Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros. Tucker went 4-for-6 with a double and a home run. Tucker is now hitting .393/.433/.643 since he was demoted back to Triple-A Fresno a week ago.
Luis Garcia, SS, Nationals. Garcia went 2-for-3 with his third high Class A home run. The 18-year-old (he won't turn 19 until a month into the 2019 season) is hitting .322/.352/.470 in 115 at-bats since he was promoted to Potomac. Juan Soto's brain-wrecking season as a 19-year-old in D.C. may skew all of our perceptions, but 18-year-old shortstops aren't supposed to be able to handle high Class A like this.
Prospect Notes
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13. Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros
Team: Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: .471/.471/1.059 (8-for-17), 8 R, 1 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBIs, 0 BB, 3 SO, 2-for-2 SB
The Scoop: While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the 2019 American League Rookie of the Year favorite and Eloy Jimenez is right behind him, Tucker should be one of the best rookies in baseball next season. Both his hitting ability and power project to be plus, giving the Astros yet another well-rounded player to add to a lineup full of them. (BB)
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Team: Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: .471/.471/1.059 (8-for-17), 8 R, 1 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBIs, 0 BB, 3 SO, 2-for-2 SB
The Scoop: While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the 2019 American League Rookie of the Year favorite and Eloy Jimenez is right behind him, Tucker should be one of the best rookies in baseball next season. Both his hitting ability and power project to be plus, giving the Astros yet another well-rounded player to add to a lineup full of them. (BB)
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With the burden of pacing himself for seven innings at a time off his back, Hamilton’s stuff jumped up. On Monday night against Buffalo, he sat between 97-99 mph with his fastball and touched 100 mph once. He finished his inning with a flourish, striking out Jason Leblebijian with a wicked 92 mph slider.
Between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte, the righthander has gone 3-2, 1.81 with 55 strikeouts in 44.2 innings. He’s given up just 36 hits, walked 16 and allowed only one home run.
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Vidal Brujan, 2B, Rays. Brujan first caught notice last year when he ranked fifth on a loaded New York-Penn League Top 20 Prospects list. He's only raised expectations since then with an outstanding season in the Midwest League that has gotten only better since he jumped to the Florida State League this month. Brujan went 3-for-3 with four runs scored and five RBIs yesterday thanks to a pair of home runs, a pair of walks and three stolen bases. Brujan is slashing .329/.415/.468 between the two levels this year.
Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros. It was a great night for Astros outfielders. Freshly demoted (again) from the big leagues, Tucker went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and a stolen base. Tucker is now one home run and two steals short of a 20-20 season in the minors.
Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros. It was a great night for Astros outfielders. Freshly demoted (again) from the big leagues, Tucker went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and a stolen base. Tucker is now one home run and two steals short of a 20-20 season in the minors.
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Vidal Brujan, 2B, Tampa Bay Rays (High-A Charlotte)
The switch-hitting Brujan lit up Midwest League pitching this year to punch his ticket to High-A Charlotte at the tender age of 20, and he has continued to scorch the ball since the promotion. Small in stature, Brujan has an athletic frame with little remaining projectable growth. Above-average bat speed and bat-to-ball skills make him a tough out, especially from the left side. Also impressive is the approach, which is aggressive in an advanced kind of way: he’ll jump on early fastballs in hittable places, but will rarely expand and chase outside of the zone. There’s not a ton of loft to the swing, but with the bat speed and athleticism I could see the power playing fringe-average in the future.
The speed is elite, with a 4.07 home-to-first clock from the right side. He’s aggressive on the bases, accelerates quickly, and has a second gear. In the field, there is some rawness to his game at second base. The instincts and footwork are not consistent and will require continued improvement. The arm is above-average for the position, and Brujan has the athletic ability to become adequate at the keystone. If the bat continues to develop there is an everyday major-league future on the table. –Nathan Graham
Vidal Brujan, 2B, Tampa Bay Rays (High-A Charlotte)
The switch-hitting Brujan lit up Midwest League pitching this year to punch his ticket to High-A Charlotte at the tender age of 20, and he has continued to scorch the ball since the promotion. Small in stature, Brujan has an athletic frame with little remaining projectable growth. Above-average bat speed and bat-to-ball skills make him a tough out, especially from the left side. Also impressive is the approach, which is aggressive in an advanced kind of way: he’ll jump on early fastballs in hittable places, but will rarely expand and chase outside of the zone. There’s not a ton of loft to the swing, but with the bat speed and athleticism I could see the power playing fringe-average in the future.
