Cobbfather Post Gazette: S60 - Upcoming ML Rookies

Gabrielle O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

We've looked at top prospects before, and we recap every draft but let's cover something a little different and see whose near ready based on current ratings. We'll pick and choose as we see a few, so apologizes if we miss your favorite - unless you own a Canadian team, I promise it wasn't on purpose. We are also ignoring any "prospects" older than 26.
EDITOR NOTE: These are based on set roster positions, doesn't mean they won't be used elsewhere if/when called up.

Catchers

Ivan James (Aus-22 yr old), Kevin Walker (Buf-24), Howie West (Sco-26) - Likely offer the best best bat at this level. James hits Righties the best, Walker brings the most power, and West the highest contact rate. But I wouldn't want any of the three calling a full time game.
Al Guerrero (Hou-25) & Orlando Samuel (Sco-25) - both look like Lefty platoons but also service as a big upgrade late in innings with fantastic pitch calling.
Buck Ainsworth (Aug) - Best pitch caller in AAA as we write this but should also throw out plenty of would-be base stealers with that arm strength and accuracy.
Edgardo Grandal (Min-21) - Might be the best overall, should hit decently well, has okay pitch calling that should get him through most games, and even has great speed for a catcher.

Luis Valenzuela (Chr-24) - Handles Righties the best but also makes the best contact of all catchers at this level. If not for Arnold Tucker (NO-28), he'd also be the highest rated against Lefties. But I wouldn't want him calling games for me.
Johermyn Leonard (Sal-21) - Give it another month and Leonard might just be the better hitter than Valenzuela, though defensively they fall close together.
Louie Beltran (Aug-22) is the best overall defender and calls a great game, second to only Alberto Mateo (Aus-26).

Top First Basemen

Fred Seo (Buf-22) is likely the top bat with above average power and handling righties though the contact and how he handles lefties leaves some to be desired. He'd work perfectly fine for a rebuilding club but leaves the Bisons' fans wanting more after years and years of Hall of Famer A.T. holding down the position for so many years.
Gene Cummings (Dov-24) will be streaky but he's your go to guy if you need a lefty platoon. Pair him with Ivan Douglas (Aus-26) and you might get some pretty decent quality from the position.
Kris Valentin (Hel-22) & Al Noesi (LAA-25) are likely the best defensive 1Bs at this level with gloves rated 20+ points higher than average and great range that is more than double the typical. It's there average arm strength that will keep them at the position. Both bring top speed with smarts on the base paths. Valentin also makes solid contact; but neither is likely a regular.

Chris Wagner (Chr-20) or Miguel Feliz (Far-21) offer the best bats at this level. Bot have top notch power though Feliz will be much less streaky from year to year while Wagner handles lefties and righties better and has a slightly better eye - which is also 2nd best at this level.
Don Sano (Tac-21) is the biggest trade bait, playing behind S59 NL MVP 1B Ernest Page. I'd expect Sano to be an adder in a deal that pushes Tacoma closer to their dreams of the World Series win.
Too many names to list that have top speed and smarts on the base paths, majority are above average defensively for a 1B, though none stand a chance of being a starting ML.
Randy Darling (Atl-24) could easily player COF but currently holding down 1B, though he's nothing more than a defensive replacement. With a low OAV, his arbitration years would keep him cheap too - IF you want to use a 25 man roster slot for a defensive 1B. Which isn't likely to happen.

Top Second Basemen

Sid 'Leeroy' Jenkins (Har-23) handles pitchers well and decent power but it's the contact that holds him back. He'll likely be a streaky hitter and likely needs to shift off 2B to the COF if he does get called up. But he bats left and throws right, could be an interesting platoon type guy.
James 'Bing' Bong (Chr-22) is another guy who could make an impact, above standard 2B power but struggles with righties, has average ML contact and how he handles lefties. Defensively he likely shifts off 2B as well to the COF.
Reese Jacobs (Tac-25) has the glove to stick at 2B which seems rare these days, though his bat is still a little weak. Would I complain if he was my backup 2B, probably not. Reese is also healthy as an ox and durable as can be. Would play every inning in all 162 games if his bat was better.
Salvador Burgos (OKC-26) must be on uppers, his speed rates at 101, paired with 80+ base running; I'd love to see him as a pitch runner - but how often do people use a 25 man spot for a COF pitch runner? With that power maybe he legs out a few singles a year. Who has more singles - the Beatles or Burgos?

DITR Dewayne 'Wayne' Jones (Hou-24) is making great strides this season but will he get to the ML level? Trade for him and find out! He's already bumped 5 OAV this sesaon alone. The glove, durability, and makeup look great. He'll likely get at least a couple of ABs at some point. Maybe even to rest some of the Space Cowboys starters as they prep for the playoffs.
Shouta Jang (Clb-24) & Kip Price (OKC-23) are top speed guys, though given Price's contact rate; he'll stay in the minors. Maybe Jang gets a chance but only if the team decides to rebuild. Both are weak 2Bs and likely to change positions.
Luis Dominguez (Jax-22) & Chad Neal (Far-23) are 2B defensive gems but not good enough for SS/CF, Neal could be a poor hitter that you would give ABs in extra innings, but Dominguez you can keep in the minors; most owners would prefer the Rule 5 SS over him.

