 starter

Realistic Role: 7; no. 2 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate risk; yet to pitch in upper minors; limited professional experience.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: If you were going to build a pitcher designed to succeed in Coors Field, Gray may be the prototype. He’s unlikely to have extreme groundball rates, but with a big fastball and a slider/change combination, he should be able to pitch at altitude while maintaining a strong stat line. Said stat line should include a lot of strikeouts and modest ratios if he can fulfill his potential. Don’t let Coors scare you, Gray is worthy of a top-five selection in dynasty drafts this year.

The Year Ahead: Gray is a top 20 prospect in baseball, and that is probably going to look foolishly conservative by mid-season, as Gray has the size, stuff, and pitchability to develop into a legit frontline starter at the major-league level. The fastball is elite, the slider is plus-plus and scary as all hell to both lefties and righties, and the changeup –the pitch I suggested could be a 6+ offering—might end up exceeding those lofty projections and developing into his separator pitch at the highest level. If the command stays strong and the stuff stays sharp, it won’t take long for Gray to emerge as one of the best young arms in baseball.


Link to BA Rockies 2014 Top 10 Prospects

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... g-reports/


Background: The Rockies had Gray ranked atop their draft board in 2013 and were ecstatic when the Astros chose Mark Appel and the Cubs selected Kris Bryant, allowing Colorado to take Gray with the third overall pick. He signed for a franchise-record $4.8 million, well above the previous record of $3.9 million given to 2009 first-rounder Tyler Matzek. Gray had been drafted twice previously. The Royals took him in the 13th round in 2010 out of Chandler (Okla.) High. He went to Eastern Oklahoma State JC, where the Yankees took him in the 10th round in 2011. He rejected their $500,000 offer and transferred to Oklahoma where he got in better shape. In his junior season at OU, Gray went 10-3, 1.64 in 17 starts with 147 strikeouts and 24 walks in 126 innings. In the pre-draft drug testing, he tested positive for the prescription drug Adderall, a stimulant that cannot be used without a waiver. As a result, he will be subject to additional testing during his career. Gray is the fourth college righthander drafted by the Rockies in the first round, following John Burke (Florida, 1992), Jason Jennings (Baylor, 1999) and Greg Reynolds (Stanford, 2006). Because of his college workload, the Rockies limited him to no more than five innings in any start, and after accumulating 163 innings between college and pro ball, the Rockies scratched him from his final start at high Class A Modesto.

Scouting Report: The Rockies have never had a power pitcher with command as sharp as Gray’s. Ubaldo Jimenez threw hard but didn’t hit triple digits like Gray or have his command. Gray sits at 95-96 mph with his four-seam fastball that ranges from 93-100 and on multiple occasions hit 102. His heater has good finish with a small amount of run and little, if any, sink. Because Gray had thrown his slider excessively at Oklahoma, the Rockies limited him to throwing one slider per batter at Rookie-level Grand Junction. That restriction was removed at Modesto, where he was virtually unhittable. Gray has an 85-88 mph slider with tight, late break when thrown properly, but it can get big at times and needs more consistency. He has a good feel for a straight changeup that needs more work. But when he keeps it down, his changeup is 87 mph with a slight fade.

The Future: Gray has three very good pitches, and the Rockies expect that all will be above-average offerings. Power pitchers are often burdened by walks, which shouldn’t be the case with Gray, whose command is exceptional thanks to an efficient delivery. He’ll start at Double-A Tulsa and could reach the majors at some point during the 2014 season. His combination of power and efficiency makes him a potential No. 1 starter.
Last edited by Tigers on Wed Jan 08, 2014 11:32 am, edited 27 times in total.
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#3 Lucas Giolito

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#3 Lucas Giolito, RHP (MLB Washington Nationals)

2014 Baseball Prospectus - Nationals #1 Prospect
2014 Baseball America - Nationals #1 Prospect


Link to Baseball Prospectus Nationals Top 10:

https://www.baseballprospectus.com/arti ... leid=22872


Position: RHP
DOB: 07/14/1994
Height/Weight: 6’6” 225 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2012 draft, Harvard-Westlake HS (Los Angeles, CA)
Previous Ranking: #2 (Org), #70 (Top 101)
2013 Stats: 0.64 ERA (14 IP, 9 H, 14 K, 4 BB) at short-season Auburn, 2.78 ERA (22.2 IP, 19 H, 25 K, 10 BB) at complex level GCL


The Tools: 8 potential FB; 8 potential CB; 7 potential CH

What Happened in 2013: After only appearing in one game before falling victim to Tommy John surgery in 2012, Giolito returned to the hill the following summer, making 11 starts and hitting 100 on the gun.

