2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #85-81

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

85. Anthony Ranaudo--SP--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Will be ready to compete for rotation spot in 2013."
• 2012 Achievements: Pitched in Puerto Rican League in the fall.
• Conclusion: A nasty pattern has developed in Ranaudo's game--since A-Ball, his Hit and Walk rates have gone up while his K/9 have gone down. 2012 was no different as he continues to display command issues.  He's too young to give up on and standing at 6'7", 231 lbs., his big size might also be another reason for recent struggles as bigger pitchers tend to take a bit longer to develop.

84. Bobby Borchering--3B--Houston Astros

• 2012 Outlook: "Will be moved to LF.  Still has plenty of power.  Long-term prospect at age 20."
• 2012 Achievements: Played in Arizona Fall League.
• Conclusion: Borchering was shipped to Houston from Arizona for Chris Johnson.  At such a young age, he's already played at 4 different positions (LF, RF, 1B, and 3B).  The versatility is there, but Borchering has a few more seasons to go before he can make an impact on the big league team.  He has pretty good power potential, but is very impatient at the plate posting low on-base% and striking out once every 3 at bats.

83. Jeff Locke--SP--Pittsburgh Pirates

• 2012 Outlook: "Lefty with strong command.  Might make Majors by 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: Made 8 pitching appearances in Majors; #9 International League prospect.
• Conclusion: Locke has a propensity to be hittable, but reputation of having "strong command" followed him in the big leagues.  The low walk rate, high strikeout rate and decent WHIP that he posted in the Minors translated fairly well in the Majors last season.  He will most likely crack the Pirates' rotation.  If he does, he will make a solid, but unspectacular starting pitcher.

82. Liam Hendriks--SP--Minnesota Twins

• 2012 Outlook: "Control artist to compete for rotation, but not likely to make opening day roster (2012)."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 16 games for the Twins last season.
• Conclusion: Hendriks is your prototypical Twins' pitching prospect--solid strikeout rate to go along with a very low walk rate and displays good command on his pitches. However, his K/9 has been dropping at every stop in the Minors since 2010, so that's a concern. Also has shown to be hittable so he might depend on defense to make plays for him rather on his stuff.  In the 16 games he pitched for the Twins, big-league hitters were able to take advantage of him last season.  Regardless of his struggles, he more than likely has the inside track on the Twins' starting rotation next season.

81. Jarred Cosart--P--Houston Astros

• 2012 Outlook: "Ace potential, but could become a closer too."
• 2012 Achievements: Started in AFL's Rising Stars Game; #7 Prospect in Houston Astros' system along with organization's Best Curveball. #19 Prospect in Texas League.
• Conclusion: Cosart had the tough task in pitching in both the Texas and Pacific Coast League--two very hitter-friendly leagues. Predictably, his hit rate was high, but so was his walk rate (4.0 BB/9 in 2012).  K/9 rate was solid, but unspectacular. This could be attributed to the fact that Cosart has been working on keeping his pitches low in the strike zone.  Cosart has proven to be a groundball pitcher in his Minor League career.  Scouts have admired his raw talent, but the Astros would be content to see Cosart crack the Astros' roster in 2013 as their permanent closer. 

Prospects #90-86 can be viewed here.

Prospects #80-76 can be viewed here.