LINE DRIVES: v1.0

Suddenly, San Diego has a launching pad for hitters.
(photo courtesy of Felipe M)

Felipe M

I'll be sharing my random thoughts on the MLB games from April 9, 2013.

SO MUCH FOR A PITCHERS' PARK

The Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 16-9 at Safeco Field.  The San Diego Padres won at Petco Park, scoring 9 runs.  We have been waiting in anticipation to see how the changes in dimensions at these two parks would alter offensive production.  Right away, we're seeing changes.

Taking a look back at 2012, only three times did we see teams put up nine or more runs, in one game, last year at Safeco (roughly once every 27 games).  The most runs that one team had accumulated in one game was on October 3, 2012 when the Mariners blanked the Angels, 12-0 (against Jered Weaver, no less).  The most combined runs at Safeco last season occurred on April 17, 2012 when the Mariners and Indians scored 17 total runs.  27 runs were scored between the Astros and Mariners last night.  

Petco was better last year: seven was the number of times teams had scored 9 or more runs in one game last year.  The highs came on September 16, 2012 when the Padres scored a season high at home of 12 runs and they and the Rockies accumulated 23 runs total in that game.  However, only their first game in 2013 and the Padres have all ready scored 9 runs in one game.  

One game does not make a full MLB season, but it's safe to say that after Tuesday's match-ups, both ballparks, in terms of offense, are off to a good start.  

ASTRO WOES

Speaking of the Astros, the 16 runs were the most they have scored since they scored 18 runs in August of 2010.  The Astros defeated the Cardinals, 18-4 in St. Louis.  In that game, none of the Astros hit a homerun in, but they did hit 4 doubles and 1 triple.  SS Angel Sanchez tallied 6 RBI.  This year, the Astros are 0-6 when scoring fewer than 3 runs.  They have all ready failed to score more than 3 runs in 75% of their games.  Bad sign.

METS AT PHILLIES

The Phillies' struggles in the starting rotation have been well-documented as Cole Hamels and Roy Halladay have not pitched up to par early this season.  Thankfully, they have Cliff Lee who pitched a great game against the Mets last night.  It also helped that the Phillies' bats came alive after being shutdown by pitching phenom, Matt Harvey on Monday.  

Unfortunately, it all came at the expense of Mets' pitcher Dillon Gee who had command issues all night.  So far this year, Gee has pitched 9 and a 1/3 innings and has the following stats after 2 starts: 5.8 K/9; 2.9 BB/9 AND HR/9; 12.6 H/9; 1.71 WHIP.  All of this while inducing  more groundouts than flyouts.  We've mentioned how well Gee pitched last season before being shut down for the year because of injury.  But that's the thing about pitchers like Gee.  He has potential to rack up the strikeouts, but deep down, he is a pitch-to-contact pitcher.  When pitchers like Gee don't have their best stuff and can't fight through it, they'll have nights like these.  Should be very interesting how he bounces back in his next start.  

NOW WE CAN START THE SEASON

Washington Nationals' 1B Adam LaRoche had zero hits.  Now he has two hits after his team beat the White Sox last night.  Both of his hits are homeruns.  Talk about an "all-or-nothing" approach.  LaRoche has always had a reputation for being a slow starter for his teams so it's not surprising that's he's off to the slowest of starts this year as well.  But he is struggling so bad that in the game where he hit 2 homers, he also struck out twice.  A deeper look shows that LaRoche, this season has been swinging for more strikes than in years past.  Of the 57% of pitches that are called for strikes, 24% have been of the swing-and-miss variety--his career average is 17%.  Only 12% of those pitches are actually called strikes because of foul balls--he averages 27%.  

So his timing, clearly, is not there yet, but getting back to his all-or-nothing approach, he's hit a lot more flyballs than groundballs so far this season so when he does make contact, he's looking to drive the ball into the air, but only 17% of his contact have been line drives (career line-drive% of 20%).  Because of this approach, he's suffering the worst Balls-in-Play% of his career (only 56% compared to a career 64%) and of those flyballs, 20% are not leaving the infield.  That's a lot of pop outs.  Will have to keep tabs on this guy and reconvene next week for an update.  