Strengths: Elite size/strength; creates steep plane to the plate; elite arm strength; easy explosion from the hand; fastball works comfortably in the 94-97 range; can touch 100; big late life; future elite pitch; curveball is true hammer; thrown with slider velocity with big 12-6 shape; second elite future offering; changeup shows late vertical life and will eventually become monster pitch because of the arm action and fastball fear; good pitchability for a power arm.

Weaknesses: Easy release but delivery can show some effort; he has a lot of body to control; can struggle with mechanical consistency; command is fringe at present; changeup underdeveloped at present; good action but struggles to command the pitch.

Overall Future Potential: 8; elite starting pitcher

Realistic Role: 7; no. 1/2 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: High risk; TJ on resume; yet to pitch at full-season level

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: If everything breaks right, Giolito could end up as the best pitcher in the major leagues one day. On the other hand, acting like that’s a given could get you into serious trouble in dynasty leagues. The fact that he’s a top-20 fantasy prospect while not having thrown a pitch in full-season ball shows you the upside—he could be elite in all four categories. Ignore the uncertainty or time frame at your own risk.

The Year Ahead: On paper, Giolito has the highest ceiling of any arm in the minors, and that list includes Taijuan Walker and Archie Bradley. It’s an almost irresponsible combination of size and stuff, a 6’6’’ power righty who can sit in the mid-upper-90s with a lively fastball and back it up with an unhittable hard curveball that can show intense vertical depth. He’s not far removed from Tommy John surgery and the command profile needs refinement, but the 19-year-old arm should dominate at the A-ball level in 2014, and when the Nationals take the governor off the semi in 2015, Giolito should erupt into the premier arm in baseball, if he doesn’t already have claim on that distinction after his full-season debut. This is what it looks like, folks. This is a future no. 1 starter at the major-league level.

Major league ETA: 2016


Link to Baseball America National's Top 10 Report:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... g-reports/

1. Lucas Giolito, rhp
Born: July 14, 1994
B-T: R-R
Ht.: 6-6
Wt.: 225
Drafted: HS—Studio City, Calif., 2012 (1st round)


Background: Giolito dazzled in the fall and winter of his senior year at Harvard-Westlake High, prompting some scouts to suggest he had a chance to be the best high school righthander in draft history. He regularly ran his fastball up to 99 mph that January and February, but he sprained the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow in early March, ending his season and transforming him into a draft wild card. The son of Hollywood actors Lindsay Frost and Rick Giolito, Lucas made it clear a hefty bonus would be required to sign him away from a UCLA commitment. The price tag, coupled with the injury, caused Giolito to fall to the Nationals at No. 16, and they signed him for $2,925,000, exceeding his assigned pick value by $800,000. He made one pro appearance in 2012 before having Tommy John surgery on Aug. 31, but he returned to game action about 10 months later in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where his stuff was as electric as ever.

Scouting Report: The first three pitches out of Giolito’s hand in his 2013 GCL debut were 100 mph fastballs. His fastball routinely ranges from 93-100 with exceptional downhill angle, and he learned by the end of the summer that he was more comfortable and had better command when he sat at 95-97, rather than reaching back for triple digits all the time. Between his velocity and his angle, Giolito’s fastball rates as a true 80 pitch on the 20-80 scouting scale, and he does it with minimal effort. He also throws a 12-to-6 power curveball in the 84-86 range that Nationals pitching coordinator Spin Williams has called one of the best curves he’s ever seen when Giolito throws a good one. It has late bite and excellent depth, projecting as a plus-plus pitch with a chance to be a second 80 offering. Giolito is still learning to control his 6-foot-6 body, and his delivery is not always in sync. When he throws his 82-83 mph changeup with conviction, it flashes plus, but it remains a work in progress. Giolito also stands out for his competitive mound demeanor and tireless work ethic.

The Future: Giolito has a real chance to become a No. 1 starter in the big leagues, because his repertoire is electrifying and his feel for pitching is fairly advanced for his age. The Nationals have a great track record with building pitchers back up after Tommy John surgery—former No. 1 prospects Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg both overcame the procedure to become stars. The next step is proving he can handle a full-season workload. He figures to start 2014 at low Class A Hagerstown, and if he dominates as expected, he could move quickly.
Last edited by Tigers on Fri Feb 21, 2014 10:16 am, edited 17 times in total.
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#4 Kyle Crick

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#4 Kyle Crick, RHP (MLB San Francisco Giants)
2014 Baseball America - Giants #1 Prospect
2014 Baseball Prospectus - Giants #1 Propect


Baseball America Link........

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... g-reports/

B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-4.
Wt.: 225. Drafted: HS—Sherman, Texas, 2011 (1st round supplemental).