The speed is elite, with a 4.07 home-to-first clock from the right side. He’s aggressive on the bases, accelerates quickly, and has a second gear. In the field, there is some rawness to his game at second base. The instincts and footwork are not consistent and will require continued improvement. The arm is above-average for the position, and Brujan has the athletic ability to become adequate at the keystone. If the bat continues to develop there is an everyday major-league future on the table. –Nathan Graham
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1. Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros
Team: Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: .600/.636/1.500 (12-for-20), 9 R, 6 HR, 12 RBIs, 2 BB, 1 SO, 3-for-4 SB
The Scoop: Twice the Astros have brought Tucker to the majors this year. The first time was to let him become the team’s everyday left fielder. But after he failed to hit in less than 50 at-bats, he was sent back to Fresno. He was brought back to Houston two weeks ago, but that was for a seven at-bat cameo that proved nothing. Tucker has not hit as a big leaguer yet, much like Alex Bregman had a disastrous first 50 MLB at-bats before settling in. But every time the Astros send him back down, he goes right back to hitting. Tucker hit six home runs in a four-game stretch this week. His last on Saturday was his most dramatic, as the three-run home run in the ninth capped off a five-run, ninth-inning comeback that clinched the Pacific Coast League’s Northern Division title. Tucker now has 23 home runs and 20 steals in the PCL, giving him a 20-20 season despite the fact that he spent nearly a month in the majors. (JJ)
19. Vidal Brujan, 2B, Rays
Team: High Class A Charlotte (Florida State)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: .364/.440/.864 (8-for-22), 8 R, 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBIs, 3 BB, 5 SO, 4-for-5 SB
The Scoop: The Rays are hoarders when it comes to second basemen. Between Daniel Robertson, Joey Wendle, Christian Arroyo, Brandon Lowe, Kean Wong, Nick Solak and Tristan Gray, they have an embarrassment of riches stuck between the majors and high Class A. But Brujan could end up being the best of this group. He has an extremely selective batting eye, blazing speed and the knack for baserunning to take advantage of that speed. (JJ)
1. Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros
Team: Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: .600/.636/1.500 (12-for-20), 9 R, 6 HR, 12 RBIs, 2 BB, 1 SO, 3-for-4 SB
The Scoop: Twice the Astros have brought Tucker to the majors this year. The first time was to let him become the team’s everyday left fielder. But after he failed to hit in less than 50 at-bats, he was sent back to Fresno. He was brought back to Houston two weeks ago, but that was for a seven at-bat cameo that proved nothing. Tucker has not hit as a big leaguer yet, much like Alex Bregman had a disastrous first 50 MLB at-bats before settling in. But every time the Astros send him back down, he goes right back to hitting. Tucker hit six home runs in a four-game stretch this week. His last on Saturday was his most dramatic, as the three-run home run in the ninth capped off a five-run, ninth-inning comeback that clinched the Pacific Coast League’s Northern Division title. Tucker now has 23 home runs and 20 steals in the PCL, giving him a 20-20 season despite the fact that he spent nearly a month in the majors. (JJ)
19. Vidal Brujan, 2B, Rays
Team: High Class A Charlotte (Florida State)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: .364/.440/.864 (8-for-22), 8 R, 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBIs, 3 BB, 5 SO, 4-for-5 SB
The Scoop: The Rays are hoarders when it comes to second basemen. Between Daniel Robertson, Joey Wendle, Christian Arroyo, Brandon Lowe, Kean Wong, Nick Solak and Tristan Gray, they have an embarrassment of riches stuck between the majors and high Class A. But Brujan could end up being the best of this group. He has an extremely selective batting eye, blazing speed and the knack for baserunning to take advantage of that speed. (JJ)
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Myles Straw, OF, Astros. The Cubs traded for Terrance Gore to have a potential playoff pinch-running option. The Yankees just signed Quintin Berry to serve a similar purpose. But if the Astros decide they need a speedster for the playoffs, they have a homegrown option. Straw went 3-for-5 yesterday with a triple and his 32nd Triple-A steal. He now has 67 steals overall (in 75 tries) to easily lead the minors. Vidal Brujan is second in the minors, 13 steals behind Straw. With yesterday's steal, Straw now leads the Pacific Coast League in steals. His 35 steals in the Texas League are second-best in the league, trailing only his former teammate Kyle Wren.
