2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #110-106

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.

110. Nick Weglarz--OF--Cleveland Indians: 

• 2012 Outlook: "Started Minors late because of knee injury. Potential to post high on-base percentage"
• 2012 Achievements: Designated for assignment back in May of 2012
• Conclusion: This past season saw Weglarz strike out once every 2.6 at bats and his BB:K dipping to .41 as his reputation for discipline at the plate has all but disappeared. His free-swinging ways has not equaled to higher power numbers as he only hit 1 homerun in 30 at bats at Double-A Akron.

109. Dan Klein--P--Baltimore Orioles

• 2012 Outlook: "Underwent  right shoulder surgery in August of 2011. Future closer?"
• 2012 Achievements: Underwent surgery in spring of 2012, marking third surgery on throwing shoulder.
• Conclusion: Before surgeries, Klein had a reputation of having the best curve and changeup in Orioles' system. However, at 24 years-old, he's only appeared in 21 games as a relief pitcher. Will have to see how he bounces back from surgery.

108. Brian Goodwin--OF--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term prospect. Speedy CF."
• 2012 Achievements: Player of the Week honors in Arizona Fall League. Has shown promising hitting approach (.69 BB:K).
• Conclusion: Goodwin tore up Low-A ball, but struggled in Double-A. However, before the Nationals acquired Denard Span, Goodwin was rumored to come into 2013 Nationals Camp to compete for their CF spot.  Will need more seasoning, but there is a lot to like about Goodwin, mainly his speed and discipline.

107. Lars Anderson--1B--Cleveland Indians

• 2012 Outlook: "Falling out of radar, but still at 24, young enough to regroup."
• 2012 Achievements: Was traded on July 31, 2012 from Boston to Cleveland for P Steven Wright. Rated Best Defensive 1B in International League
• Conclusion: Once a top prospect in Boston's system, he came into 2012 as the 28th best prospect in Boston. Going to Cleveland (where all prospects go to die, apparently) seems more of a death march than a fresh start for the big 1B. Plate approach improved last season, but OPS and other power indicators have dropped. Needs to start producing, stat!

106. Matt Purke--SP--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term prospect. Has to overcome shoulder issues."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 3 games in Low-A.  Had surgery in left, throwing shoulder back in August.
• Conclusion: Purke has ability to post impressive strikeout rate, but struggled with control and command last season.  How much his struggles had to do with shoulder injury remains to be seen.

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