Background: The Giants have a lot more invested in Crick than just the $900,000 he received as the 49th overall pick in 2011. He has the highest ceiling among a wave of pitching prospects the Giants must rely upon to create a foundation for future success. Crick has a low-mileage arm because he mostly played first base in high school and didn’t concentrate on pitching until he hit 94 mph on the showcase circuit. The Giants loved his size, competitiveness, arm speed and the life on his pitches, and weren’t concerned that his mechanics needed to be cleaned up. He has made the transition from a short-arm delivery to smoother, more repeatable mechanics, but his progress was interrupted when he strained an oblique in his third start of the season for high Class A San Jose in 2013 and missed two months. When he got healthy, he more than made up for lost time. In his first start back on June 21, the 20-year-old struck out 10 in four shutout innings and kept on pumping his power stuff the rest of the season and into the Arizona Fall League.

Scouting Report: Crick’s fastball is a 70 pitch that is as lively as it is hard. He draws natural comparisons with Matt Cain from coaches who saw the Giants ace when he was a teenager. Crick ran his fastball up to 98 mph at times, but it’s his ability to maintain mid-90s velocity past 80 pitches that sets him apart from so many other live arms. Crick’s strong and athletic build reminds some coaches of 1999 first-rounder Kurt Ainsworth. He drops his arms as he starts from the windup and separates his hands late, making up for it with tremendous arm speed. That gives him a bit of deception to go along with power stuff that seemingly explodes out of his hand. Crick threw a slider in high school, but his curveball became a better breaking pitch. Managers in the low Class A South Atlantic League in 2012 voted it best breaking pitch, even though he basically used it as a show-me offering while learning to throw it dependably for strikes. Crick didn’t throw the curve nearly as often as coaches would have preferred, because his fastball was too overpowering. Scouts project him to have a solid-average changeup. His stuff is so live, he’s unlikely to ever have great command, but scouts project him to have average control as he gains experience.

The Future: Cain reached the big leagues before his 21st birthday, but it’s difficult to imagine Crick being ready so soon—especially after the oblique injury. He has only 187 professional innings under his belt and has issued 5.5 walks per nine innings, so Crick has to work on throwing quality strikes and trusting his offspeed pitches. The Giants sent him to the AFL to log additional innings, and after initial struggles, he struck out 24 in 16 innings. He’s ready to move up to Double-A Richmond in 2014.




Baseball Prospectus Link........

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=22581

Position: RHP
DOB: 11/30/1992
Height/Weight: 6’4” 220 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2011 draft, Sherman HS (Sherman, TX)
Previous Ranking: #1 (Org), #65 (Top 101)
2013 Stats: 1.57 ERA (68.2 IP, 48 H, 98 K, 39 BB) at High-A San Jose
The Tools: 7+ fastball; 6+ potential CH; 6 potential CB; 6+ potential SL


What Happened in 2013: An oblique injury three starts into his season slowed his initial California League destruction, but it didn’t take long after his return for him to emerge as one of the best young arms in the minors, a trend he carried over to the Arizona Fall League.

Strengths: Excellent size and present strength; arm is incredibly fast; fastball is easy plus-plus offering; pitch works in the 93-97 range; touches higher; big late life; changeup started out as a weakness but emerged as his best secondary offering; excellent arm speed and late action to the arm side; difference-maker pitch with more consistency; shows both curveball and hard slider; curveball with two-plane movement and some depth; plus is possible; slider is hard with sharp cutter-like slice to the glove side; mid-80s to low 90s; aggressive approach.

Weaknesses: Delivery can be problematic; can struggle with balance and rhythm (arm can be late); overall command is below average; secondary inconsistency; fastball-heavy attack; can overthrow the slider and lose depth.

Overall Future Potential: 7; no. 2 starter

Realistic Role: 6; late-innings reliever (closer)

Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate risk; yet to pitch at Double-A level

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The positive takeaway for fantasy is that Crick will miss bats regardless of his role. As a starting pitcher, Crick could be a big contributor in ERA and strikeouts, but his WHIP is likely to hold him back (unless he takes a big step forward in control) and his high pitch counts may inhibit his potential for wins. If he’s a reliever, he can be an 80-90 strikeout closer—which installs a relatively high realistic floor into his fantasy value.

The Year Ahead: Crick is a monster, regardless of his ultimate role. Given his age and developmental progress of the changeup, you can see a frontline starter in the making, with size, strength, a deep plus potential secondary arsenal, and a near-elite fastball. The inconsistencies in the delivery and command woes could limit his upside in a rotation, which several sources cite when a bullpen projection is suggested. If he can iron out the delivery in the next few seasons and throw more strikes, Crick has the type of lively stuff that can survive in the zone, and if one of the breaking balls steps forward into a true plus pitch, the big Texan shouldn’t have any trouble missing bats and barrels alike. I think Crick can stick around in a rotation for the foreseeable future, and any command refinement could launch him into the top 10 prospects in the game.
Last edited by Tigers on Wed Jan 15, 2014 10:18 am, edited 23 times in total.
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#5 Andrew Heaney

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#5 Andrew Heaney, LHP (MLB Miami Marlins)
2014 Baseball Prospectus - Marlin's #1 Prospect
2014 Baseball America - Marlin's #1 Prospect


Baseball Prospectus Link......

