2015 Top 10 Prospect Lists

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Andrew Heaney

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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Miami Marlins

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=24992


1. Andrew Heaney
Position: LHP
DOB: 06/05/1991
Height/Weight: 6’2” 185 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2012 draft, Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK)
Previous Ranking: #1 (Org), #30 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: 5.33 ERA (25.1 IP, 26 H, 17 K, 6 BB) at major-league level, 3.87 ERA (83.2 IP, 75 H, 91 K, 23 BB) at Triple-A New Orleans, 2.35 ERA (53.2 IP, 45 H, 52 K, 13 BB) at Double-A Jacksonville
The Tools: 6+ FB; 6+ potential SL; 5+ potential CH


What Happened in 2014: Heaney pitched 137 1/3 innings across two levels, striking out a batter an inning in the process, but hit some resistance in his first taste of The Show.

Strengths: Repeatable delivery; athletic; easy arm action; fastball jumps on hitters due to deceptive release; comfortably operates in low 90s with arm-side run; will reach for more when needs it; can throw heater to both sides of the plate; snaps slider with a loose wrist; capable of changing shape; buries for chases and shortens for strikes; grades as present plus; flashes feel for change; displays bottom-dropping action.

Weaknesses: Fastball can grab a lot of plate; more of a strike-thrower than spotter with offering; command can get loose; velocity ticks up and down; can stand to add more strength to withstand rigors of position; at times struggles to maintain release of slider; starts too low for consistent chases; change lags behind other offerings; lacks turnover and high-quality action.

Overall Future Potential: High 6; no. 2/3 starter

Realistic Role: 6; no. 3 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low risk; achieved major leagues; command progression.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The clear top fantasy prospect in the Marlins’ system, Heaney will get another crack at fantasy viability in 2015. He’s likely to be more of a contributor in the ratios than in strikeouts, but don’t sell him short on the latter—he has the potential to miss more bats with sharpened command. He should be a strong SP3 for a long time.

The Year Ahead: Heaney will likely get his chance to hold down a rotation spot this season as there’s little left for him to prove in the minors. When the left-hander is on, he flashes three major-league caliber offerings and the ability to get hitters out in a variety of ways. The 23-year-old’s easy, balanced delivery allows his overall stuff to play up as the ball seemingly jumps out of his uniform, especially when delivering his heater. While Heaney’s athleticism and fluid actions allow him to repeat his mechanics, he can throw too meaty of strikes and the fastball command does still need some polishing to limit solid contact against elite hitters. The feel here is that the lefty does have some potential command growth in front of him due to the ease in which he delivers the ball. His initial call-up did indicate that the game was moving ahead of him, but that type of experience is valuable for driving home to a player where the total package needs to be. The profile is solid and this season should be the first step in Heaney establishing himself as a strong mid-rotational starter. He’s the clear-cut headliner in this system and one of the better left-handed arms percolating through the ranks across baseball.

Major league ETA: Made debut in 2014


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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the New York Mets


http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25017


Factors on the Farm:

2. LHP Jack Leathersich: The University of Massachusetts-Lowell product continues to show bat-missing ability, though his results at the highest level of the minors have left some to be desired. The lefty pairs a low-90s fastball with a hard biting curveball to attack hitters with an aggressive pitching style. Leathersich is most likely best suited for getting an out or two towards the later stages of a ballgame before handing the ball over to the back of the pen, but if he can throw the curve for more strikes to take the dependency off his fastball, there’s a chance for a little more.
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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Atlanta Braves


http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25004

8. Kyle Kubitza
Position: 3B
DOB: 07/15/1990
Height/Weight: 6’3” 215 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Acquired: 3rd round, 2011 draft, Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)
Previous Ranking: NR
2014 Stats: .295/.405/.470 at Double-A Mississippi (132 games)
The Tools: 5 potential hit; 5+ potential power; 5 potential glove; 6 arm;


What Happened in 2014: The third baseman spent the season in the Southern League, where he hit .295 with 50 extra-base hits, and now likely sits one step from The Show.

Strengths: Strong body; good size; quick stroke; strong wrists and forearms; can barrel up offerings with backspin; power to tap into; drives ball into both gaps well; willing to use the whole field; patience at the plate; not afraid to hit with a strike or two; will methodically look for pitch; plus arm; plenty of arm for hot corner; quick feet; soft hands

Weaknesses: Can be awkward with footwork in field; will needlessly rush plays; average reactions; can miss in the zone; clear spots to work to—chases up and away in the dirt; hit tool will likely play fringe average; swing more geared toward line drives; over-the-fence power a question; no real lead offensive tool; not much growth left .

Overall Future Potential: High 5; solid-average regular

Realistic Role: High 4; bench player/below-average regular

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low risk; 132 games at Double-A; defensive profile

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: With the defensive disaster that is Chris Johnson ahead of Kubitza on the depth chart, there’s certainly opportunity in the near term for the 24-year-old. And while a player who can hit .260 with 15 homers isn’t someone you want to build your team around, it’s not dissimilar to Luis Valbuena, who was owned in more than 50 percent of leagues this year.

The Year Ahead: Kubitza took his biggest step forward as a pro this past season in Double-A, where he proved he could handle the competition and also that he’s trending toward a shot in the big leagues. That chance can very well come at some point this coming season if he has a similar showing in Triple-A. There isn’t anything that really pops off the page for Kubitza outside of the arm, but the bat, power, and glove can all play right around average. The infielder isn’t the prettiest of players out on the field, but he seems to make things work. The profile here most likely fits as a bench or utility type, where he can move around the diamond defensively, spell when needed, or fill in for an extended stretch due to injury. The perfect-world scenario is that Kubitza continues to bloom and things squeeze out as an above-average regular. That’s probably more of a longshot, but it will be interesting to see if the trends show otherwise in the International League.

Major league ETA: 2015
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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Washington Nationals

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25030

1. Lucas Giolito
Position: RHP
DOB: 07/14/1994
Height/Weight: 6’6” 255 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2012 draft, Harvard-Westlake HS (Los Angeles, CA)
Previous Ranking: #1 (Org), #13 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: 2.20 ERA (98 IP, 70 H, 110 K, 28 BB) at Low-A Hagerstown

The Tools: 8 potential FB; 8 potential CB; 6+ potential CH

What Happened in 2014: The young right-hander made his much anticipated full-season debut, where he took the South Atlantic league by storm, fanning a whopping 110 batters in 98 innings while only allowing 70 hits.

Strengths: Outstanding size; excellent present strength; proportionately filled out throughout frame; uses body well to create steep plane; stays tall above the ball; good balance; elite arm strength; fastball easily works 93-97; can reach back for more; big arm-side run in lower band (93-95); explosive offering; can already throw to all four quadrants; curve shows deep two-plane break; power pitch; adept at replicating arm slot and disguise to fastball; high confidence in offering; will use at any point in the count; commands to both sides of the plate; already plus to better; elite potential; flashes feel for change; turns over with a loose wrist; displays fade with late drop; early makings of strong pitchability; competes.

Weaknesses: Lot of body to control; can drift during landing and open early; diminishes fastball command at times; still in the early stages of building stamina; some effort in delivery wears him down; stuff can get loose and sloppy deeper into outings; velocity trails off third time through; will wrap wrist when delivering curve from time to time; change has gap to close to reach on-paper potential; loses action when throws too hard; doesn’t presently command pitch well; leaves up in zone due to early release.