PICK YOUR POISON

If you can only have one closer on your team, who would it be: Carlos Marmol  or John Axford?

Outside of strikeouts, Marmol has struggled mightily with control and looks like he's pitching batting practice when he comes out of the bullpen.  Hitters have posted an OPS of 1.490.  Yikes!  It also doesn't help that Marmol is a flyball pitcher who can't produce outs via the flyout (most of his outs this season have come by way of groundouts).  His line-drive% against is 29% and it doesn't help that 27% of the strikes that he throws are put into play (above career average).  Obviously, hitters aren't being fooled or deceived by his pitches as Marmol only has a 13% in swinging-strike%.  And he gets ahead of the hitters more times than not.  55% of the time he throws a first-pitch strike.  32% of hitters see themselves down 0-2 in the count (much higher than his 2012 rate).  But as mentioned before, it's like he's pitching batting practice out there as these hitters, so far, are hungry when they see him out there--Marmol's contact percentage is a high, 80%!

And then there's Axford: he has a line-drive% against of 53%, OPS against of 1.828, a whopping 41% of his strikes are put in play (about twice his career average).  His contact% is much lower than Marmol's however and has a higher swinging-strikes% than Marmol (22%).    Only 19% of hitters see themselves at an 0-2 count.  However, he puts himself at a disadvantage by giving hitters a 3-0 count, 14% of the time (well above his norm).  

So of the two, who has a better chance to rebound?  The numbers are absolutely horrendous and I was trying to look for positives and couldn't find much.  If I have to pick one that is most likely to improve as the season progresses, it's probably Marmol.  At least he's getting ahead of the count more often than Axford.  Maybe it's a sign.  Or maybe it's not.  

And on that sour note...

#BrewersCubs thinking trade now: #marmolfor #axford straight up? #Tradetalk
— Felipe M (@pathological_h8) April 8, 2013

More MLB content is available here.  

MAKING THE PITCH: Seattle Mariners

Felipe M

Even though the season has started, it's still early enough to take a quick look at the rest of the pitching staffs.

Take a quick (and I do mean 'quick') look at the San Diego Padres. 

Here are the Seattle Mariners:

2013 Pitching Projections
Player	Team	K/BB	K/9	BB/9	H/9	WHIP	HR/9
Felix Hernandez	Seattle	3.69	8.47	2.30	7.64	1.10	0.68
Hisashi Iwakuma	Seattle	2.34	7.42	3.17	8.49	1.30	0.79
Joe Saunders	Seattle	2.05	5.30	2.58	9.47	1.34	1.08
Tom Wilhelmsen	Seattle	2.03	7.73	3.80	7.10	1.21	0.76

Blake Beaven had a bad spring, but did not give up a walk, which should be no surprise as he's had great control throughout his young career.  It was enough to win the #5 spot in the rotation.  Unfortunately, his strikeout totals are so terrible, it pretty much cancels out any fantasy value that he would have had in 2013.  

And I have this belief that Joe Saunders and Clayton Richard are each other's clones.

Hisashi Iwakuma had a solid spring and with solid projections, he might be a solid contributor in fantasy leagues.  

Brandon Maurer, the #6 Mariners' prospect per Baseball Prospectus, is the #4 starter.  He had a decent spring as well and quite a surprise.  Only 22, it's tough to figure out what kind of season he might have this year.  His 2012 stats from Double-A are actually pretty similar to Iwakuma's projections so he might worth the roll of the dice if you're desperate for pitching.  He's still available in 65% of CBS leagues.