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=22796

Andrew Heaney
Position: LHP
DOB: 06/05/1991
Height/Weight: 6’2” 190 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2012 draft, Oklahoma State University (Stillwater,
OK)
Previous Ranking: #5 (Org)
2013 Stats: 2.94 ERA (33.2 IP, 31 H, 23 K, 9 BB) at Double-A Jacksonville, 0.88 ERA (61.2 IP, 45 H, 66 K, 17 BB) at High-A Jupiter

The Tools: 6+ FB; 6+ potential SL: 5+ potential CH

What Happened in 2013: Heaney really stepped forward in 2013, jumping from a “wait and see” college arm to a bona fide high-end prospect, pitching his way to the Double-A level in his first full season.

Strengths: Athletic and fluid delivery; good balance and tempo; arm works well; fastball is creeper pitch in the low-mid-90s; good deception in the delivery allows it to jump on hitters; velo ticks up deep into games; can touch 96+ when he needs it; slider is plus offering; multiple looks; can throw in the zone or chase; good vertical depth; turns over an average changeup; could play above average; repeats with good command profile.

Weaknesses: Needs to add strength to frame; fastball can play down early in games; will work 89-93 with some arm-side; slider can get too slurvy and loose; changeup has some vertical dive but lacks high projection; good control; command still needs refinement; can hang around the plate too much.

Overall Future Potential: High 6; no. 2 starter

Realistic Role: 6; no. 3 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low risk; limited Double-A experience; arsenal and pitchability for major-league level

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: Heaney is going to be the next prospect to take advantage of the Marlins’ team philosophy on promoting players quickly and is likely to have some real fantasy value in 2014. He should be a very even fantasy performer, contributing nearly equally in all four categories. With the ballpark behind him and weak division in front of him, he can put up a 3.25 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 170 strikeouts at peak.

The Year Ahead: Heaney is the top lefty starter prospect in the minors, with three average or better offerings and an athletic and fluid delivery that allows for strike-throwing ability. The fastball can play up or down, and the slider is both a chase pitch and a get-over offering when he needs to drop a strike. The changeup isn’t a big weapon yet, but offers enough to keep righty bats honest with the fastball, and as the fastball controls continues to refine into command, Heaney will be able to keep hitters from both sides of the plate off balance. It’s a very nice profile, and several sources think Heaney has the stuff and polish to start in the majors in 2014. Even if he doesn’t break camp with the team, it won’t be long until the 22-year-old joins Jose Fernandez in the Marlins rotation.



Baseball America link........

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... g-reports/

Andrew Heaney, lhp
Born: June 5, 1991. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 188
Drafted: Oklahoma State, 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Steve Taylor


Background: Heaney was regarded as the top college lefthander available in the 2012 draft after he led NCAA Division I hurlers with 140 strikeouts in 118 innings as a junior. He nearly didn’t come to terms with the Marlins after sometimes testy negotiations, agreeing to a $2.6 million deal just before the deadline. His first full season got off to a delayed start when he was sidelined by a strained lat muscle in a simulated game early in spring training. It took him several games to shake off the rust once he took the hill at high Class A Jupiter in May, but he soon looked dominant, going unscored upon for the entire month of July to earn a promotion to Double-A Jacksonville. He tossed six scoreless frames in his first start for the Suns, then gave up five runs his second time out—nearly a quarter of the runs he allowed all year.

Scouting Report: Heaney makes it look simple, with easy arm action and a smooth delivery he repeats well. He gets easy velocity on his fastball, touching 95 mph regularly, particularly in two-strike counts. When he needs a little more he can push it up to 97. He has learned, however, that his command is a little crisper when he sits in the 91-93 range. There’s a little deception to it and natural giddy-up at the end that gives hitters fits, even at the lower velocity. Heaney locates his fastball well down in the zone. His plus slider can be a wipeout pitch, with late, hard, sharp break that finishes outside of the hitting zone. He keeps hitters off balance with his changeup, a valuable weapon against righthanded hitters. It’s solid-average now, though there were times last year, particularly early in the season, when he telegraphed it, or it came in a bit too firm without the fade it has when he turns it over right. It projects as a third above-average offering. He commands all his pitches consistently and mixes them together well, though he needs to get better at reading swings and picking up on hitters’ tendencies. From early in the season to the end, his pitch management took a major step forward as he became more efficient. He also learned how to better control the running game, a notable weakness coming out of college, as was his tempo, which has picked up significantly. He has added nearly 20 pounds to his frame since signing but could benefit from additional strength. He carries himself well on the mound and competes hard every time out.