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9. Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros
Team: Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: .421/.586/.789 (8-for-19), 5 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 8 BB, 2 SO, 0-for-0 SB
The Scoop: Tucker finished the season on a tear, batting .449/.522/.897 since Aug. 1 over his final 92 plate appearances. Tucker is major league ready, and while the competition for 2019 American League rookie of the year should be fierce with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Eloy Jimenez and the mix, Tucker should be one of the game’s top rookies next season. (BB)
18. Patrick Sandoval, LHP, Angels
Team: Double-A Mobile (Southern)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: 0-0, 0.00, 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 8 SO, 0 BB, 0 HR
The Scoop: Sandoval broke out with a 32-inning scoreless streak this summer as a member of the Astros organization, got traded to the Angels for Martin Maldonado at the deadline, and promptly embarked on a 21.2 inning scoreless streak with his new organization. Sandoval capped off his breakout 2018 with one final exceptional outing. He struck out five of his first nine at Pensacola on Aug. 28, and rode that hot start to four scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. It was a fitting end for Sandoval, who rose from low Class A to high Class A to Double-A and finished the year 11-1, 2.07 overall with 139 strikeouts and 27 walks in 117.1 innings. (KG)
Team: Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: .421/.586/.789 (8-for-19), 5 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 8 BB, 2 SO, 0-for-0 SB
The Scoop: Tucker finished the season on a tear, batting .449/.522/.897 since Aug. 1 over his final 92 plate appearances. Tucker is major league ready, and while the competition for 2019 American League rookie of the year should be fierce with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Eloy Jimenez and the mix, Tucker should be one of the game’s top rookies next season. (BB)
18. Patrick Sandoval, LHP, Angels
Team: Double-A Mobile (Southern)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: 0-0, 0.00, 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 8 SO, 0 BB, 0 HR
The Scoop: Sandoval broke out with a 32-inning scoreless streak this summer as a member of the Astros organization, got traded to the Angels for Martin Maldonado at the deadline, and promptly embarked on a 21.2 inning scoreless streak with his new organization. Sandoval capped off his breakout 2018 with one final exceptional outing. He struck out five of his first nine at Pensacola on Aug. 28, and rode that hot start to four scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. It was a fitting end for Sandoval, who rose from low Class A to high Class A to Double-A and finished the year 11-1, 2.07 overall with 139 strikeouts and 27 walks in 117.1 innings. (KG)
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Jordan Groshans, SS, Lansing Lugnuts (Toronto Blue Jays Low-A)
The 12th overall pick in last year’s draft has gotten off to a hot start in the Midwest League. Groshans is tall and lean with plenty of projectable growth left on the frame, and he’s athletic enough to carry it well. He’s solid in the field, with good instincts and quick hands. The arm is strong and will play anywhere in the infield. The Jays will keep him at short for as long as they can, but his eventual home will be at third where his arm and glove will play above average. Speed will not be part of his game; there’s a lack of acceleration out of the box and he’s got a choppy, upright running style.