I would try to avoid Tom Wilhelmsen as much as possible.  Of all the pitchers that were projected to be closers this season, he has the 3rd worst K/BB.  He simply doesn't strike out enough hitters and walks too many batters.  The only thing he has going is that there seems to be nobody that can challenge him in the Mariners' bullpen.  Plus, the M's are supposed to win more games with a slightly improved offense and adequate pitching staff (think of the Orioles from last season).  Plus, they have plenty of young, promising pitchers in the farm system that can help later in the year if the team is in playoff contention (again, just like the Orioles from 2012).  Otherwise, he's a very unappealing closer.

Finally, Felix Hernandez.  He signed a big fat contract in the offseason as he's basically volunteering his time and effort (again, this is all relative; he could be with the Yankees or Dodgers making the same money, but with a lot more help) to carry this franchise on his back.  I had him ranked as my 6th best pitcher entering this season, but he can quickly move up the ladder this year.  The numbers, whether projections or real, speak for themselves.  It's the character and passion for this team that I wanted to spotlight.  Usually I'm cynical about a player saying "it wasn't about the money," and how he "wanted to stay in Seattle," but I really feel that it's genuine with Hernandez.  Either that or he can really make himself cry on command.

More MLB content is available here.

To check out the rest of the other pitching staffs, click here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: Top 5

Bryce Harper had a heck of a 2012 season.

Felipe M

5. Trevor Bauer--SP--Cleveland Indians

• 2012 Outlook: "Compared to Tim Lincecum.  Best of the D'backs' prospects."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #3 in Pacific Coast League and the league's best pitcher.
• Conclusion: Aside from a 4.2 BB/9, Bauer absolutely dominated in the Minors in 2012.  He did pitch for the Big League club, but was playing hurt in his time with the D'backs.  Unfortunately for Arizona, conflict between the young pitcher and the entire organization forced the D'backs to ship him to Cleveland for a bushel of balls, a 2-year supply of hot dogs, and a high volume of the freshest Lake Erie water.  People are going to get fired in Arizona because of this trade.  However, management wanted to get rid of this promising prospect, but the real "snake bite" come from the fact that they really didn't get fair value for this player and that's very unfortunate.  At least they were able to get solid players in the Justin Upton deal.  Currently, Bauer is competing for the #5 spot in the Indians' rotation.  

4. Julio Teheran--SP--Atlanta Braves

• 2012 Outlook: "Compared to Pedro Martinez; best of the Braves' pitching prospects."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #1 Prospect in Braves' organization and possesses Best Changeup in the system; #4 Prospect in International League. 
• Conclusion: Struggled mightily in the Minors last season, but many pundits are blaming the organization for trying to change his delivery.  Reports out of spring training are that Teheran has returned to his old delivery and is pitching with extreme confidence.  He is currently competing for a rotation spot. 

3. Jesus Montero--C--Seattle Mariners

A young Jesus Montero readying himself with that lumber.

• 2012 Outlook: "Will mainly DH for the Mariners.  Can hit for power and average."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Played 135 games for the Mariners in 2012, but only 56 games at catcher.
• Conclusion: One of the many players that were linked to the recent BioGenesis scandal adds to Montero's problems, mainly his defensive duties at the catching position and how will he exactly bounce back from a disastrous 2012 (.260/.298/.389 BB:K .29).  His last season at Triple-A shows what Montero is capable of: .289/.351/.493/.843 BB:K .43.  That potential has management salivating at things to come and opted to hand him the keys to the #1 catching spot as they got rid of any potential competition that might get in his way this season. 

2. Bryce Harper--OF--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "At 19, he's the best prospect in baseball.  Will get called up in 2012."
• 2012 Accomplishments: NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR and All-Star
• Conclusion: Now 20, Harper is slated to start in LF for the Nationals.  What's very impressive about Harper is that not only did he succeed as a teengager in his first season in the Majors, but that he showed no indication that he was ready for the Big Leagues in the Minors.  He struggled in Double and Triple-A posting mediocre batting average, low on-base%, and displaying absolutely no power.  His patience at the plate did improve so there might have been hope for him in that aspect.  He put on more weight to endure a full season in the Majors and, obviously, to hit for more power and improve on his .817 OPS from last season.