The Future: Heaney’s not far away, though with just 122 professional innings he could stand at least a little more minor league time. He’ll have to prove he can hold up to a full workload to fulfill his potential as a No. 2 starter, but he should join Miami’s young rotation by the end of 2014.
Last edited by Tigers on Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:30 am, edited 20 times in total.
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#6 Kohl Stewart

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#6 Kohl Stewart, RHP (MLB Minnesota Twins)

2014 Baseball Prospectus - Twin's #4 Prospect
2014 Baseball America - Twin's #4 Prospect


Link to BP Twins Top 10 Prospects

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=22250

Position: RHP
DOB: 10/07/1994
Height/Weight: 6’3” 195 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2013 draft, St. Pius X HS (Houston, TX)
Previous Ranking: NR
2013 Stats: 0.00 ERA (4 IP, 1 H, 8 K, 1 BB) at rookie level Elizabethton, 1.69 ERA (16 IP, 12 H, 16 K, 3 BB) at complex level GCL)
The Tools: 7 potential FB; 7 potential SL; High 5 potential CB; High 5 potential CH


What Happened in 2013: After being drafted fourth overall, Stewart made the most of his brief 20-inning debut, striking out 24 while walking only four hitters.

Strengths: Athletic build; good delivery; arm is very fast; fastball is a future 7 pitch; works low 90s and can get to mid-90s; creates good angle; velocity will tick up; slider is second plus offering; mid-80s with big bite; curveball flashes plus, could play as average-or-better offering; good up/down pitch; changeup projects to be average or better; command profile could end up above average; big competitor.

Weaknesses: More polish than projection; body is mature for age; secondary command is below average; changeup can get too firm/overthrown.

Overall Future Potential: 7; no. 1/2 starter

Realistic Role: 6; no. 3 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: High risk; health concerns on resume (type 1 diabetes); limited professional experience.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: Stewart has the higher fantasy upside than Meyer, but clearly the risk is greater. With two potential plus-plus pitches, the strikeouts should come in spades if he hits anything resembling his ceiling. And with Target Field at his back, suppressing power from the left-hand side, it’s not difficult to envision Stewart’s path to being a top-10 fantasy starter.

The Year Ahead: Several sources thought Stewart was the best pitcher available in the 2013 draft, a future no. 1 type that could move quickly through a developmental system. The profile is what you want to see in a frontline arm; plus-plus potential fastball, plus-plus potential slider, quality curveball for sightline/timing disruption, and a changeup that could be average or better. The command needs to improve, but with an athletic delivery and easy arm, the stuff could reach its potential. This is a very high-end talent that should move faster than most high school arms, and by the end of next season, Stewart could find himself in the discussion for top pitcher in the minor-league class.


Link to BA's Twins Top 10 Prospect Reports:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... g-reports/

Born: Oct. 7, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 208.
Drafted: HS—Houston, 2013 (1st round). Signed by: Greg Runser.


Background: After passing for 8,803 yards and 87 touchdowns in three high school football seasons, Stewart passed up a chance to play at Texas A&M after the Twins took him fourth overall in 2013 and signed him for $4,544,400. A Type 1 diabetic, he missed three weeks in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League after stepping on a seashell and cutting his foot. The Twins then shut him down with two weeks to go in the Rookie-level Appalachian League season due to shoulder soreness and kept him off the mound in instructional league.

Scouting Report: Strong and athletic, and with a clean delivery, Stewart has a fastball that sits at 92-94 mph and touches 96 with plus life and command. His putaway pitch is a mid-80s power slider with tilt. His curveball continues to improve and he has a feel for a changeup, giving him a chance to have four above-average pitches. He has competitive fire and some swagger, not unlike that of another Houston-area prep pitching hero, Josh Beckett. Considering their investment in Stewart, the Twins will proceed cautiously.

The Future: With a limited innings total, Stewart could begin 2014 in extended spring training and return to the Appalachian League. If his shoulder issues are behind him, low Class A Cedar Rapids could be the call. His best-case scenario is as a No. 1 or 2 starter in the majors.
Last edited by Tigers on Wed Jan 15, 2014 10:13 am, edited 13 times in total.
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#7 Phillip Ervin

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#7 Phillip Ervin, OF (MLB Cincinnati Reds)

2014 Baseball Prospectus - Red's #3 Prospect
2014 Baseball America - Red's #3 Prospect


Link to Baseball Prospectus article:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=22722

Position: OF
DOB: 07/17/1992
Height/Weight: 5’11” 190 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2013 draft, Samford University (Birmingham, AL)
Previous Ranking: NA
2013 Stats: .349/.451/.465 at Low-A Dayton (12 games), .326/.416/.597 at rookie level Billings (34 games)


The Tools: 6+ run; 6 potential hit; 6 potential power; 5 potential glove; 6+ arm

What Happened in 2013: Selected 27th overall in the 2013 draft, Ervin exploded at the plate in his professional debut, hitting 21 extra-base hits in 46 games while walking 25 times.