I walked away from my recent looks really impressed with the bat. It’s a quiet swing that features above-average bat speed and plus barrel control. He’s got a quick trigger that makes it difficult for pitchers to blow anything past him, and it allows him to wait back and recognize secondaries. There’s plus raw power that he generates from a combination of strength and bat speed. It’s currently hard line-drive contact, but over-the-fence power will materialize in-game with physical maturity. Even with a probable move to the hot corner, the power bat profile is one that should excite Jays fans. – Nathan Graham
The 12th overall pick in last year’s draft has gotten off to a hot start in the Midwest League. Groshans is tall and lean with plenty of projectable growth left on the frame, and he’s athletic enough to carry it well. He’s solid in the field, with good instincts and quick hands. The arm is strong and will play anywhere in the infield. The Jays will keep him at short for as long as they can, but his eventual home will be at third where his arm and glove will play above average. Speed will not be part of his game; there’s a lack of acceleration out of the box and he’s got a choppy, upright running style.
I walked away from my recent looks really impressed with the bat. It’s a quiet swing that features above-average bat speed and plus barrel control. He’s got a quick trigger that makes it difficult for pitchers to blow anything past him, and it allows him to wait back and recognize secondaries. There’s plus raw power that he generates from a combination of strength and bat speed. It’s currently hard line-drive contact, but over-the-fence power will materialize in-game with physical maturity. Even with a probable move to the hot corner, the power bat profile is one that should excite Jays fans. – Nathan Graham
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Patrick Sandoval, LHP, Angels. Sandoval spun a gem for Double-A Mobile on Sunday. He went five innings, giving up four hits while striking out 11 batters. The Angels’ No. 12 prospect features a four-pitch mix highlighted by a plus changeup with good arm speed.
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17. Livan Soto, SS, Angels
Team: Low Class A Burlington (Midwest)
Age: 18
Why He’s Here: .524/.565/.619 (11-for-21), 4 R, 2 2B, 2 BB, 4 SO, 2-for-2 SB
The Scoop: Originally signed by the Braves, Soto was one of the prospects released when the organization was punished for violating international signing rules. He’s been a strong addition to the Angels' system, showing an excellent defensive skillset, good bat-to-ball skills and a solid understanding of the strike zone. The infielder still has some physical maturing to do, but he’s starting to show the ability to impact the ball at a young age. (JC)
Team: Low Class A Burlington (Midwest)
Age: 18
Why He’s Here: .524/.565/.619 (11-for-21), 4 R, 2 2B, 2 BB, 4 SO, 2-for-2 SB
The Scoop: Originally signed by the Braves, Soto was one of the prospects released when the organization was punished for violating international signing rules. He’s been a strong addition to the Angels' system, showing an excellent defensive skillset, good bat-to-ball skills and a solid understanding of the strike zone. The infielder still has some physical maturing to do, but he’s starting to show the ability to impact the ball at a young age. (JC)
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Clint Frazier, OF, Yankees
Frazier has demonstrated standout ability ever since he was BA’s 2013 High School Player of the Year, but injuries and a lack of opportunity meant he still hadn’t established himself in the majors as he entered his seventh professional season. With Aaron Hicks, Giancarlo Stanton and now Aaron Judge on the injured list, the 24-year-old outfielder has gotten his chance and taken advantage. Frazier has hit .324/.342/.632 with six home runs and 17 RBIs in 18 games for the Yankees this season while making starts in left field, right field and at designated hitter. He’s recorded a hit in 13 of 18 games, has converted every defensive chance and even notched his first career assist on a throw to the plate that registered 94.6 mph. His effort has been critical to keeping the Yankees afloat despite their barrage of injuries, although he may have fallen victim himself Monday night. Frazier jammed his ankle sliding into second base in the 12th inning of the Yankees’ extra-inning win over the Angels. He remained in the game, but his status moving forward remains to be seen.