It might be the worst ballpark,
but it will be home to a lot of
young, promising players.

1. Matt Moore--SP--Tampa Rays

• 2012 Outlook: "Might be better than Stephen Strasburg."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Pitched 177.1 innings for the Rays. 
• Conclusion: After dominating and destroying everything in his path in Double and Triple-A, Moore's 2012 was sort of ordinary: WHIP 1.35; H/9 8.0; HR/9 0.9; BB/9 4.1; K/9 8.9.  He did find his rhythm in the 2nd half of the season so that's a good sign; that and his high strikeout rate.  Moore is very likely to break camp as the Rays' #3 starter.  

 More MLB content is available here. 

The rest of the prospects can be found here.

All pictures courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos.  

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #10-6

The next Miguel Cabrera is somewhere on this list.  But who could it be?
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos). 

Felipe M

10. Miguel Sano--3B--Minnesota Twins

• 2012 Outlook: "Might not be ready until 2013 and only 18.  Struggles with strikeouts, but might be the next Miguel Cabrera."
• 2012 Achievements: #1 Minnesota Twins' prospect along with Best Power Hitter and Infield Arm; #2 Midwest League Prospect and Best Infield Arm in league.
• Conclusion: Interestingly enough, Sano has also been compared to Giancarlo Stanton. Unfortunately, for many Twins' and fantasy fans alike, Sano is probably a long way from contributing in the big leagues.  Also, he needs to improve on his defense as he committed 42 errors at 3B.  Career minor league numbers are impressive, but keep in mind that he has yet to play above Lo-A ball.  He also needs to improve his plate approach (BB:K of .45).  He'll turn 20 in May.

9. Mike Trout--OF--Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Trout might have lost the battle to Cabrera in the MVP
voting, but heated discussions between baseball
traditionalists and "stats' geeks" ensued.
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos). 

• 2012 Outlook: "A future star.  If one of the regulars goes down, he's probably 1st player to be called up in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: AL Rookie of the Year; 2nd place in AL MVP voting.
• Conclusion: Age and questionable, past prospects in the Angels' organization dropped Trout to #9 on the list.  His impressive Minor League numbers streamlined very well in the Majors last season.  He might be the best player in fantasy baseball this year as well.  Despite not winning the MVP this year, he did gain a lot of high reverence from the SABR community and was picked as the MVP in a lot of advanced, baseball stats' websites.  He is currently penciled in as the Angels' LF in 2013.  

8. Danny Hultzen--SP--Seattle Mariners

• 2012 Outlook: "Looked sharp in 2011 Arizona Fall League and might help in the Big Leagues, later in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: #3 Prospect in Mariners' system.  #4 and #7 Prospect in Souther and Pacific Coast League, respectively.  Best Change Up in Southern League and in Mariners' system.
• Conclusion: So what do you do to a highly-touted prospect with all the skills and tools in the world? You force him to start his first year of pro ball in Double-A: not Rookie, Lo-A, but Double-A!  Let that sink in for a bit...He dominated Double-A, but struggled once he arrived in Triple-A so he might have to prove himself in the Minors, although there is talks that he might break spring training camp on the Mariners' roster, but all signs point to Hultzen arriving by mid-season, at best.  His Minor League numbers are as followed: WHIP 1.31; H/9 6.3; BB/9 5.4; K/99.9; K/BB 1.81.  

7. Shelby Miller--SP--St. Louis Cardinals

Will Shelby Miller pitch in this ballpark for the duration of
the 2013 season?
(photo courtesy of Felipe M).

• 2012 Outlook: "Dominated in Minors. Could be called up by mid-season."
• 2012 Achievements: #6 Prospect in Pacific Coast League. Pitched 6 games for the Cards, making one start.
• Conclusion: 2012, Triple-A numbers: WHIP 1.38; H/9 9.1; HR/9 1.6; BB/9 3.3; K/9 10.5; K/BB 3.20.  There's talk out of spring training that Miller might make the Cardinals' roster as a relief pitcher, but with the recent injury to Chris Carpenter, Miller might compete for starter role after all.  Should be interesting to see what the Cards do with the young pitcher, either way.  