Overall Future Potential: 8; elite starting pitcher

Realistic Role: 7; no. 1/2 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: High risk; yet to reach upper levels; Tommy John on resume; progression of changeup.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: While it’s true that no other arm rivals Giolito’s pure fantasy upside, there are risk factors holding him back from being an elite fantasy prospect, other than just “he’s a pitcher.” The biggest is that with one Tommy John already behind him, but not wholly in the rearview mirror, his downside is increased. That sentence would read “increased compared to similar players” for almost anyone, but his lack of a peer group renders that meaningless. Beyond the nitpicking, this is a pitcher who could be the top fantasy arm in baseball one day, offering potentially elite contributions in all four categories.

The Year Ahead: Giolito is one of the premier pitchers rising up through the ranks, with a ceiling that highlights his potential to round into one of the best arms in the game for many seasons to come. The combination of size and elite raw stuff seems unfair at times. This is the total package: a power arm with explosive stuff who has shown early on that he has a feel for his craft and a mentality to use his arsenal to make hitters look feeble. The reports from this past season all spoke glowingly of the 20-year-old, with a unified front that things can be very big. The next step for Giolito will be an assignment in High-A, where, with another year removed from surgery, the workload is likely to increase and the train can steamroll even further down the tracks. It’s not out of the question that the right-hander reaches Double-A at some point in the summer should the Carolina League prove no match. The main developmental markers ahead are improvements with his stamina and progression with the change. The former should come naturally given more strength is likely to come into his early twenties and with the increased repetition he will see. The latter comes down to execution and focus. Sit back and enjoy the ride with this one.

Major league ETA: 2016
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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Milwaukee Brewers

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25052


1. Orlando Arcia
Position: SS
DOB: 08/04/1994
Height/Weight: 6’0 165 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: International Free Agent, 2010, Venezuela
Previous Ranking: #4 (Org)
2014 Stats: .289/.346/.392 at High-A Brevard County (127 games)

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


What Happened in 2014: Arcia played most of the year as a 19-year-old in the Florida State League where he stood out for his slick actions at the six-spot and more than held his own at the plate.

Strengths: Instinctual actions in the field; solid range to both sides; good hands and body control allow him to finish at the margins; smooth lower half and plus arm complete plus-defensive profile; comfortable throwing across his zone and doesn't sacrifice carry while delivering on the run; good bat-to-ball ability; on-base reads help average speed play up; will be asset on the base paths.

Weaknesses: Below-average power; needs to continue to add strength; glove-first profile; might be limited to down-the-order bat without improved ability to produce more consistent hard contact; can get overly aggressive at the plate; regularly led to soft contact by advanced sequencing and spin.

Overall Future Potential: 6; first-division player

Realistic Role: 5; major-league regular

Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate risk; high-floor glove but questions linger with bat.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The Brewers system may be improved, but Arcia is one of the weakest number one prospects in this series from a fantasy perspective. Sure, a .270 hitting shortstop capable of stealing 20 bases is usable in fantasy, but when it’s accompanied by single-digit homers, it’s just not an attractive investment—especially in shallower leagues.

The Year Ahead: Over the past two seasons, Arcia has done well to establish a profile with a firm foundational value thanks to a major-league quality glove at a high-value position and an advanced feel for the game both on the dirt and on the bases. The approach at the plate is improving, but there is still much work to be done in order for Arcia to begin to realize his full potential. Continued added strength should help his frequent contact become more productive, but it’s reining in his approach that could help Arcia truly push his offensive game from interesting to impactful. In the field, the Venezuelan product continues to refine and should provide a steady presence at shortstop at the highest level when the time comes. Arcia’s impressive feel helps the whole profile play up, and while the tools don’t scream, “elite talent,” there is a high floor and enough projection in the stick and body for a legit first-division ceiling to be realized.

Major league ETA: 2016
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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Minnesota Twins

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/

1. Byron Buxton, of

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

SCOUTING GRADES
Batting: 70.
Power: 60.
Speed: 80.
Defense: 80.
Arm: 70.

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

Background: Buxton has been named the Baseball America High School Player of the Year (2012) and its Minor League Player of the Year (2013). He jumped 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. Buxton helped Rookie-level Elizabethton win the Appalachian League title in his first professional summer and then took his game to another level in 2013, dominating the Midwest and Florida State leagues. A strained left shoulder shortened his first Arizona Fall League assignment by a couple of weeks, but that setback was nothing compared with what Buxton experienced in 2014. First, he sprained his left wrist in mid-March while attempting a diving catch on a back field. Once he made it to high Class A Fort Myers a month into the season, he re-injured the wrist five games later while sliding home. This time it took him two months to return to action. Buxton logged a .956 OPS in 15 July games before again missing time after being hit by pitch on his right (other) wrist. Sent to Double-A New Britain on Aug. 13, he struck out in his only three at-bats before suffering a harrowing outfield collision with right fielder Mike Kvasnicka. Rushed to the hospital, Buxton was fortunate to escape with only a season-ending concussion.

Scouting Report: Widely acknowledged as the top prospect in the game by the time he played in the 2013 Futures Game, Buxton has done little to harm that reputation when healthy. Blessed with quick hands and strong wrists, he generates tremendous bat speed and keeps the bat in the zone for a long time. He has an advanced approach at the plate and shows good plate discipline, though his strikeout (24.6 percent) and walk (7.5 percent) rates diverged in his second pass through the FSL. Buxton generates easy power to all fields. Timed at 3.9 seconds from the batter’s box to first base, he is an 80 runner but still must improve his reads and instincts while on base. In the field, Buxton has plus-plus arm strength and range, gliding to balls others must strain to reach. Naturally reserved and ever polite, Buxton has become more comfortable with teammates.

The Future: Sent back to the AFL for a second straight year, Buxton sustained another injury, this time a dislocated middle finger on his left hand. When he gets a fresh start in 2015, he will report to Chattanooga, the Twins’ new Double-A affiliate in the Southern League, with the hope that he can resume the roll he enjoyed in 2013. Buxton turns 21 this offseason and could reach the majors by the end of 2015 with a chance to put down roots in center the following year.
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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Cincinnati Reds

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25082

9. Phil Ervin
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: #3 (Org), #63 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: .237/.305/.376 at Low-A Dayton (132 games)


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

What Happened in 2014: It was a rough year all around for Ervin, as he struggled to find any rhythm in the box and found himself stumbling through a season’s worth of games at Low-A Dayton.

Strengths: Solid athleticism; strong build; chance to realize solid-average in-game power; ability to drive the ball middle in; has shown impact bat speed; at his best can stay short to contact and utilize full field; nose for the ball; routes continue to improve; arm should play in right field, with solid carry and accuracy; has shown plus foot speed underway.

Weaknesses: Can extend early, sapping power and complicating contact against spin; can get pull-happy; consistent struggles with soft stuff away; swing got upper-body centric through year, with choppy barrel delivery and limited swing plane/pitch plane overlap; slowing foot speed trending towards average; lacks physical projection; concerns injury history could negatively impact physical tools.

Overall Future Potential: High 5; above-average major leaguer

Realistic Role: High 4; below-average major leaguer/4th outfielder

Risk Factor/Injury History: High; significant struggles at Low-A; robust injury history in file.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: Buying low on Ervin is not a bad idea right about now, as his miserable 2014 season is far more fresh in fantasy owners’ heads than his strong pre-draft profile. It’s still possible that Ervin develops into a .275 hitter with 15/15 potential, but that “safe college bat” tag is long gone.