Frazier has demonstrated standout ability ever since he was BA’s 2013 High School Player of the Year, but injuries and a lack of opportunity meant he still hadn’t established himself in the majors as he entered his seventh professional season. With Aaron Hicks, Giancarlo Stanton and now Aaron Judge on the injured list, the 24-year-old outfielder has gotten his chance and taken advantage. Frazier has hit .324/.342/.632 with six home runs and 17 RBIs in 18 games for the Yankees this season while making starts in left field, right field and at designated hitter. He’s recorded a hit in 13 of 18 games, has converted every defensive chance and even notched his first career assist on a throw to the plate that registered 94.6 mph. His effort has been critical to keeping the Yankees afloat despite their barrage of injuries, although he may have fallen victim himself Monday night. Frazier jammed his ankle sliding into second base in the 12th inning of the Yankees’ extra-inning win over the Angels. He remained in the game, but his status moving forward remains to be seen.
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bk (Vancouver, BC): Jordan Groshans is off to a really hot start. Are the reports as good as the numbers?
Kyle Glaser: Yes. Ben Badler who does the Blue Jays system for us was right on it when Groshans started earning glowing reports last year. I actually talked to a scout the other day who said the first time he saw Groshans he assumed he was a college guy because he was so advanced at the plate, he was stunned to learn he was a high school draft pick. The reports are good, the numbers are good, and kudos go to Ben for being on it and getting Groshans onto our Top 100 early.
Kyle Glaser: Yes. Ben Badler who does the Blue Jays system for us was right on it when Groshans started earning glowing reports last year. I actually talked to a scout the other day who said the first time he saw Groshans he assumed he was a college guy because he was so advanced at the plate, he was stunned to learn he was a high school draft pick. The reports are good, the numbers are good, and kudos go to Ben for being on it and getting Groshans onto our Top 100 early.
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Taylor Trammell (Finally Tapping Into Power?): Taylor Trammell has always had the projectable frame for a guy who will eventually hit for 25+ HR, he just hasn't done it yet since being drafted in 2016. Now 21 and in AA, he's starting to show that power this year. Is a line of 60 hit / 55 power / 60 speed realistic? Do you see him jumping into the group of top 10-15 prospects in all of baseball after some of the top guys' prospect eligibility expires?
Kyle Glaser: Power is the last tool to develop. It's really not surprising to see him start to tap into it at age 21 (which is when a LOT of guys do). We saw the power in the Futures Game last year, now we're seeing it start to click on larger scale. Those are the tool grades we had on him in the Handbook, and he's certainly got every chance to be in the mix of those top 20 prospects
Kyle Glaser: Power is the last tool to develop. It's really not surprising to see him start to tap into it at age 21 (which is when a LOT of guys do). We saw the power in the Futures Game last year, now we're seeing it start to click on larger scale. Those are the tool grades we had on him in the Handbook, and he's certainly got every chance to be in the mix of those top 20 prospects
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Jordan Groshans, SS, Blue Jays. Groshans is continuing his hot start, lacing three hits for low Class A Lansing. He hit a two-run home run to left field in the third inning. Groshans is now batting .387/.465/.581 with eight extra-base hits in 62 at-bats. The Jays' No. 5 prospect has an advanced hitting approach with power and the defensive skills to stick on the left side of the infield, even though his profile may best be suited for third base in the future.
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Patrick Sandoval, LHP, Angels. Sandoval tossed five innings and allowed one run for Double-A Mobile. The Angels’ No. 12 prospect collected seven strikeouts while scattering three hits. This was his only start where he didn’t walk a batter.
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Reds Fan (Cincy):
Taylor Trammell is finally starting to tap into his raw power in games. With his patience and approach is Michael Brantley a good comp for him at full maturity? Can he be a guy a consistent 20/20 guy who slashes .300/.375/.475 in the majors while playing a passable CF?
Josh Norris: Interestingly enough, the scouts we've talked to about Trammell see him as a better fit defensively in center field than in left field. He projects as a 60 runner with above-average power and on-base skills. I'm not one to make comparisons, but he sounds like a guy who can do a lot for a team on both sides of the ball.