6. Nolan Arenado--3B--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Contact/Power combo, only Casey Blake is in his way.  A future star."
• 2012 Achievements: #8 in Texas League and League's best defensive 3B; Rockies' Best Defensive Infielder and Infield Arm, and Best Hitter for Average.
• Conclusion: Arenado struggled a bit last season in Double-A, but finished the campaign strong.  Stats: .285/.337/.428/.766 B:K .67.  Arenado is a longshot to break with the Rockies out of spring training, but is certainly in the mix to compete for the Rockies' 3B position.  Nevertheless, he looks to be a mid-season call up, at best for 2013. 

Prospects #15-11 are available here.

Top 5 is available here.

HOW I BECAME A MARINERS' FAN

Mariners for life!

Johnny J

Johnny J tells the tale on how he began rooting for the Seattle Mariners.  

Little League Baseball: where it all
started.  Big thanks to my teammates
for signing this ball.

As a kid, I loved to play baseball. I played tee-ball for a couple of years and then I moved up to Little League Mustang. I was a kid who just loved to hit homeruns. I even developed the nickname Johnny "Homerun" Jackson because of it. I use to hit homeruns every time I went up to the plate. My coach was so desperate to have me play in the games that when I didn't have a ride to the park, my coach would offer to pick me up from my house. Now that's what I call having the team on your back.

I looked up to a bigger kid named Ken Griffey Jr., who played for a team called the Seattle Mariners. Little did I know it was going to be the start of a beautiful relationship for years to come.



I use to watch Griffey hit homeruns every time he went up to the plate. While watching Griffey do his thing, I started liking some of the players that surrounded him.  Players such as:

• Edgar Martinez
• Jay Buhner
• Randy Johnson 
• and a young, needle-free Alex Rodriguez

I eventually started rooting for the team. I also was one of the few fans that liked their old, the Kingdome. A beautiful, teal-colored, turf under the dome. Blue Grass at its finest!


Every year the Mariners would be so good in the regular season, but they could never get it done in the playoffs and eventually, they started losing all of their stars. But I was always loyal to my team, hoping that we can develop new stars. The rebuilding project got underway as soon as they signed Ichiro Suzuki, who is probably one of the best hitters ever in baseball. They developed a young Felix Hernandez, who won the Cy Young in 2010. Glad to see we just gave him an extension worth $175 million (be sure to check out the videos in that link--Ed); the highest paid pitcher in baseball. Right now, my team is not good, but that's my team. I stick with one team, until they give me a reason not to like them.

My Mariners' gym shoes

It's not easy being a Mariners' fan in Chicago. I can only see them when they come into town. They usually get slaughtered by the Chicago White Sox. Plus they're never featured on ESPN or FOX, which brings me to my next point: should I order an expensive baseball package just to watch my team lose? I use to actually purchase said package, but I haven't in the last year and I wont until they give me a reason to make me feel like my money is not being wasted.

My biggest let down is Seattle letting all these good players go.  I would read stories on how they claim they're getting young prospects in return (be sure to read our Prospects' review feature, here--Ed). Well, how long does it take for these prospects to grow into good players? When we traded for Cliff Lee, he only stayed with us for a half a season. We didn't get anything good in return. Instead we got a young prospect named Justin Smoak (Career BB:K of .49--Ed) from the Rangers who hits homeruns--sometimes.  Most of the time he strikes out. Also why would you trade a good player to someone in your own division?  That's just stupid!  Its good he didn't sign an extension after that half a season with the Rangers. It would have been more trouble for the Mariners.