The Year Ahead: Ervin’s assignment to Low-A Dayton in 2014, after he cruised through a quick 12-game stint to close 2013, was intended to ease the former first rounder into the year after he underwent surgery on his wrist during the offseason. While wrist injuries can often linger, the extent to which Ervin looked lost was shocking. In his pro debut the Samford product stood out for his contact-oriented approach, compact swing, bat speed, and ability to make loud contact across the zone. To a T, these attributes abandoned the former Cape Cod MVP, as his 2014 swing came with early extension and pull-side heave, slowing the barrel through the zone and limiting his ability to adequately cover the plate. The hope is that an offseason’s worth of rest and continued strengthening of the wrist will see Ervin return to his pre-surgery form, when the first rounder looked the part of potential impact bat capable of wielding above-average hit and power tools. Outside of the box, Ervin appeared to slow some this past year, with many viewing him as a lock for right field as early as 2015, putting even more pressure on the bat coming around. There is still an impact player buried in the profile, but the struggles were severe enough in Dayton that he could be approaching make-or-break territory despite having just 762 pro plate appearances to his name. A hot start next year would go a long way towards getting evaluators to shrug off 2014 as a developmental hiccup, and putting Ervin back on developmental track.

Major league ETA: 2018
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John Sickels:

San Francisco Giants Top 20 Prospects for 2015



http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/11/ ... s-for-2015


1) Andrew Susac, C, Grade B+: What he did in the majors is exactly what he should be expected to do: hit .260-.270 with solid power, good defense. Would be ready to start for most teams but Buster Posey gets in the way here. Age 24.

2) Kyle Crick, RHP, Grade B+: Borderline B: Age 22. I have really spent a lot of time on this one. My logical, sober analysis tells me that Crick needs to be a Grade B due to his command issues, but my gut instinct says to go with a Grade B+, which is still a half-step down from the A- I gave him last year. I remain enamored of his strikeout rates and the difficulty hitters have driving his stuff, but yeah, the walks need to come down and there’s a decent chance he winds up in relief. But. . .something holds me back from being quite as skeptical as some analysts have become. Instinct still says he figures it out ultimately.

3) Keury Mella, RHP, Grade B: Borderline B+: Age 21, posted 3.93 ERA with 63/13 K/BB in 66 innings in Low-A, 2.27 GO/AO. Terrific stuff, command moving along nicely. Trendy to put him ahead of Crick and that may be the right thing to do, but he had a rotator cuff scare last year and I want to see if he can handle a larger workload.
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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Seattle Mariners

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/


3. Ketel Marte, ss/2b
Born: Oct. 12, 1993. B-T:: B-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 180. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2010. Signed: Patrick Guerrero/Bob Engle/Franklin Taveras Jr.

Background: Signed for $100,000 in 2010 as part of a $6 million Mariners international signing class, Marte has proven to be the group’s best prospect. He spent just 100 at-bats at high Class A High Desert before jumping to Double-A Jackson and made it to Triple-A Tacoma before his 21st birthday.

Scouting Report: Marte shows a compact, line-drive stroke from both sides of the plate. He is comfortable with deep counts, but he’s always looking to hit. He is a difficult hitter to strike out and nearly impossible to walk. Marte has above-average speed and has developed into a solid bunter. Defensively, Marte has the easy hands and actions scouts like, but he lacks focus and his .932 fielding percentage was worst among regular Southern League shortstops. Marte’s arm limits him at shortstop. He’ll show above-average arm occasionally, but more often his throws are average at best. A number of scouts see him eventually moving to second base, where he projects as an above-average defender.

The Future: Marte will be one of the youngest players in the Pacific Coast League in 2015. With Chris Taylor and Brad Miller at shortstop and Robinson Cano at second base in Seattle, there’s no clear path to the big leagues for him right now, but time is on his side.



8. Luiz Gohara, lhp

B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 210. Signed: Brazil, 2012. Signed: Emilio Carrasquel/Hide Sueyoshi.

Background: The word “polished” doesn’t often describe a Brazilian baseball player, but Gohara fit the bill with years of baseball under his belt when he signed for $800,000 in 2012. The Mariners were impressed enough to push him right to Rookie-level Pulaski for his pro debut.

Scouting Report: Gohara’s fast track through the minors hit a pothole at short-season Everett. He showed every reminder that he was one of the youngest players in the league. He struggled to repeat his delivery, didn’t throw nearly enough strikes and was squared up too often when he did find the strike zone. In one start, Gohara gave up home runs to three of the first six batters he faced. In another, he walked three of the first five and hit another. The good news for Gohara is that his stuff was still apparent, and he stayed healthy after a balky shoulder limited his innings in 2013. He sits at 92-94 mph and will touch 96, and at times he showed a potentially above-average breaking ball to go with a changeup that flashes average.

The Future: Gohara is farther away from the big leagues than he was when the season began. His control and feel both took steps back, but he’s still a 6-foot-3 lefty who throws in the mid-90s, so he has plenty of time to get back on track as a potential mid-rotation starter.



10. Carson Smith, rhp

Born: Oct. 19, 1989. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-6. Wt.: 215. Drafted: Texas State, 2011 (8th round). Signed: Kyle Van Hook.

Background: The Mariners have a history of finding one useful rookie reliever per year to fit into the big league bullpen. It was Dominic Leone in 2014, Yoervis Medina in 2013, Carter Capps in 2012 and Tom Wilhelmsen in 2011. Expect Smith, a starter at Texas State who quickly moved to the pen as a Mariner, to be the next to make the jump after he impressed in a brief stint as a September callup in 2014.

Scouting Report: Pitching from the extreme glove side of the pitcher’s rubber, Smith slings from an almost sidearm slot, mixing in a dive-bombing 84-86 mph slider that grades as plus. But thanks to his ability to locate to both sides of the plate and his mid-80s mph changeup, Smith is nearly as tough on lefthanders as he is in same-side matchups. His fastball gained a tick to sit at 92-94 mph with bumps up to 96, but it’s the sink he gets when he’s working down in the zone that makes his heater most effective. He has allowed just four home runs in 141 pro appearances and has racked up more than 3.5 groundouts for every airout at his last three stops.

The Future: Smith isn’t conventional and his delivery has plenty of effort, but he’s steadily improved his control to the point where it’s average. He’s ready to help the Mariners as a middle reliever in 2015, and he has a shot to eventually handle the eighth inning.
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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Atlanta Braves


http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/

10. Kyle Kubitza, 3b

Born: July 15, 1990. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 215. Drafted: Texas State, 2011 (3rd round). Signed by: John Barron.

Background: Few players have developed more impressively over the last few years in the organization than Kubitza, whose brother Aaron pitches in the Tigers system. The highest-drafted position player in Texas State history blossomed in his third full pro season in 2014 at Double-A Mississippi. In addition to hitting 35 points above his career average, he led the Southern League in on-base percentage (.405) and walks (55), placed second in triples (11) and ranked fourth in runs (76).

Scouting Report: A fiery player, Kubitza combines a smooth line-drive swing from the left side with one of the best eyes at the plate in the organization. His power has increased with experience and he uses his quick wrists to drive the ball in the gaps. He can be exploited with a minor hitch in his swing, and he can be too patient with inconsistent umpires, leading to high strikeout totals. Though not a quick-twitch athlete, Kubitza runs well with excellent instincts on the basepaths. He has one of the strongest infield arms in the game, with soft hands that suit him at third base. He moves well to his left but tends to boot the occasional routine ball.

