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.
80. Tyler Saladino--SS--Chicago White Sox
- 2012 Outlook: "Power/patience combo. Majors by 2013."
- 2012 Achievements: Best Strike Zone Discipline in White Sox farm system and in Southern League.
- Conclusion: Played 21 games at 2B last season where versatility will help both player and Big League team. .82 BB/K ratio at Double-A Birmingham. While the patience was in full display, he experienced a power outage (.315 SLG% in 2012). He posted a low batting average, but still posted a high on-base%. Once he gets on base, he can be a threat on the basepaths. Despite his superb patience, Saladino will more than likely start 2013 in the Minors.
79. Manny Machado--SS--Baltimore Orioles
- 2012 Outlook: "19, suffered knee injury, but still highly talented on offense."
- 2012 Achievements: Played 51 games with Orioles; 2nd youngest player to hit a homerun in MLB Post-Season history; #1 Prospect in Eastern League and its Most Exciting Player; Best Defensive SS and Infield Arm in Eastern League.
- Conclusion: After only playing 2 games at 3B in the Minors, Machado was called up by the Orioles to play all of his games as the team's starting 3B. Pretty fitting seeing how there have been comparisons to Alex Rodriguez. Machado has shown solid plate discipline in the Minors and an ability to get on base. Power, however, was nothing to brag about, but his age and inexperience definitely played a role in power outage. Once he got to the Majors, Machado did show flashes of full potential, but he clearly struggled in Majors. Nevertheless, the Orioles seem committed in having Machado develop his game in the Majors.
78. Nestor Molina--SP--Chicago White Sox
- 2012 Outlook: "Might be called up by late 2012."
- 2012 Achievements: Best Control in White Sox system.
- Conclusion: Molina's move up to Double-A proved to be a setback as he was very hittable. Nonetheless, control was as good as advertised, but his K/9 dropped significantly as compared to his 2010 figures. He will need more time in the minors as he needs to show that he does indeed possess the stuff to dominate hitters.
77. Casey Kelly--SP--San Diego Padres
- 2012 Outlook: "Not in team's top 5 anymore."
- 2012 Achievements: Started 6 games for the Padres last season.
- Conclusion: Kelly is a former SS turned pitcher. He posted solid peripherals in Big Leagues, but high WHIP was caused by a very high hit rate (12 H/9 in 2012). However, solid control translated well in Majors, but will need to prove to the Padres that he can limit the number of base hits he gives up if he expects to crack the starting rotation in 2013.
76. Gary Brown--OF--San Francisco Giants
- 2012 Outlook: "Speedy contact hitter; might start by 2013."
- 2012 Achievements: Participated in Arizona Fall League. #16 Prospect, as well as Best Baserunner and Defensive OF in Eastern League.
- Conclusion: Brown's BB:K declined at Double-A Richmond. He managed to hit 32 doubles, but power production dropped in Double-A. Brown continued to display his speed on the basepaths, as he increased the number of stolen bases to 88 bags in 277 career games. Even though Brown has the ability to make solid contact, he needs to show improvement in on-base%. Giants will more than likely bring him up slowly, unless there are major injuries in their OF next season.
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