Thursday, September 30, 2010
10 prospects who haven’t received enough love
Posted by Matt Hagen at 1:05amI'll admit it, sometimes I obsess over certain prospects. And sometimes I concentrate too much on the prospects in my top 100. So I hope this little article makes amends. If your favorite unheralded prospect isn't mentioned, don't feel bad. There are a lot of noteworthy prospects in this game.
Wilin Rosario, C, Colorado. Reliability has been the main issue holding back Rosario. He also needs a lot of work defensively, which will push back his ETA, but, as a catcher, his home run power is rare and could really stand out if he ever gets the opportunity to catch full-time at Coors Field.
Chris Archer, SP, Chicago Cubs. Archer has a solid three-pitch mix. His velocity has crept upward a notch this past year, but, more importantly, his overall command has increased. While his curveball has its moments, he doesn't have a plus pitch, which will limit his upside, but he makes a strong case to be Chicago's No. 1 prospect heading into 2011.
Jonathan Singleton, 1B, Philadelphia. No hitter in A-ball was hotter during the first two months of the season than Singleton. He cooled considerably the rest of the way and has plenty to work on when it comes to controlling the zone against good breaking stuff and anything up in the zone.
Dellin Betances, SP/RP, NY Yankees. For obvious reasons, the Yankees placed injury restrictions on Betances this year. He responded in dominating fashion, even adding a good looking change-up to his plus fastball/curveball combo. But how will he respond with the restrictions removed? Does he have the endurance to last late into games?
Zach Britton, SP, Baltimore. For many minor league followers, Britton is near the top of the heap when it comes to pitching prospects. I am less convinced, but always impressed with the results he generates, as he is one of the best in the minors at inducing ground balls. He just doesn't have the stuff to be a fantasy behemoth.
Chris Dwyer, SP, Kansas City. Dwyer has a bit of everything you look for in a solid pitching prospect, including results. Although, without plus velocity or an out pitch, his upside may be limited. But he does have youth on his side, so radical development is still possible.
Jarred Cosart, SP, Philadelphia. The sky is the limit for Cosart. The command and velocity of his fastball will carry him for awhile, and may put him over the top, but his currently raw secondary stuff will be key in his development. But, then again, if his mechanics don't improve none of it will matter.
Brandon Allen, OF/1B, Arizona. Allen's plate patience took a step up this year, and his power, while not elite, remains the best aspect of his game. I still worry about his contact ability handicapping him for good. If his move to the outfield is permanent it will help his numbers stand out.
Nick Castellanos, 3B/SS, Detroit. Castellanos has the raw tools necessary to be a dangerous overall hitter one day, his powerful frame being the most prominent and obvious. From what I've seen, though, his swing is long and clunky right now, and who knows where he will end up defensively.
Carlos Perez, C, Toronto. Everyone likes what they see in Toronto's young up-and-comer. As a catcher, the tools are there across the board to be a major league asset one day, but he doesn't have one skill that stands out above the rest and doesn't have elite potential despite the success he is having at a young age.
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The Blue Jay’s pipeline of catchers borders on ridiculous…
Slightly off topic hypothetical of the day: Would you prefer to have all the catching prospects from the Blue Jays, Yankees, or Nationals?