The Future: Kubitza should open the 2015 season at Triple-A Gwinnett. Scouts are mixed on whether he will be a first-division third baseman or more of a bench bat, but he could get his first shot in Atlanta by the end of the year.
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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Miami Marlins

http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/2 ... prospects/


10. Jarlin Garcia, LHP

Born: Jan. 18, 1993. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 170. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2010. Signed by: Albert Gonzalez, Sandy Nin

Background: Garcia signed as a 17-year-old and it took him three seasons to reach full-season ball. In the interim, he grew physically and developed one of the organization’s better curveballs. He led the low Class A South Atlantic League in lowest walk rate (1.35/9 IP) while leading Greensboro in victories, and he didn’t give up an earned run in his final four starts, spanning 18 innings.

Scouting Report: Athletic and live-bodied, Garcia shows excellent control of a live, above-average fastball in the 90-95 mph range. His curveball still flashes above-average as well in the upper 70s, but somewhere between instructional league and the 2014 season, he lost the feel for it. His slinging delivery sometimes makes it tough for him to stay on top of the pitch. To avoid going through a full season without a breaking ball, Garcia started throwing a hard slider, and he has a changeup with some fade that is firm in the low 80s. Despite his athleticism, he needs polish defensively, both fielding and holding runners.

The Future: Garcia’s strong finish restored optimism to what had been a season of struggles. He wasn’t protected on the 40-man roster but he wasn’t picked in the Rule 5 draft, so the Marlins can send him to high Class A Jupiter. A consistent breaking ball would give him a mid-rotation ceiling.
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John Sickels.........New York Mets

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/12/ ... s-for-2015


18) Jack Leathersich, LHP, Grade C+: Age 24, power bullpen arm posts ridiculous strikeout rates with nasty breaking ball and low-90s fastball, 93 in just 54 innings between Double-A and Triple-A last year. Command is erratic and he has not been overly effective in Triple-A, but should get a bullpen trial sometime this year. Has fanned 334 in 197 career innings.
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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the New York Mets

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/


4. Dilson Herrera, 2b/ss

Born: March 3, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 150. Signed: Colombia, 2010. Signed by: Rene Gayo/Orlando Covo (Pirates).

Background: When the Mets traded Marlon Byrd to the Pirates to acquire Herrera in August 2013, they didn’t expect the low Class A second baseman to be in the big leagues a year later. That’s exactly what happened in 2014, when Herrera hit .323/.379/.479 between stops at high Class A St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton on his way to New York as an injury replacement for Daniel Murphy on Aug. 29.

Scouting Report: Short and compact, Herrera incorporates his hands and lower half adeptly in his swing, projecting to hit for a high average with frequent hard contact, a middle-field approach and bat speed to spare. He ranked fourth in the minors with 169 hits in 2014, thanks to a quick, repeatable swing. He hits for primarily gap power with the potential for double-digit home runs. An average runner, Herrera is no better than average defensively at second base, showing stiff actions and fringy range for some evaluators. His arm works at the keystone but is inadequate for shortstop.

The Future: The Mets love Herrera’s makeup and work ethic, which factored in their decision to call him up in August, though he probably will begin 2015 at Triple-A Las Vegas while he waits for regular at-bats in New York.



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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Washington Nationals

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/

1. Lucas Giolito, RHP

SCOUTING GRADES
Fastball: 80
Curveball: 70
changeup: 60
Control: 60

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


Born: July 14, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-6. Wt.: 255. Drafted: HS—Studio City, Calif., 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Mark Baca.

Background: In his full-season return from his Tommy John surgery in 2014, Giolito showed off the electrifying stuff and innate feel for pitching that had made him one of the most celebrated prep pitching prospects in recent memory heading into the spring of 2012. The son of Hollywood actors Lindsay Frost and Rick Giolito, Lucas slipped in the draft because of his elbow injury and his strong commitment to UCLA, and the Nationals took advantage by selecting him 16th overall and signing him for $2,925,000. That investment looks wise two years later, now that Giolito has established himself as one of baseball’s best prospects. After pitching 37 innings in his return from surgery in 2013, he headed into 2014 healthy and confident, and he was consistent from the start of the season until the end. The Nationals had him skip a start here or there at low Class A Hagerstown and shut him down in mid-August in order to keep him around 100 innings, but they were thrilled with his developmental season.

Scouting Report: Giolito’s extra-large frame helps him generate steep downhill angle on his overpowering fastball, which ranges from 92-98 mph and sits comfortably in the mid-90s. He has touched 100 mph a handful of times over the last two years, and his fastball projects as a true 80 pitch on the 20-80 scale because of its velocity, its angle and his ability to locate it. Like any 20-year-old, Giolito has not mastered his fastball command, but he excels at throwing it for strikes, and his sound delivery and arm action suggest he should have at least average command of it, to go along with above-average control. He sometimes lands a bit stiff on his front leg, which can inhibit his ability to locate at the bottom of the zone, but his command improved as the season progressed. Giolito can throw all three of his pitches for strikes in any count, and he is learning how to set up hitters and put them away. His downer curveball can be devastating, a 12-to-6 hammer with uncommon power and sharp bite, and it should be a plus-plus pitch as he learns to repeat it more consistently. He dominated righthanders in 2014, holding them to a .175 average and .251 slugging percentage. The Nationals got Giolito to focus on developing his changeup in the second half of the 2014 season, and he gained great confidence in the pitch against lefthanded hitters. It has good sinking action, and he can throw it for strikes or use it as a swing-and-miss pitch, making it another potential plus offering. Giolito also has a knack for holding baserunners and fields his position well for his size. The Nationals rave about his maturity, humility, competitiveness and diligent work habits.

The Future: With a rare combination of stuff, size, feel for pitching and makeup, Giolito has superstar potential. He’ll still be just 20 years old at the start of 2015, so the Nationals won’t rush him, but he should be ready to increase his workload at high Class A Potomac and could reach Double-A Harrisburg by the second half. Giolito is advanced enough to push for a big league job by 2016.

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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Colorado Rockies

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25243


1. Jonathan Gray
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: #1 (Org), #16 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: 3.91 ERA (124.1 IP, 107 H, 113 K, 41 BB) at Double-A Tulsa


The Tools: 8 potential FB; 7 SL; 6 potential CH

What Happened in 2014: Even with the raw stuff outdistancing the production, Gray put together a solid showing in the Texas League and he continued to progress towards a Denver debut.

Strengths: Workhorse build with physicality and aggressiveness on the bump; confident pounding the zone with upper-90s heater; triple-digit capable; fastball plays across quadrants; wipeout slider works in and out of zone; elite two-pitch combo with parallel plane and release; developmental focus on change piece, flashing hard fade and deception; frontline offerings so good even average changeup will miss bats and barrels; can flip script with change-of-pace curve.

Weaknesses: Changeup still lags relative fastball/slider; can struggle on both ends, implementing too firm or alternatively slowing arm and tipping; content pitching to contact and limited pitch count leave some question as to how dominant the stuff might be against top-tier bats; some stiffness in landing likely limits command ceiling.

Overall Future Potential: 7; no. 2 starter

Realistic Role: 6; no. 3 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low; Double-A success; near major-league ready

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The only thing standing in the way of Gray projecting as a potential SP1 is Coors Field, and that’s something that is going to be embedded in a lot of these pitcher write-ups throughout this list. The fastball/slider combo could lead to 220 strikeouts at the major-league level, but while he should pitch well enough on the road to act as a de facto ace, the home starts mixed in will leave his ratios closer to the 3.50/1.20 range.

