The Latest Batch of Prospect Breakdowns
by Matt HagenJuly 16, 2009
Average year and prime year projections for multiple prospects are coming next week. For now, enjoy this latest batch of prospect breakdowns as well as the latest incarnation of THT's Top 100 Prospect List.
Elvis Andrus / SS / Texas / MLB / 8/26/88 / ETA: 2009 / High: #33 / Low: #44 / This Week: +10
2009 Thoughts:
Andrus' adjustment to the majors has gone better than expected, and Texas couldn't be more pleased. One of the bright, up and coming shortstops in the game.
Average Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Prime Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Notes:
7/15/09 - Coming into the year, I wasn't sure how well Andrus' bat would play in the majors at such a young age, but the young man has held his own. His base stealing ability has taken center stage earlier than expected as well. There doesn't seem to be much pop in his bat, but Arlington Park will certainly aid his home run production moving forward. With just a couple years of big league experience, Texas could have a throwback, All-Star caliber shortstop on their hands.
Brett Wallace / 3B / St. Louis / Triple-A / 8/26/86 / ETA: 2010 / High: #38 / Low: #49 / This Week: +10
2009 Thoughts:
Wallace's bat appears major league ready, and St. Louis might just give the young man the privilege of a September call-up.
Average Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Prime Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Notes:
7/15/09 - Make no mistake, Brett Wallace will be a strong, productive major league hitter; but I wonder about just how much upside he possesses. Either way, Wallace is one of the surest bets in the minors.
Mat Latos / SP / San Diego / Double-A / 12/9/87 / ETA: 2010 / High: #40 / Low: UR / This Week: +24
2009 Thoughts:
Latos, with his immense potential, has torn through his first, true full year of professional action. His dominant 2009 has him knocking on the Padre's door.
Average Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Prime Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Notes:
7/15/09 - Latos has shown ace qualities for a few years now. His large frame supports his plus stuff perfectly. San Diego has babied him a bit, but they have released the reigns this year; so much in fact that it has been reported that Latos will join the big league Padres upon their return from the All-Star break. The promotion seems a bit silly to me, as I don't understand the reasoning behind starting his arbitration clock in order to help a last place team. But I am excited for Latos and his potential for dominance in his new stomping grounds, Petco Park.
Alcides Escobar / SS / Milwaukee / Triple-A / 12/16/86 / ETA: 2010 / High: #41 / Low: #65 / This Week: +17
2009 Thoughts:
Milwaukee may have no choice but to call up slick fielding Alcides Escobar, that is if they want to stay in the NL Central race. Escobar's game may not be all that fantasy relevant initially, but the Brew Crew needs the defensive jolt.
Average Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Prime Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Notes:
7/15/09 - No matter how much people may doubt his bat, Escobar has worked hard to refine his swing, and he will continue to get better. His fantasy potential lies in his future batting average, run scoring, and stolen bases, as power is not a big part of his game. That leaves his real world value, complete with a Gold Glove-caliber glove, much higher than his fantasy value. But his impressive plate adjustments over the last couple of years has me thinking Escobar's offensive future is a strong one.
Andrew McCutchen / OF / Pittsburgh / MLB / 10/10/86 / ETA: 2009 / High: #42 / Low: #60 / This Week: -2
2009 Thoughts:
Pittsburgh was able to trade away Nate McLouth largely in part because they felt McCutchen was ready to take over in center field. McCutchen has rewarded the Pirates' confidence with a great first month and a half of play. He is a good #3 outfielder for 2009.
Average Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Prime Year Projection:
Coming soon.
Notes:
7/15/09 - I sometimes forget that McCutchen is still just 22 years old, as he has been on the prospect radar screen for a long time. Since arriving in Pittsburgh on June 5, McCutchen has taken over as the team's lead-off hitter and has had nothing but success. Expect him to grow in his permanent role as Pittsburgh's primary playmaker. His long-term fantasy value ultimately lies in his stolen base and power production, which are both up in the air. But all of the tools that made him a first round pick in 2005 are still there.
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