Strengths: Easy plus athlete; good present strength; hands work very well on both sides of the ball; generates above-average bat speed; short/easy path to the ball; feel for hard contact; both hit and power could play above-average; puts together good at-bats; when healthy, can show well above-average straight-line speed; can play center field at present; five-tool talent; loud impact potential.

Weaknesses: Has struggled with assorted injury; lacks much size or physical remaining projection; stocky body could push him to right field; can get fastball aggressive and look to pull everything; reads/routes need work up the middle.

Overall Future Potential: 6; first-division player

Realistic Role: 5; major-league regular

Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate risk; limited professional experience/yet to play in upper minors; assorted injuries on resume.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: There’s a lot to really like about Ervin’s overall package from a fantasy standpoint. For his debut, he was one of the top performers in the Pioneer League—and while it’s an offensive league, the stat line looked eerily similar to David Dahl’s from 2012. And while he doesn’t have Dahl’s upside for fantasy, the potential is there for a 20/15 player, who could be even more valuable in OBP leagues.

The Year Ahead: Even with the impressive statistical debut, people are still underrating Ervin, a legit five-tool player with a lot of impact potential with the bat. He tracks the ball well and puts himself in good hitting conditions, and when he tees it up, his short-to-the-ball stroke and above-average strength allow him to make hard contact. It’s not a stretch to see a .275+ hitter with 25 bombs, a first-division type even if he can’t stay in center field. Minor injuries have derailed his rise since his amateur days, and could limit his upside if he can’t stay on the field and get his repetitions at the plate and on defense. But assuming health, Ervin is going to continue to hit the baseball, and should be in the discussion for the mid-season top 50 this summer.

Major league ETA: 2016


Link to Baseball America article:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... g-reports/


Phillip Ervin, of
Born: July 17, 1992.
B-T: R-R.
Ht.: 5-11. Wt. 190.
Drafted: Samford, 2013 (1st round).


Background: Ervin has hit .300 everywhere he’s played. He did it in in college at Samford (.344 career mark) and with wood bats in the summer collegiate Northwoods (2011) and Cape Cod (2012) leagues. And he did it with the Reds, hitting .331 between stops at Rookie-level Billings and low Class A Dayton.

Scouting Report: Ervin may not have a plus-plus tool, but his scouting report has plenty of 60s on the 20-80 scale. He’s an above-average hitter thanks to a simple short stroke that allows him to square up pitches consistently. He has 60 raw power and is translating that into productive power already. He’s a 60 runner when healthy. Ervin has battled minor injuries since high school, starting with a knee injury as a prep senior. He’s had hand and hamstring injuries (summer after freshman year), a sprained ankle (junior year) and a wrist injury that cut his pro debut short. He has enough speed to play center, but his routes aren’t ideal. He has plenty of arm (he was clocked at 92 mph off the mound at Samford) to play right.

The Future: Ervin was one of the safer bats in the 2013 draft. He may lack star potential, but he should advance quickly. High Class A Bakersfield is a likely starting point, but he could reach Double-A Pensacola in 2014.



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Last edited by Tigers on Mon Mar 31, 2014 12:59 pm, edited 15 times in total.
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#8 Rafael Montero

Post by Tigers »

#8 Rafael Montero, RHP (MLB New York Mets)

2014 Baseball Prospectus - Met's #4 Prospect
2014 Baseball America - Met's #3 Prospect


Link to Baseball Prospectus article:

https://www.baseballprospectus.com/arti ... entMessage

Position: RHP
DOB: 10/17/1990
Height/Weight: 6’0” 170 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: International free agent, 2011, Dominican Republic
Previous Ranking: #10 (Org)
2013 Stats: 3.05 ERA (88.2 IP, 85 H, 78 K, 25 BB) at Triple-A Las Vegas, 2.43 ERA (66.2 IP, 51 H, 72 K, 10 BB)


The Tools: 6 FB; 5+ CH; 5 SL

What Happened in 2013: Montero continues to climb the professional ranks while being underappreciated (at least by this source), putting himself in a position to contribute to the major-league rotation in 2014.

Strengths: Fluid, easy arm; good arm strength; sneaky plus fastball in the low 90s; whippy three-quarters arm and good late explosion; good overall pitchability; can locate fastball; work east/west; changeup plays well from the arm; good disguise and solid-average action; slider can play average (or above); can log innings and hold stuff despite size.

Weaknesses: Lacks prototypical size; short/slender; lacks impact stuff; fastball can get to the mid-90s, but more comfortable in low 90s; tendency to get too fly-ball friendly; secondary arsenal lacks wipeout pitch; slider can play sharp but can also get slurvy and lose bite; more command/control profile than power.