The Year Ahead: Observing Gray in 2014 was akin to witnessing a bartender utilize a bottle of Lagavulin 16 to pour you a glass of Johnny Black—the result was perfectly satisfying, but lacked the impact and finish you anticipated upon spying the distinctive glass. The body, control, and quality of weaponry is everything you’d expect in an elite power arm, but Colorado’s conservative guidance this past summer left evaluators more reliant on projection than typical when grading out an advanced Double-A arm with loud present stuff. Even with a focus on developing his third-best offering and pitching to contact, the former Sooner still found success, regularly inducing soft contact from Texas League bats thanks to his ability to generally live around the zone with two double-plus offerings, and it’s tough to envision him failing to rack up strikeouts once permitted a slightly longer leash via pitch count and pitch selection. There is little doubt that Gray will be a valuable major-league asset, and anything shy of number three production, even in the challenging Coors environs, would come as a surprise. He should start 2015 in Triple-A, but may not face the requisite resistance to truly refine until he faces major-league lineups capable of handling his electric arsenal.

Major league ETA: 2015

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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Toronto Blue Jays

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25147


4. Jeff Hoffman
Position: RHP
DOB: 01/08/1993
Height/Weight: 6’4” 185 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2014 draft, East Carolina University (Greenville, NC)
Previous Ranking: NA
2014 Stats: Did Not Play (Tommy John Surgery)


The Tools: 7 potential FB; 6+ potential CH; 6 potential CB

What Happened in 2014: The power arm was cruising through the college season and pushing for a definitive chance at being selected first overall. But then the dreaded Tommy John struck and dropped him into Toronto’s lap at 9th overall.

Strengths: Very athletic; loose arm and delivery; explosive fastball at 93-96; touches higher when needs it; can throw past hitters or pound the zone; turns over good changeup; true bat-missing ability; shows arm-side fade with quality tumbling action; high amount of confidence in offering; snaps breaking ball with loose wrist; shows power break in upper-velocity band (78-82); will vary shape; can throw for strikes; aggressive on the mound; projects a high amount of confidence in stuff; plus future command profile.

Weaknesses: Command presently plays down; lot of limbs and body to control; can stand to add strength to maintain stuff over long season; fastball can be on the straight side; present mentality to work in dangerous areas with offering; breaking ball can get slurvy and soft; will cast; gets predicable with change; heavily throws to arm side; needs to focus more on hitting all four quadrants with arsenal in general; developmental delay due to injury.

Overall Future Potential: 7; no. 2 starter

Realistic Role: High 5; no. 3/4 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: High risk; yet to pitch professionally; TJ on resume (2014); return of arsenal to previous levels.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The ceiling for Hoffman is unquestioned as he’s the one pitcher in this system with a non-minute chance at becoming a true SP1 in mixed leagues. Unfortunately, due to the surgery, his ETA is backed up and it has caused him to fall behind a few players in dynasty drafts. However, even with the international players factored in, Hoffman should go in the top five of all drafts this winter.

The Year Ahead: Hoffman would easily challenge for consideration at the front of this system if healthy, but it’s also reasonable to expect that had injury not struck, the 21-year-old right-hander would never have gotten to Toronto in the first place. The potential of the arsenal and what the overall future role can look like are loud. The arm was already showing strong advancement in the college ranks, suggesting that the ascent in the professional side could be on the quicker side. Of course, we have to consider the near-term hurdle of the injury rehab, combined with the fact that the arsenal must first return to form before taking any more steps forward, which was especially necessary in regards to the overall command. The likely view takes into consideration the risk and probability that the full picture of the stuff in the pro arena won’t start to show until 2016. This season will focus on passing the early markers coming out of surgery, returning fully to the mound, and beginning to ramp the arm strength back up. Recent trends tell us there’s a strong chance Hoffman can make a full return to form, with the organization’s potential reward for taking on the risk and investment being a future front-of-the-rotation power arm for multiple seasons to come.

Major league ETA: 2017
Last edited by Tigers on Sat Jan 03, 2015 11:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Toronto Blue Jays

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... cts-video/

3. Jeff Hoffman, rhp

Born: Jan., 1, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 192. Drafted: East Carolina, 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Chris Kline.

Background: Hoffman was a lean, projectable righthander from upstate New York who went undrafted out of high school, but multiple teams tried to sign him in the summer before his freshman year. He was a Cape Cod League standout in consecutive seasons and entered the spring as a potential top-three overall pick. Hoffman’s last start in college was in April when he struck out a career-high 16 in front of multiple GMs picking in the top five before undergoing Tommy John surgery in early May.

Scouting Report: Hoffman is a premium athlete with the stuff, body and athleticism to profile in the front half of a rotation. His fastball sits 93-96 mph, touching 98 with the ball jumping from his hand. Hoffman’s two-seamer has at least plus life with heavy, bat-breaking sink and arm-side run to get groundballs. His drop-and-drive delivery works easy with natural fluidity and a loose arm. He offers a true downer curveball with at least plus potential that flashes plus-plus. Hoffman offers feel for a changeup that improved significantly over the last year and also has at least plus potential, flashing a full grade better. He also mixed in a mid-80s slider with at least average potential. Hoffman has a long, lean and projectable body that scouts can dream on despite coming from college. He fills up the zone and projects to have at least plus control. Hoffman’s plus athleticism enables him to field his position exceptionally well and make highlight-reel defensive plays.

The Future: Hoffman’s surgery prevented him from playing after signing but he is throwing from flat ground this fall and will likely be back in game action around mid-season. Few starters in the minors can match his upside or athleticism.
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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the San Francisco Giants

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25285

2. Kyle Crick

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), #38 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: 3.79 ERA (90.1 IP, 78 H, 111 K, 61 BB) at Double-A Richmond

The Tools: 7 fastball; 6 potential CH; 6 potential CB; 6 potential SL

What Happened in 2014: Crick racked up 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings pitched in his Double-A debut, but an inability to find any consistency or command limited his innings tally and led to far too many walks.

Strengths: Very loud, pure stuff; fastball plays to double-plus in spite of marginal control and borderline non-existent command; lots of late life and easy mid-90s velocity that will climb higher; maintains velo past 75 pitch mark; excellent arm speed; maintains arm speed on changeup producing solid deception; tight slider with cutter action, works mid-80s to and through 90 mph; two-plane curve will flash depth and bite; good size; strength to hold stuff deep into starts; arsenal has top-tier potential.

Weaknesses: Throws with effort; inconsistent timing disrupts balance and release; arm drag; dramatic inconsistencies in execution regularly forces stuff to play down; changeup ineffective off-trajectory, tips early when release is off; slider will frisbee and play as a soft cutter when overthrown; control is fringy and well outdistances command.

Overall Future Potential: 6; no. 3 starter

Realistic Role: High 5; late-inning relief/second-tier closer

Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate; extreme control issues holds back floor despite demonstrated bat-missing ability at Double-A.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The stuff is generally unquestioned with Crick, but then again, so is his inability to throw strikes. For fantasy purposes, he looks to be more valuable with a move to the bullpen, which is unusual for a pitching prospect. In the rotation, he’s a high-WHIP, low-win probability pitcher who can strikeout 180 batters a year despite the shortcomings. In the bullpen, there are more interesting relief prospects.