Top Shortstops

Lorenzo Mendez (Buf-20), Hector Pascual (NY-21), & Duke Omogrosso (Hun-24) are the next prime guys to be called up. Well maybe not Pascual, NY needs to finish stock piling and that might take another 2-3 seasons. He'll be up maybe by age 25. They all have work to do before becoming an actual ML SS but given their bats switching them over to 3B would still be perfectly fine; especially Mendez who offers the most power. Pascual offers the most durability, where as we see Duke Omo already getting tired this season.
Mendez's other half is Levi McConnell (Buf-22), he's ready to play SS at the ML today even if he struggles with contact and keeping his eye on the ball. He's not on the 40-man so possible Rule 5 soon?
Malachi Mitchell (NY-19) is here but still has a few seasons before he's ready.
Other defensive SS and/or Rule 5 picks are Dewayne Watkins (Buf-26), Lefty Smart (Atl-26), Bennie Clifton (Har-24), & David Almanzar (MC-25)

Offensively the guys at AA are still too far undeveloped to be close to ML ready. In the speed department there are a few that top ratings but they just are not smart enough on the base paths.
Defensively there are a few possible Rule 5 guys - Rafael Urena (Bos-22), Taylor Moss (Buf-21), Jarret Porcello (OKC-24),

Does Buffalo just stock pile Shortstops who can't hit?

Top Third Basemen

The power of Stan Verlander (Mon-26) is amazing, too bad he can't figure things out against righties. If his contact was better, I'd say he could platoon against lefties; but not sure he'll get there.
There are only ~15 players younger than 26 yr old at 3B in AAA - must be the filler position for old not ready to retire ML players.
Nobody comes close to being a possible defensive replacement either. In fact the two with the best glove are out for another 65+ days.

Sting Harper (SFE-25) shows some promise in the power and ability against righties but that contact is atrocious. Almost as bad is that eye, so you can write him off and keep him in AA.
Willis Ruggiano (Bos-21) is the only AA 3B to write home about and that's really just a defensive replacement. With a slight flick of the wrist, the ball whizzes over to first. Wonder what he does to strength that?

Top Left Fielders

JO Castro (Chr-24) hits righties well but lacks power and speed, and his progress is starting to slow. He's also looking more like a 1B than anything.
Gorkys Dotel (NO-22) could pair nicely with rookie Dale Barker but like Castro his growth has been a bit low this season. Hopefully his speed could push him to a nice 1-2 punch with Barker. I wouldn't trade for him, but if he was on my roster I'd let him play at the ML level.
Bronson Yamakazi (NY-21) makes good contact, has plus power, but needs to work on handling pitchers. His speed is also a bit slow so he won't leg out many base extra base hits. His glove or lack there of might make him a better DH than 1B.
Chad Watkins (Pit-24) could be a nice defensive guy at LF, definitely has the range and glove down for it; but that hitting - OUCH. Gold Gloves are nice but you still gotta put up runs to win games.

Eliezer Polanco (Hun-20) could be interesting and might put together a season or two, his contact is low and if he gets a good work out in the summer, he'll get a bump in power. Pair that with his higher than most ability to hit righties and that amazing speed; he could find a spot somewhere.
Carmen Schneider (CSP-25) ranks highly defensively - go figure right? But the bat is awful and won't ever make the majors.

Top Center Fielders

It shouldn't be, but a little surprising how much speed there is in CF down in AAA. 12 guys with a 90+ rating, another 12 with 80+. Majority of them have 65-70 base running. And none of them will be major league hitters - lots of single digit ratings in contact, power or vL.
A couple of guys have the range and glover to cover CF, but let's hope they don't have to make throws beyond the cut-off man.

Odalis Olivares (Chr-21) is looking a bit promising though a lack of contact. Defensively will likely lack a glove, can't imagine making up 14 points at this point in his career. A couple of will be close to average and should be just fine to call up, assuming their bat can hang.

Top Right Fielders

Max Mieses (Was-25) makes above average contact, hits righties very well, with tons of speed and smart basing running; but a newborn has more power than him. Expect A LOT of singles
Edgard Silva (SFE-24) has already had a taste of the majors and looks to be a decent bench open that will be solid on defense. I'm sure he'll get another call up before long.

Not the place to stash prospects it seems. Moving on.
Paul Aplin (CLB-24) has decent defensive measures without a complete bomb of a bat.