Overall Future Potential: High 5; no. 3 starter

Realistic Role: 5; no. 4 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low risk; upper minors experience; mature arsenal.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: Montero has gotten the job done at the minor-league level, despite not having elite raw stuff, but he’ll have more trouble putting up these types of numbers for your fantasy team. What he can provide is a decent number of strikeouts (think 160 or so over a full season) and a very strong WHIP, which could linger in the 1.10-1.15 range in his better seasons.

The Year Ahead: I often discount Montero because of his size and his good-but-not-great stuff, missing out on the fact that he can actually pitch, mixing his arsenal with a good feel for command execution and the ability to make outs. As long as Montero can stay healthy and continue to refine his command, he can find sustainable success in a rotation, but I see more of a back-end type than a pitcher likely to reach frontline status. Perhaps I’m still underselling the 23-year-old Dominican, for as much as I respect his ability to pitch, I’m still skeptical that his solid-average arsenal can push him that high in a major-league rotation without exceptional command. He should get a chance to make his case in 2014.

Major league ETA: 2014

Link to Baseball America article:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... reports-2/

Rafael Montero, rhp
Born: Oct. 17, 1990. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 170
Signed: Dominican Republic, 2011.


Background: Few of the system’s top prospects signed with less fanfare than Montero, who turned pro as an undersized 20-year-old. Three years later, he’s knocking on the door of the big leagues after mastering Double-A and Triple-A. He ranked among the top 30 qualified minor league starters in 2013 in terms of K-BB ratio (4.29) and home run rate (0.35) despite pitching his home games at the hitter’s haven that is Las Vegas in the second half—where he logged a 2.87 ERA a 1.11 WHIP in nine home starts.

Scouting Report: Montero’s work ethic and mound presence stand out as much as his stuff. With long arms and loose limbs, he pounds the zone with fastballs, changeups and sliders delivered from a three-quarters arm slot. Montero sits in the low 90s, works the black on both sides of the plate and keeps enough in reserve to touch 95 mph in a pinch. A solid-average changeup fades away from the barrel of lefthanders. While his low-80s slider can be good at times, it would benefit from tighter rotation and greater depth. His small frame puts off some evaluators, though Montero’s plus-plus command and poise are such assets that he defies convention.

The Future: Montero expects to pitch in the big leagues, and he’ll do just that in 2014. In time, he could profile as a good No. 3 starter.

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Last edited by Tigers on Mon Mar 31, 2014 12:34 pm, edited 15 times in total.
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#9 Eduardo Rodriguez

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#9 Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP (MLB Baltimore Orioles)

2014 Baseball Prospectus - O's #4 Prospect
2014 Baseball America - O's #3 Prospect


Link to Baseball Prospectus Report:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=22395

Position: LHP
DOB: 04/07/1993
Height/Weight: 6’2” 200 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Acquired: International free agent, 2010, Venezuela
Previous Ranking: #4 (Org)
2013 Stats: 4.22 ERA (59.2 IP, 53 H, 59 K, 24 BB) at Double-A Bowie, 2.85 ERA (85.1 IP, 78 H, 66 K, 25 BB) at High-A Frederick


The Tools: 6 FB; 6 potential SL; 5+ potential CH

What Happened in 2013: The 20-year-old pitched his way to Double-A, and even made five starts in the prospect-heavy Arizona Fall League, setting himself up for a major-league opportunity at some point in 2014.

Strengths: Sturdy build; good delivery; repeatable; creates good angle; fastball is plus offering; works 90-94; can touch higher; can move the ball around; changeup flashes above-average; works 82-84 with arm-side run and some sink; slider is sharp two-plane breaker in the 81-84 range; could end up a bat-missing plus pitch; good pitchability.

Weaknesses: Fastball can lack movement; more control than command; can slip to the side on the slider and lose bite/depth; tendency to cast changeup; throw it too hard; lacks true knockout secondary pitch.

Overall Future Potential: 6; no. 3 starter

Realistic Role: 5; no. 4 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate risk; limited Double-A experience

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: It’s easy to overlook Rodriguez with the other arms ahead of him in this system, but just because he doesn’t have that lofty upside doesn’t mean he’s worth shrugging off. With strong across-the-board potential, he can put up the type of numbers that Chris Tillman did in 2013—and Tillman was nearly a top-30 starter.

The Year Ahead: While scouts seem to agree that Rodriguez is a future major-league starter, the ultimate projections vary source to source, as some don’t see the high-impact upside that the production/stuff might suggest. The stuff is solid-average to plus, but he lacks true wipeout stuff, and without sharp command, its hard to see Rodriguez developing into a frontline arm. But a no. 3/4 starter under team control is a very valuable commodity, and it shouldn’t take Rodriguez long to make that projection a reality.

Major league ETA: 2014


Link to Baseball America Report:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... g-reports/

Eduardo Rodriguez, lhp
Born: April 7, 1993. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-2.
Wt.: 200.