The Year Ahead: Throughout 2014 Crick continued to display high-octane, swing-and-miss stuff, but his inability to wield that stuff with consistency drove down its effectiveness and limited the powerful righty to just 90.1 innings due to elevated pitch counts. The stat sheet points to a future in relief, but there is more than enough pure stuff and durability for the former supplemental first-rounder to turn over major-league lineups with regularity. Further, all four of Crick’s offerings can play above average or better, so there is room to ease the foot off the gas in order to try and find an operating speed that better facilitates more stable mechanics and consistent execution. In the end, it may come down to whether Crick is willing to make the conscious decision to sacrifice some stuff in order to give him a better chance to work more regularly in the zone and last deeper into games. The fallback is that of a late-inning power arm, with strike-throwing ability the determinant as to whether the Giants will be able to trust him with true high-leverage situations. Overall, this remains one of the most explosive arms in the minors, and incremental improvements could get him back on track in short order.

Major league ETA: 2016


3. Andrew Susac
Position: C
DOB: 03/22/1990
Height/Weight: 6’2” 210 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: 2nd round, 2011 draft, Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)
Previous Ranking: #6 (Org)
2014 Stats: .273/.326/.466 at major-league level (35 games), .268/.379/.451 at Triple-A Fresno (63 games)

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

What Happened in 2014: Susac continued to show a power-centric approach with Triple-A Fresno before making his major-league debut and affording the Giants the freedom to rest all-world backstop Buster Posey without ceding offensive production from the catcher position.

Strengths: Advanced approach with good feel for zone; solid plus power plays in game at present; good strength; balanced swing stays on plane and allows for hard contact pole to pole; natural backspin and carry; improving actions behind the plate; capable defender who could refine to average overall producer with glove; above-average arm with solid release and accuracy.

Weaknesses: Average bat speed and coverage holes; can be beat by sequencing and elevated heat; danger that overexposure at big-league level will eat into contact and power utility once book gets out; well below-average runner; likely tops out as average defender.

Overall Future Potential: High 5; above-average regular

Realistic Role: 5; average major leaguer

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low; solid major-league debut in 2014.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: In an organization that would see him getting real playing time in 2015, Susac would be a more interesting fantasy name. However, given that he’ll likely get used sparingly, his fantasy ETA remains unknown. Given a full complement of at-bats, Susac could hit .260 with 20 homers, making him a potential top-10 catcher.

The Year Ahead: Given the risks associated with the two names ahead of him, a pretty strong case could be made for Susac as the top prospect in the system, and there are undoubtedly a number of teams out there that would be willing to take on the limited defensive ceiling and swing-and-miss risk to roll the dice with Susac as their everyday backstop to start 2015. Don’t expect that trade to come any time soon, however, as the fit with San Francisco is tight and comfy, with the Giants able to rest Posey more regularly without ceding impact at-bats from their backstop. Susac has the opportunity to gradually earn more regular time behind the dish over the coming years as Posey continues to age and the Giants look to maximize the number of quality at-bats their soon-to-be $20 million man will log.

Major league ETA: Debuted in 2014


5. Keury Mella
Position: RHP
DOB: 08/02/1993
Height/Weight: 6’2” 200 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: International Free Agent, 2011, Dominican Republic
Previous Ranking: #7 (Org)
2014 Stats: 3.93 ERA (66.1 IP, 69 H, 63 K, 13 BB) at Low-A Augusta, 1.83 ERA (19.2 IP, 16 H, 20 K, 6 BB) at short-season Salem-Keizer

The Tools: 7 potential FB; 6 potential CB; 5 potential CH

What Happened in 2014: The talented Dominican showed bat-missing velocity and a promising breaker before being sidelined by a rotator cuff strain, costing him a couple of months in the middle of the season.

Strengths: Big arm speed generates easy plus velocity and life; weighty two-seamer works effectively in low-90s, four-seam heater plays in 92 to 95 mph velo band and can touch higher; curve flashes hard bite and comes with solid depth; future plus offering that will play in the zone and as bury pitch; some feel for cambio and is increasing comfort level with offering; solid build and present strength.

Weaknesses: Missed time due to rotator cuff sidetracked innings build-up; has yet to prove durable over full season; changeup is below-average offering more often than not; can fall back on fastball when curve isn’t there; needs to improve quality of offerings out of zone, can live too freely on the fat; control outdistances command.

Overall Future Potential: High 6; no. 2/3 starter

Realistic Role: 5; late-inning relief

Risk Factor/Injury History: High; low-level resume; rotator cuff issues in 2014.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: There may not be a player in this system with more usable fantasy potential than Mella, whose huge arm could lead to a potential SP2 future if he can make it through the gauntlet. If the change can keep lefties off kilter, he can put up strong ratios (particularly WHIP) and run up near 180 strikeouts in the long run. Keep an eye out as to whether Mella is owned in your league.

The Year Ahead: Had Mella put together 24 starts on par with the aggregate of his 12 Augusta showings there is a good chance he finds himself at or near the top of this prospect list, and comfortably within the top 100 prospects in the game. The quick-armed righty produces easy velocity through low-maintenance mechanics, adding a power breaker to the mix that provides a one-two punch that could project to the front of a major-league rotation. The shoulder issues cloud the picture some, and there is still a fair amount of work to be done in order to get the changeup to fighting weight against more capable bats. Still, Mella possesses some of the highest upside in the system and even if relegated to relief the profile carries impact potential. He should get a shot at High-A in 2015 and could earn a midseason promotion if the fastball-curve pairing proves too much for Cal League lineups.

Major league ETA: 2017
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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Minnesota Twins

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25324

1. Byron Buxton
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), #1 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: .240/.313/.405 at High-A Fort Myers (30 games)

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

What Happened in 2014: A wrist injury put a major dent in the season of the crown jewel of the system. The 21-year-old was limited to just 31 games and then had his time in the Arizona Fall League come to a crashing halt due to a concussion and a dislocated finger.

Strengths: Well above-average athlete; elite run; endless range; superb instincts; gracefully moves from gap to gap; right-fielder’s arm; advanced feel for hitting; lets balls travel deep into the zone; explosive hands; plus-plus bat speed; barrels offerings with authority; well above-average raw; advanced approach at the plate.

Weaknesses: Still transitioning from raw athlete to skilled player; presently plays on ability; needs to learn to further slow the game down; swing at present more geared towards line-drive contact; can stand to create more lift and post-contact extension for power to play to full potential; has struggled against high-quality breaking stuff; tends to lunge and overcommit hands; will guess with some frequency.

Overall Future Potential: 8; elite major leaguer

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

Risk Factor/Injury History: Moderate; limited upper-level experience; wrist injury/concussion (2014).

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: It’s really very hard to undersell Buxton’s fantasy potential, and he’s one of the few players in baseball with the potential to supplant Mike Trout as the overall #1 pick one day. The rough 2014 and push back in his ETA is the only thing keeping him from being the top fantasy prospect in the game, and he could be a 25-homer, 50-steal roto monster if it all comes to pass.

The Year Ahead: Despite essentially a lost season in 2014 and delay in development time, Buxton remains the headliner of this system and the premier prospect in all of the minor leagues. This is a true five-tool talent that oozes naturalness and the type of ability that makes even the most conservative of evaluators drop lofty projections for what the future holds. This space could be filled with superlatives and flowing language waxing poetically about the Georgia native, but it really boils down to one word: “easy.” That’s the way the 21-year-old makes this game look, which is a testament to the talent and the way it has come together so quickly since signing. This season will see Buxton return to the field, where a string of good health should lead to an uninterrupted foray into the upper levels and can very well culminate in a big-league debut during the latter stages of the season. We should expect that the uber-prospect will likely need to shake some off rust in the early going, but once he hits his stride look for the train to continue barreling down the tracks on a collision course for stardom at the highest level in the not-so distant future.