Taylor Trammell is finally starting to tap into his raw power in games. With his patience and approach is Michael Brantley a good comp for him at full maturity? Can he be a guy a consistent 20/20 guy who slashes .300/.375/.475 in the majors while playing a passable CF?
Josh Norris: Interestingly enough, the scouts we've talked to about Trammell see him as a better fit defensively in center field than in left field. He projects as a 60 runner with above-average power and on-base skills. I'm not one to make comparisons, but he sounds like a guy who can do a lot for a team on both sides of the ball.
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Xavier Edwards, SS, Padres. The Padres are graduating a large number of players from the best farm system in baseball. But they also have young players stepping up as well. Edwards went 5-for-5 to start out the month of May for low Class A Fort Wayne. He had a double and four base knocks including an RBI and a run scored. Edwards is showing extremely advanced contact skills and looks to be the prototypical leadoff hitter.
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Vidal Brujan, SS/2B, Rays. Brujan continues to stand out in a stacked Rays’ farm system. He had a three-hit game for high Class A Charlotte, collecting a single, double and triple. The Rays’ No. 7 prospect has started to play more shortstop this season after having played mostly second base during his time in the lower minors.
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15. Tucupita Marcano, SS/2B, Padres
Team: Low Class A Fort Wayne (Midwest)
Age: 19
Why He's Here: .538/.568/.654 (14-for-26), 2 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 BB, 3 SO, 1-for-3 SB
The Scoop: Marcano is one of the better pure hitters in the lower minors. He has a compact, adjustable swing with good hand-eye coordination and disciplined strike-zone judgment, which leads to good plate coverage and a lot of balls in play. Marcano doesn't do much damage on contact, but his ability to get on base at a high clip while playing in the middle of the diamond make for a promising profile. (BB)
Team: Low Class A Fort Wayne (Midwest)
Age: 19
Why He's Here: .538/.568/.654 (14-for-26), 2 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 BB, 3 SO, 1-for-3 SB
The Scoop: Marcano is one of the better pure hitters in the lower minors. He has a compact, adjustable swing with good hand-eye coordination and disciplined strike-zone judgment, which leads to good plate coverage and a lot of balls in play. Marcano doesn't do much damage on contact, but his ability to get on base at a high clip while playing in the middle of the diamond make for a promising profile. (BB)
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A lot of good stuff from today's BA chat for some IBC Rockies..
William (Reno):
Does Tucupita Marcano have everyday player upside because of the bat, or is he more of a utility player?
Ben Badler: Potential is definitely there to be a regular. One of the better pure hitters in the lower levels of the minors and a baseball IQ well beyond his years.
Joe W (NYC):
Prior years we had guys like Soto, Tatis and Robles absolutely sky rocket up the rankings. Can you identify any young studs that fantasy baseball guys like myself should run and add to our teams before it is to late?
Ben Badler: Jordan Groshans and Vidal Brujan are two big arrow-up guys I love.
Tom (MA):
Can Alejandro Kirk stick at C? It looks like he has lost a significant amount of weight, and he's been quickly moving up the ranks after a bunch of lost development time.
Ben Badler: Defense is still the big question with him, but this dude can hit, and I'm following Josh Norris on to the Alejandro Kirk bandwagon here.
Mike (Walnut Creek CA):
Who is the next Luis Urias type prospect -- great bat to ball skills, great eye?
Ben Badler: Brayan Rocchio, Tucupita Marcano are two who jump to mind
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Re: Prospect Notes
Myles Straw, CF/SS, Houston Astros (Triple-A Round Rock)
Sticking with the infield/outfield/speed prospects, Straw (pictured above) has opened a lot of eyes this year with the seamless addition of shortstop to his positional profile. A center fielder by trade, Straw got to the big leagues last year for the Astros and provided speed and depth off the bench in the playoffs. But this year he is splitting his time evenly in Triple-A between his natural center field position and the six. “You would never know this is the first time he has ever played short,” observed one National League executive. And from an American League scout: “He has the instincts of an infielder who has played there his whole life. The arm doesn’t play perfect, but he works hard and has enough to stay there in the big leagues.” Straw has put up a career minor league batting average over .300 and gotten on base at just under a .400 clip in nearly 2,000 plate appearances, and has proven he can perform at every level. But for a logjam of all-stars ahead of him on the depth chart, Astros fans might be looking at the next Whit Merrifield.