Background: The Orioles signed Rodriguez for $175,000 as a 17-year-old in January 2010, and he gained attention for pitching well in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. Baltimore invited him to big league spring training in 2013 and he jumped on the fast track, moving from high Class A Frederick to Double-A Bowie, then finishing the year with three scoreless innings in the Arizona Fall League championship game.

Scouting Report: Rodriguez works off a fastball with natural cut to the glove side. He pitches mostly at 92-93 mph, touching 95, and showed the ability to work to both sides of the plate with his fastball. His slider is his best secondary pitch and has made nice gains in the last year. So too has his changeup, which he even threw to some lefthanded hitters. Rodriguez has three potential above-average pitches. He still has some issues repeating his delivery, but he made improvement there while showing durability in a long season, posting a 0.36 ERA in his final four Double-A starts and pitching deep into the AFL.

The Future: After throwing more than 160 innings, Rodriguez is close to big league ready. He ought to begin 2014 in the Double-A Bowie rotation and finish at Triple-A Norfolk—or possibly Baltimore. He has a No. 3 starter ceiling.


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Last edited by Tigers on Mon Mar 31, 2014 1:05 pm, edited 17 times in total.
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#10 James Paxton

Post by Tigers »

#10 James Paxton, LHP (MLB Seattle Mariners)
2014 Baseball Prospectus - M's #3 Prospect
2014 Baseball America - M's #3 Prospect


Link to Baseball Prospectus Report:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=22172

Position: LHP
DOB: 11/06/1988
Height/Weight: 6’4” 220 lbs.
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Acquired: 4th round, 2010 draft, University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
Previous Ranking: #5 (Org), #92 (Top 101)
2013 Stats: 1.50 ERA (24 IP, 15 H, 21 K, 7 BB) at major league level, 4.45 ERA (145.2 IP, 158 H, 131 K, 58 BB) at Triple-A Tacoma
The Tools: 7 FB; 5 CB; 5 potential CT


What Happened in 2013: Paxton logged 145 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level, but finally got a taste of the majors: four starts with surprisingly intense stuff and subsequent results.

Strengths: Plus-plus velocity from the left side; can work 94-95; touch higher; shows average curveball that has the shape and depth to play as plus when he commands it; has a usable cutter that could play to average; body to log innings.

Weaknesses: Long arms can get out of whack in the delivery; comes high front side and leaves it long in the back (mullet mechanics); command profile is below average; inconsistent secondary stuff; changeup is below average at present; lacks much projection.

Overall Future Potential: High 5; no. 3/4 starter

Realistic Role: 5; late-innings reliever

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low risk; ready for major-league role

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: If Paxton does stick in the rotation, he’ll do the most damage in strikeouts and ERA, as high walk rates and pitch counts could limit his impact in wins and WHIP. As a reliever, he’d have the whole “lefties can’t be closers” thing going against him, but his stuff is good enough to break though that glass ceiling.

The Year Ahead: Paxton’s call-up performance shocked me, as the velocity was better and more consistent than I recall seeing, and the overall command was better as well. I’m not sold that the Paxton of 2014 will look like the Paxton of late 2013, but I’ll gladly admit I’m wrong. The delivery concerns me, and I think the length and the deep-arm pickup in the back will limit command and secondary utility, and major-league hitters will eventually adjust to his velocity. If he can maintain his delivery, getting over the front side, I think he has the stuff to stick in a rotation. If not, he’s a nice weapon to have in the bullpen; a long-armed lefty who can pump fastballs in the mid-90s.

Major league ETA: Debuted in 2013


Link to Baseball America Report:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/2 ... g-reports/

James Paxton, lhp
Born: Nov. 6, 1988. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-4.
Wt.: 220. Drafted: Grand Prairie (American Association), 2010 (4th round).


Background: Paxton took the long road to Seattle, the team he grew up rooting for in British Columbia. A supplemental first-round pick in 2009 by the Blue Jays out of Kentucky, he didn’t sign but could not return to college after Jays president Paul Beeston told a Toronto newspaper he had negotiated with agent Scott Boras, effectively ending Paxton’s eligibility. He went on to play independent ball, and the Mariners drafted him in 2010, signing him for $942,500 in March 2011.

Scouting Report: Paxton’s fastball runs anywhere from 91-98 mph, though his velocity fluctuates because the long-limbed lefty can have trouble repeating his mechanics. His hammer curveball is a plus pitch, sitting in the low 80s at its best, but he has trouble throwing it for strikes consistently. His cutter and changeup lag behind the other two pitches. Paxton tightened his delivery considerably late in 2013, which allowed him to pitch well when he was called up to the major leagues for the first time in September.

The Future: Paxton will get a chance to win a spot in the big league rotation in spring training. If he throws enough strikes, he could be a mid-rotation starter. If he moves to the bullpen, he has the stuff to pitch high-leverage innings.


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