Major league ETA: Late 2015
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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Milwaukee Brewers

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/

2. Orlando Arcia, ss/2b

Born: Aug. 4, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 170. Signed: Venezuela, 2010. Signed by: Fernando Arango.

Background: Arcia played most of the 2014 season at high Class A Brevard County at age 19, but he didn’t play like a teenager. In fact, he shows uncommon maturity and a well-rounded game. He moved full-time to his natural position of shortstop at midseason when double-play partner Yadiel Rivera moved to Double-A. Arcia’s older brother Oswaldo plays right field for the Twins

Scouting Report: Arcia could probably play shortstop in the big leagues in 2015 and hold his own. He has a plus arm, great first-step quickness and above-average range. His hands are soft and his instincts are good, and he believes he can make every play. At the plate, Arcia continues to improve, with good hand-eye coordination and pitch recognition that keep his strikeouts manageable. He shows mostly gap power at present but has enough pop to stop pitchers from grooving the ball, especially for his size. With plus speed, he is a threat on the bases and an exciting, daring player to watch. Sometimes his swing gets long and his plate discipline lags, but that can improve with experience and coaching.

The Future: Everyone agrees that Arcia will get to the big leagues on the basis of defense alone, but the Brewers also have high hopes for his offense. He shows leadership skills that add to the package, and it’s only a matter of time before he is wearing a Brewers uniform.
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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the Colorado Rockies

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/

2. Jon Gray, rhp

Born: Nov. 5, 1991. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 235. Drafted: Oklahoma, 2013 (1st round). Signed by: Jesse Retzlaff.

Background: Gray signed for a franchise-record $4.8 million after being taken third overall in the 2013 draft, topping the $3.9 million lefthander Tyler Matzek received in 2009. Gray began his pro career at Rookie-level Grand Junction, where he was told to throw only one slider per batter because he had thrown the pitch excessively at Oklahoma. He moved up to high Class A Modesto and went 4-0, 0.75 in five starts after the restriction was lifted. At Double-A Tulsa in 2014, Gray dealt with the rigors of his first full season and was shut down with shoulder fatigue after an Aug. 20 start.

Scouting Report: After reaching 102 mph on multiple occasions in 2013 and sitting at 95-96 with his four-seam fastball in 2013, Gray topped out at 96 and pitched around 94 in 2014. He has above-average command of his fastball for someone who throws that hard. Gray tired as the 2014 season progressed, causing his front side to slightly drift open, and he wasn’t able to maintain the on-line delivery he had earlier. . His changeup is above-average at 87-88 mph with a little run and sink, and Gray has plus command of the pitch..

The Future: Expect Gray to begin 2015 at Triple-A Albuquerque, and he could easily reach the majors. He has a durable frame and projects to be as good as a No. 2 starter. His biggest advancements will come once he learns to read hitters and situations and develop pitchability.


6. Tom Murphy, c

Born: April 3, 1991. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Buffalo, 2012 (3rd round). Signed by: Ed Santa.

Background: Murphy is the fifth catcher the Rockies have taken as high as the third round since they began drafting in 1992. After beginning his first full season in 2013 at low Class A Asheville, he played his final 20 games of that season at Double-A Tulsa. He returned there in 2014, only to have his season end May 15 due to a right rotator cuff strain. Murphy avoided surgery and was at full strength toward the end of the season, but the Rockies decided not to risk playing him and having him enter the offseason in a rehab mode.

Scouting Report: Murphy is exceptionally strong and can impact a game on both sides of the ball. He has well above-average arm strength, an aggressive transfer and possesses above-average accuracy and receiving and blocking skills. Murphy is a leader who commands both the clubhouse and the pitching staff. He has a short, simple swing that generates plus power to all fields but needs to improve his strike-zone awareness and plate discipline. With his bat speed and strength, Murphy was looking to pull the ball too often early in the season, which made him vulnerable to pitches on the outer portion of the plate.

The Future: Murphy likely will return to Tulsa to begin 2015, but with a few good months could move to Triple-A Albuquerque. The Rockies project him to be an everyday catcher, giving them an upgrade over Wilin Rosario.
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BA's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the San Francisco Giants

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/

1. Andrew Susac, c

SCOUTING GRADES
Batting: 50.
Power: 50
Speed: 30.
Defense: 50.
Arm: 60.
Based on 20-80 scouting scale—where 50 represents major league average—and future projection rather than present tools.


Born: March 22, 1990. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 215. Drafted: Oregon State, 2011 (2nd round). Signed by: Matt Woodward.

Background: Coming out of high school, Susac was viewed as a catch-and-throw backstop with a questionable bat. His freshman year at Oregon State didn’t change that report, as one coach described him as one of the easiest outs in the Pacific-12 Conference. But he went to the Cape Cod League that summer, gained confidence and led the Cape in slugging. That carried over into a standout sophomore year, cut short by a hamate injury. By the time he entered the 2011 draft as an eligible sophomore, scouts believed his bat was ahead of his defense. Susac again reversed the report by struggling at the plate in his pro debut while showing off an impressive arm; he gunned down Billy Hamilton five times in the California League (in 21 attempts). The bat caught up to the glove again in 2014 and after a strong start in Triple-A Fresno, he was a surprise callup to San Francisco when a concussion sidelined Hector Sanchez. He impressed enough to earn a spot on the postseason roster, leap-frogging Sanchez to take over the backup catcher job.

Scouting Report: In another organization, Susac would likely be pencilled in as a big league-ready everyday catcher who would take over the job in 2015. Because he plays for the Giants and Buster Posey isn’t going anywhere, his best hope in the short term is to serve as an overqualified backup. Susac has shortened his once-lengthy swing to spray more line drives. It has paid off in improved quality contact rates and hasn’t really diminished his power. He projects as .250-.260 hitter with a chance to hit 15-20 home runs. He drives the ball to the opposite-field power alley with some loft and carry. His understanding of the strike zone allows him to draw plenty of walks, adding significantly to his offensive value. His plus arm helps him produce 1.9-second pop times at his best thanks in part to a quick release, although his arm strength seemed to taper off some as the season wore on last year. He’s still refining the rest of his work behind the plate. His pitch-calling needs to continue to improve. He’s nimble enough to block pitches in the dirt and his athleticism is apparent, but he needs to quiet his hands when receiving—his pitch-framing numbers were below average in his big league debut.

The Future: Susac’s development gives the Giants the option of considering moving Posey’s premium bat to a less demanding position at some point in the future. Until that happens, Susac will battle Sanchez for the backup catcher spot, with Susac likely having the edge because of his better bat. Opposing teams’ scouts see Susac as an everyday catcher in his own right, making him a valuable trade chip if the Giants wanted to use their surplus of catchers to shore up another position. Moving Posey to an infield corner would help ensure he stays healthy, but it would also take one of the best catchers in the game away from one of the most demanding positions to fill. Susac’s development gives the Giants a wide variety of options.


3. Kyle Crick, rhp

Born: Nov. 30, 1992. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 225. Drafted: HS—Sherman, Texas, 2011 (1st round). Signed by: Todd Thomas.

Background: Crick was better known as an infielder and defensive end at Sherman (Texas) High until his senior season. Once he got onto the mound, scouts knew that was where his future lay, as he dominated with a fastball that touched 96-97 mph that spring. Crick has had one of the best arms in the Giants system since the day he signed, but from day one he’s mixed dominant stints with ones where he can’t find the strike zone.