Sticking with the infield/outfield/speed prospects, Straw (pictured above) has opened a lot of eyes this year with the seamless addition of shortstop to his positional profile. A center fielder by trade, Straw got to the big leagues last year for the Astros and provided speed and depth off the bench in the playoffs. But this year he is splitting his time evenly in Triple-A between his natural center field position and the six. “You would never know this is the first time he has ever played short,” observed one National League executive. And from an American League scout: “He has the instincts of an infielder who has played there his whole life. The arm doesn’t play perfect, but he works hard and has enough to stay there in the big leagues.” Straw has put up a career minor league batting average over .300 and gotten on base at just under a .400 clip in nearly 2,000 plate appearances, and has proven he can perform at every level. But for a logjam of all-stars ahead of him on the depth chart, Astros fans might be looking at the next Whit Merrifield.
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Rockies
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Re: Prospect Notes
12. Hector Yan, LHP, Angels
Team: Low Class A Burlington (Midwest)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: 2-0, 1.86, 9.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 15 SO
The scoop: Yan allowed just one hit in four innings of work during his first start this week while racking up six strikeouts. He faced Peoria again later on, throwing 95 pitches to get through 5.2 innings. He allowed two earned runs, but he struck out nine batters thanks in part to a slider that flashes plus and a quality splitter. (JC)
Team: Low Class A Burlington (Midwest)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: 2-0, 1.86, 9.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 15 SO
The scoop: Yan allowed just one hit in four innings of work during his first start this week while racking up six strikeouts. He faced Peoria again later on, throwing 95 pitches to get through 5.2 innings. He allowed two earned runs, but he struck out nine batters thanks in part to a slider that flashes plus and a quality splitter. (JC)
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Re: Prospect Notes
Brayan Rocchio, SS, Cleveland Indians (Short-Season Mahoning Valley)
Rocchio stands out almost immediately when he steps on the field. Despite only turning eighteen earlier this year, his talents shine like that of a prospect with years of professional experience.
The disciplined switch-hitter doesn’t often swing out of the strike zone, working counts to his advantage and finding pitches he can square up. His bat is quick through the zone from both sides of the plate. He makes frequent contact, though he currently lacks power. His pitch recognition is impressive, matched by his ability to get the barrel on the ball, and he’ll be capable of developing at least some power as his body matures.
He’s a natural at his position, oozing confidence on both routine and more challenging plays. He has solid range, and his glove-to-hand transfers on double plays are as quick and smooth as I’ve seen at this level. With soft hands and an accurate arm, he looks right at home in the middle infield.
His advanced baseball IQ really comes into play when he’s on the basepaths. Nothing excites me more than a young player with adept base-running knowledge, and watching Rocchio stretch singles into doubles makes dealing with summer heat worth it. His speed is a serious threat, and he takes advantage of even the slightest bobble to advance. — Spring Marie Cullen
Rocchio stands out almost immediately when he steps on the field. Despite only turning eighteen earlier this year, his talents shine like that of a prospect with years of professional experience.
The disciplined switch-hitter doesn’t often swing out of the strike zone, working counts to his advantage and finding pitches he can square up. His bat is quick through the zone from both sides of the plate. He makes frequent contact, though he currently lacks power. His pitch recognition is impressive, matched by his ability to get the barrel on the ball, and he’ll be capable of developing at least some power as his body matures.
He’s a natural at his position, oozing confidence on both routine and more challenging plays. He has solid range, and his glove-to-hand transfers on double plays are as quick and smooth as I’ve seen at this level. With soft hands and an accurate arm, he looks right at home in the middle infield.