Nevertheless, after stupid moves like that, I still root for my team. A team filled with young players and losing records.  A team that will probably be my team for years to come. Thanks to a great player and drug free Ken Grffey Jr (For now...--Ed). Even though baseball is not my favorite sport anymore, I still have my favorite team and great memories to look back on: like the Mariners eliminating the New York Yankees in game 5 of the ALCS, Felix Hernandez's perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays, or Ichiro hitting two homeruns for me when I went to see the Mariners game at U.S. Cellular Field last year. Out of the nine times the White Sox played the Mariners, they won one game. I was there in my Ichiro t-shirt when they won. He even helped me win a bet. I look forward to the next time I see a great memorable moment from my team, the Seattle Mariners.



To read more about the Mariners, click here.

All photos courtesy of Johnny "Homerun" Jackson.

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #15-11

 A lot of Mariners' players were on this list.  Seattle is looking
to get back to their "glory" days and are hoping that their
young, pitching prospects can lead them to success.
(photo courtesy of Felipe M)

Felipe M

15. James Paxton--SP--Seattle Mariners

• 2012 Outlook: "Dominant in 1st year of Minors.  Big League call-up may not be too far off in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: #4 Prospect in Mariners' system as well as having its Best Curveball; #10 Prospect in Southern League.
• Conclusion: The Mariners are loaded with young, hot prospects and Paxton is one of them.  His Double-A numbers saw Paxton struggle a bit with control, but was still able to display dominance: K/BB 2.4; WHIP 1.31; H/9 7.7; BB/9 4.1; K/9 10.0.  Paxton was invitied to the Mariners' spring training camp, but it is very likely he will be returning to the Minors in 2013, but many scouts think he can be a top-of-the-rotation starter and a mid-season call-up would not be out of the ordinary.

14. Brad Peacock--SP--Houston Astros

• 2012 Outlook: "If he makes the A's roster, he can be the 2012 version of Brandon Beachy."
• 2012 Achievements: #4 A's prospect
• Conclusion: After performing well in the Nationals' system, he struggled mightily in Pacific Coast league last season post the following numbers: K/BB 2.11; K/9 9.3; BB/9 4.4; HR/9 1.1; H/9 9.8; WHIP 1.58.  He recently was traded along with Chris Carter to Houston for SS Jed Lowrie.

13. Jacob Turner--SP--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "'Control artist' should make his way to the Big Leagues in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 10 games the Majors. 
• Conclusion: Turner was traded to Miami for Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante as Detroit was stocking up for a playoff run.  Before being called up, Turner garnered 18 pitching starts in the Minors:  K/BB 1.95; WHIP 1.24; BB/9 3.3; H/9 7.9; K/9 6.4.  His MLB stat line looks like this: K/BB 2.25, WHIP 1.20; BB/9 2.62; H/9 8.2; K/9 5.9.  So very similar numbers, but slightly improved his walks in the Majors.  Turner's ticket to the Majors is his control and is projected to start in the middle of the rotation.  A concern is his low strikeout rate as many scouts and experts are starting to doubt his reputation as a potential, elite starter.  

12. Randall Delgado--SP--Arizona Diamondbacks

Seattle was also in pursuit of Justin Upton this offseason and
were willing to give up their promising prospects for him.
Instead, Upton will be playing in Atlanta with his
brother B.J.
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos)

• 2012 Outlook: "Might start the season in the Big Leagues depending if Tim Hudson is healthy."
• 2012 Achievements: Made 17 pitching starts for the Atlanta Braves last season.
• Conclusion: Delgado was dealt to Arizona in the Justin Upton trade. Very likely that Delgado will get a shot to compete for the back end of Arizona's rotation in spring training.  His numbers in Triple-A: K/BB 2.38; K/9 10.4; BB/9 4.4; H/9 9.0; WHIP 1.49.  His numbers for the 2012 MLB season: K/BB 1.81; K/9 7.38; BB/9 4.08; H/9 8.69; WHIP 1.41.  So clearly he needs to show he can improve his control and command, but has also shown dominance throughout his young career as well and that's why he remains such an enticing pitcher. 