Scouting Report: Crick still has the best pure stuff in the Giants system and when he’s on, he’s nearly unhittable. Crick’s fastball will touch 98 mph at times, but he’s generally better off when he sits at 93-96 with better control. His control comes and goes from batter to batter and pitch to pitch. He can get 0-2 on a batter, then lose him with four straight balls. The Giants have worked on trying to get Crick to shorten his stride as his arm often is trying to catch up to his body, but so far it hasn’t clicked, leaving him with bottom-of-the-scale control. Crick’s hard 86-89 mph cutter/slider is his best secondary pitch and flashes at least average. His fringy mid-80s changeup with a little late sink has also improved, and his 80-82 mph curveball is a usable below-average offering.

The Future: Crick’s control problems and inability to work deep in games makes it highly unlikely he’ll be a big league starter.



4. Keury Mella, rhp

Born: Aug. 2, 1993. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 190. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2011. Signed by: Pablo Peguero.

Background: Mella is yet another payoff from the Giants’ productive scouting of older Dominican pitchers. Mella didn’t sign until he was 18, but he still got a $275,000 bonus thanks to his present stuff. Mella was shut down in late June with a minor rotator-cuff injury. He returned to the mound six weeks later, but the Giants left him at short-season Salem-Keizer to help its push for a playoff spot.

Scouting Report: Mella could end up with three plus pitches. He gets swings and misses with his plus 93-96 mph four-seam fastball that rides in on righthanders. Working from the extreme first-base side of the rubber, Mella’s cross-fire delivery generates some deception. His 78-80 mph curveball shows good depth and a sharp 11-to-5 break at its best. It projects as another potentially above-average pitch, although it’s still erratic. His changeup flashes plus as well. The Giants are impressed with Mella’s tendency to stay a step ahead of hitters with an intelligent approach on the mound. Some scouts see him as a future reliever because they aren’t enamored with his delivery, which has some violence and finishes with recoil.

The Future: Mella heads to high Class A San Jose ready for a full innings load. He has most everything scouts look for in a potential middle of the rotation starter.
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Name: Ben L. Montgomery

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BP's 2015 Top 10 Prospects for the "We're down the Santa Ana FWY from Los Angeles but have a complex so we are going to call ourselves the Los Angeles Angels but we realy are in Anaheim".

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/artic ... leid=25533

A little dublication here, but Heaney should get some sort of prize for being #1 on two lists this year.


1. Andrew Heaney
Position: LHP
DOB: 06/05/1991
Height/Weight: 6’2” 185 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Acquired: 1st round, 2012 draft, Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK)
Previous Ranking: #1 (Org), #30 (Top 101)
2014 Stats: 5.33 ERA (25.1 IP, 26 H, 17 K, 6 BB) at major-league level, 3.87 ERA (83.2 IP, 75 H, 91 K, 23 BB) at Triple-A New Orleans, 2.35 ERA (53.2 IP, 45 H, 52 K, 13 BB) at Double-A Jacksonville

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

What Happened in 2014: Heaney pitched 137 1/3 innings across two levels, striking out a batter an inning in the process, but hit some resistance in his first taste of The Show.

Strengths: Repeatable delivery; athletic; easy arm action; fastball jumps on hitters due to deceptive release; comfortably operates in low 90s with arm-side run; will reach for more when needs it; can throw heater to both sides of the plate; snaps slider with a loose wrist; capable of changing shape; buries for chases and shortens for strikes; grades as present plus; flashes feel for change; displays bottom-dropping action.

Weaknesses: Fastball can grab a lot of plate; more of a strike-thrower than spotter with offering; command can get loose; velocity ticks up and down; can stand to add more strength to withstand rigors of position; at times struggles to maintain release of slider; starts too low for consistent chases; change lags behind other offerings; lacks turnover and high-quality action.

Overall Future Potential: High 6; no. 2/3 starter

Realistic Role: 6; no. 3 starter

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low risk; achieved major leagues; command progression.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The clear top fantasy prospect in the Angels’ system, Heaney will get another crack at fantasy viability in 2015. He’s likely to be more of a contributor in the ratios than in strikeouts, but don’t sell him short on the latter—he has the potential to miss more bats with sharpened command. He should be a strong SP3 for a long time.

The Year Ahead: Heaney should have the inside track on a rotation spot with the big club this spring, and there’s little left for him to prove in the minors. When the left-hander is on, he flashes three major-league caliber offerings and an ability to work hitters in a variety of ways. The 23-year-old’s easy, balanced delivery allows the overall stuff to play up, and there is some deception baked in with the ball seemingly jumping out of his uniform, especially when delivering his heater. While Heaney’s athleticism and fluid actions allow him to repeat his mechanics, he can get into trouble working too much of the white and he’ll need to improve upon the fastball command in order to limit solid contact against elite hitters. Fortunately, the lefty has some potential command growth in front of him thanks to the ease in which he delivers the ball and his overall athleticism, so this hopefully will not linger as a long-term issue. The profile is solid and 2015 should serve as the first step in earnest towards Heaney establishing himself as a mid-rotation mainstay. He’s the clear-cut headliner in this system and one of the better left-handed arms percolating through the ranks across baseball.

Major league ETA: Made debut in 2014



6. Kyle Kubitza
Position: 3B
DOB: 07/15/1990
Height/Weight: 6’3” 215 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Acquired: 3rd round, 2011 draft, Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)
Previous Ranking: NR
2014 Stats: .295/.405/.470 at Double-A Mississippi (132 games)

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

What Happened in 2014: The third baseman spent the 2014 season in the Southern League, where he hit .295 with 50 extra-base hits, and made his way to Los Angeles this offseason as part of a package exchanged for Ricardo Sanchez.

Strengths: Strong body; good size; quick stroke; strong wrists and forearms; can barrel up offerings with backspin; power to tap into; drives ball into both gaps well; willing to use the whole field; patience at the plate; not afraid to hit with a strike or two; will methodically look for pitch; plus arm; plenty of arm for hot corner; quick feet; soft hands.

Weaknesses: Can be awkward with footwork in field; will needlessly rush plays; average reactions; can miss in the zone; clear spots to work to—chases up and away in the dirt; hit tool will likely play fringe average; swing more geared toward line drives; over-the-fence power a question; no real lead offensive tool; not much growth left.

Overall Future Potential: High 5; above-average regular

Realistic Role: High 4; bench player/below-average regular

Risk Factor/Injury History: Low; 132 games at Double-A; defensive profile.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: The recently acquired third baseman ranks as the second-best fantasy profile in this system, which is as much of a statement about the Angels as it is Kubitza. There’s a chance he could hit .260 with 15-20 homers, which would make him a usable third baseman in most non-shallow formats.

The Year Ahead: Kubitza took his biggest step forward as a pro this past season in Double-A, proving he could handle advanced competition and continuing an upward developmental trend toward a big-league debut. That debut could very well come at some point in 2015 with a similar showing in Triple-A, with Kubitza stepping in as the top third-base prospect in the Angels’ system. Nothing truly pops off the page for Kubitza outside of the arm, but the bat, power, and glove can all play right around average, forming a solid baseline for major-league production. The aesthetics of the third baseman’s games don’t sing to observers, but he makes it work, and should at minimum provide a decent option as a limited utility type. The perfect-world scenario is that Kubitza continues to blossom to the point where a solid-average hit/power profile, combined with average defense, come together to provide an above-average everyday profile in the aggregate.

Major league ETA: 2015
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