His advanced baseball IQ really comes into play when he’s on the basepaths. Nothing excites me more than a young player with adept base-running knowledge, and watching Rocchio stretch singles into doubles makes dealing with summer heat worth it. His speed is a serious threat, and he takes advantage of even the slightest bobble to advance. — Spring Marie Cullen
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Re: Prospect Notes
7. Jojanse Torres, RHP, Astros
Team: High Class A Fayetteville (Carolina)
Age: 23
Why He’s Here: 0-0, 0.00, 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 SO
The Scoop: The Astros are not as deep in pitching prospects now as they were a week ago (although with Zack Greinke and Aaron Sanchez, they don’t have as much need for pitching either). But Houston’s ability to find pitchers like Torres is a way to restock the system. Torres signed his pro contract as a 21-year-old, but two years later, he’s one of the best arms in the system. Torres’ control has been an issue, but he’s now struck out 17 batters and walked just one in his past two starts combined. (JJ)
15. Justin Dean, OF, Braves
Team: Low Class A Rome (South Atlantic)
Age: 22
Why He’s Here: .450/.542/.800 (9-for-20), 4 R, 1 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBIs, 3 BB, 2 SO, 4-for-5 SB
The Scoop: The Braves had a very productive trade deadline, landing a revamped bullpen at a relatively modest prospect cost. It did, however, cut even further into the club's prospect depth. The Braves have a great prospect group currently at the Double-A and Triple-A levels, but it's very thin below that. Therefore, Finding players like Dean is important to keeping the talent flowing. A 17th-round pick out of Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) in 2018, Dean is a speedy center fielder who projects as a potential leadoff hitter. (JJ)
Aldo Ramirez, RHP, Red Sox
The 18-year-old signed with Boston out of the Mexican League and has moved quickly through the system. He made five starts in the Dominican Summer League in 2018 before jumping to the college-heavy New York-Penn League this summer. He’s impressed evaluators with short-season Lowell, showing a mid-90s fastball as well as a breaking ball and a changeup that each flash plus. (JN)
Clarke Schmidt, RHP, Yankees. Schmidt spun seven scoreless innings for high Class A Tampa. The righthander worked around three hits and three walks while fanning nine batters. Schmidt has completed at least five frames in each of his last four starts.
Team: High Class A Fayetteville (Carolina)
Age: 23
Why He’s Here: 0-0, 0.00, 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 SO
The Scoop: The Astros are not as deep in pitching prospects now as they were a week ago (although with Zack Greinke and Aaron Sanchez, they don’t have as much need for pitching either). But Houston’s ability to find pitchers like Torres is a way to restock the system. Torres signed his pro contract as a 21-year-old, but two years later, he’s one of the best arms in the system. Torres’ control has been an issue, but he’s now struck out 17 batters and walked just one in his past two starts combined. (JJ)
15. Justin Dean, OF, Braves
Team: Low Class A Rome (South Atlantic)
Age: 22
Why He’s Here: .450/.542/.800 (9-for-20), 4 R, 1 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBIs, 3 BB, 2 SO, 4-for-5 SB
The Scoop: The Braves had a very productive trade deadline, landing a revamped bullpen at a relatively modest prospect cost. It did, however, cut even further into the club's prospect depth. The Braves have a great prospect group currently at the Double-A and Triple-A levels, but it's very thin below that. Therefore, Finding players like Dean is important to keeping the talent flowing. A 17th-round pick out of Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) in 2018, Dean is a speedy center fielder who projects as a potential leadoff hitter. (JJ)
Aldo Ramirez, RHP, Red Sox
The 18-year-old signed with Boston out of the Mexican League and has moved quickly through the system. He made five starts in the Dominican Summer League in 2018 before jumping to the college-heavy New York-Penn League this summer. He’s impressed evaluators with short-season Lowell, showing a mid-90s fastball as well as a breaking ball and a changeup that each flash plus. (JN)
Clarke Schmidt, RHP, Yankees. Schmidt spun seven scoreless innings for high Class A Tampa. The righthander worked around three hits and three walks while fanning nine batters. Schmidt has completed at least five frames in each of his last four starts.