Top Designated Hitters

McKay Howell (Was-26) looks like he'll emerge into something but he gets around on a scooter and can't even seem to hold 1 finger down for a fastball; do your thing AL teams - get that trade going! Might as well loop Mac Villarreal (NO-22) into that bucket too though McKay is the better hitter and MUCH healthier. Louie Connelly (NO-21) is another...does New Orleans think they play in the AL? Does he not remember he sold that franchise and dakar moved it to Mexico City? He might not amount to anything but might as well mention Adeiny Pena (NO-24) simply because he's yet another near ML level DH in New Orleans. Maybe they should rename to DH Dodgers so they avoid non-position players in the future.
I see power bats at a 96 rating and all with 87+ eye but contacts below 32 and splits below 53. Brothers from another mother!

Lewis Holden (Sal-25) would make a nice lefty pitch hitter, 70 contact, 60 power, 80 vL, and 75 eye. If he has 1 hit in all season and its in the playoffs to advance me, he's worth the money. Brian Rivera (Min-23) is another similar player with slightly less power but handles righties a little better.
Calvin Yosida (Bos-21) might be slow as molasses but he might be able to handle major league talent one day.
Orland Feliz (Atl-22) is likely the top DH in the league, just waiting for that call up to the majors next season or to be traded. Very solid contact, decent power and hits righties well. The eye should limit the K as well; though again he's a typical slow DH. Morris White (Aug-21) is another similar player with less contact and worse eye but better speed. He'll eventually see some time in Augusta. He might even rest the main catcher for a bit.

Okay, and now for the pitchers.

Top Starting Pitchers

Todd Torreyes (NO-21) is looking solid with great control, an amazing first pitch paired with a second pitcher still better than most. Handles righties well enough for a bump with those other ratings, even has some good velocity. He'll struggle against lefties though. But they must be pitching him as a starter just to get innings because he's only been getting 15-20 pitches in; though he was up to 40-50 for a couple of starts. Better used in the pen.
AJ Hubbard (VC-23) is similar to Torreyes with less pitch quality but a better chance at remaining a starter.
Derek Moore (Sal-21) could be paired with that group though maybe a notch above/below Hubbard depending on how you assess players - one has higher velocity the other a better second pitch.
Jason McCallum (Buf-24) has plenty of stamina and decent splits though a little on the low end, very good control and a higher than most first pitch with decent P2-P4 though they are lower than one would like.
Marwin Villanueva (NY-19) is getting there but still just 19. He's in AAA because that's where NY stocks their top prospects; though rightly so here as his numbers are right in line with other AAA pitchers.

Dave Cisco (Aug-22) really needs a promotion. Augusta must have better pitching coaches at the AA level to keep him down. I fully expect to see Cisco up after 20 games next season. Possible AL Rookie of the Year.
Dan Moyer (Aug-23) another Augusta pitcher that's looking good though a step (or two) behind Cisco. Depending on the franchise's needs, he'd make good trade bait.
Harry Roosevelt (Bos-25) has less stamina than the other two but I might actually prefer him over Moyer - better control, ever so slightly better splits and velocity, though less of a P1. That's where the difference could, because it's a sizable enough difference to make someone sway to Moyer instead.
A couple of other good ones but they all look like pitchers who belong on rebuilding teams who need someone for a 1.45+ WHIP and 4.75 ERA. Just enough to not be a complete waste and still belong at the ML level - to some extent.

Top Relief Pitchers

Emilio Santana (Sco-24) - should be at the ML level right now but was just recently traded and likely to wait until game 20 next season to be promoted - unless he's traded before then. Top young RP with all the years of control is on the trade block.
David Matos (Aug-22) has a lot to like in the velocity department and first pitch curveball. I'd expect to see a good number of K in the late innings with him. That control shouldn't give up many free bases either, so it will come down to his splits - which are decent given the other ratings. Healthy and very durable.
Jose Bazardo (Atl-24) his P1 stands out and might carry his lower control and decent splits. He'll see some years at the ML, at least in a SuB role worse case.
Nigel Leroux (Buf-23) shouldn't progress much more so if he's going to make it, next year will be the year. Good control and first pitch, handles lefties easily and okay or maybe average against righties.
Eli Mercedes (Phi-25) gets a shout out but likely becomes a back end bullpen guy if anything.

Logan Galloway (Aug-22) he's the best bullpen guy in AA; and just proves that Augusta has better pitching coaching at AA. Expect to see some moves out of this franchise soon - even if it's just promotions and going full speed into competiing.
Alex Homes (Vc-21) has very good control and first pitch, with a pretty decent second pitch and handles righties well; but will his struggle against lefties keep him from being a useful ML piece? Perhaps.
The rest likely need some more seasoning and expect to see on the list next year.

The blog takes no responsibilities for decisions any owner makes based upon this article, it is intended for the enjoyment of its readers.

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Wednesday, August 7, 2024

S60 - Upcoming ML Rookies