11. Duane Below--SP--Detroit Tigers

• 2012 Outlook: "Might make the Tigers as team's 5th starter out of spring training."
• 2012 Achievements: Appeared in 27 games for the Tigers, including one pitching start.
• Conclusion: Posted solid numbers as a reliever last year.  His K/9 did dip to an ordinary 5.66.  Might start 2013 in the Minors as well. Triple-A stats: WHIP 1.30; H/9 8.4; BB/9 3.3; K/9 6.1; K/BB 1.84.  So it is noticeable that Below's strikeout rate has been dropping throughout his career as he continues to struggle with command and tries to improve his walks' totals.  

Prospects #20-16 are available here.

Prospects #10-6 are available here.

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #25-21

Source (Mike McCann's Field of Fotos): Zack Wheeler and
Matt Harvey will forever be connected to one another.  

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.

25. Wily Peralta--SP--Milwaukee Brewers

• 2012 Outlook: "Hard thrower and future workhorse. Might step in this year if the Big League team needs him."
• 2012 Achievements: Best Slider in the Brewers' System
• Conclusion: Started 5 games and accumulated 29 innings pitched for the Brewers last season. He pitched impressively, posting a 1.21 WHIP; 7.14 K/9; 3.41 BB/9; 7.44 H/9. As you can see, however, his walk rate is just a tad high. However, considering his miserable season at Triple-A (WHIP 1.58; 9.4 H/9; 4.8 BB/9, but did post a K/9 of 8.8), it's a wonder he pitched as well as he did for the Brew Crew last year. He pitched a lot better in 2011, but control and command problems were an issue that year as well.  Nevertheless, Peralta impressed enough in 2012 to compete for a starting rotation spot in 2013.

24. Zack Wheeler--SP--New York Mets

• 2012 Outlook: "True ace potential. To compete for spot in the Majors by 2013."
• 2012 Achievements: #1 Mets Prospect (Second Year in a Row) and System's Best Curveball; #2 Eastern League Prospect as well as the league's Best Breaking Pitch, Fastball, and Pitching Prospect.
• Conclusion: Wheeler posted a 12-8 record last year, along with an ERA of 3.26, 1.17 WHIP, 6.9 H/9, 3.6 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9.  Wheeler knows how to keep the ball on the ground and command helps with keeping the ball in the park. Despite his impressive season, the Mets will probably use the same map for Wheeler's ascension to the Majors that they had used on Matt Harvey in 2012. 

23. Hak-Ju Lee--SS--Tampa Rays

• 2012 Outlook: "The Shane Victorino of shortstops."
• 2012 Achievements: Played in Arizona Fall League; #3 Prospect in Tampa; #8 Prospect in Southern League.
• Conclusion: Lee is still 22 years-old. But people are concerned with his performance in Double-A. In 140 games and 648 Plate Appearances, Lee has posted the following: .249/.325/.351/.676, BB:K of .50, but did steal 42 bases. There's still hope that Lee's hitting prowess will click again, but it looks like his defense might be the key to getting to the Big Leagues. Has the edge to be the starting shortstop in Double-A once again in 2013.

22. Nick Franklin--SS--Seattle Mariners

• 2012 Outlook: "Disappointed in California League, but still possesses power/speed combination that makes him an intriguing call-up for 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: #5 Prospect in Mariners' system; #16 Prospect in Pacific Coast and #7 in Southern Leagues
• Conclusion: Franklin got off to a hot start in Double-A, but struggled considerably when he was moved up to Triple-A last season. Franklin's career Double-A numbers after 335 PA's look like this: .326/.392/.498/.890, 14 stolen bases, 6 homeruns, .54 BB:K. At Triple-A, after 296 PA's: .243/.310/.416/.725, 3 stolen bases, 7 homers, .35 BB:K. But just like Lee, Franklin is only 22 and might improve in his second season at Triple-A. 

21. Leonys Martin--OF--Texas Rangers

• 2012 Outlook: "Competing for CF spot in Big Leagues (2011). Strong batting eye and can steal bases, too."
• 2012 Achievements: #4 Prospect in Rangers' system; #17 Prospect in Pacific Coast League.
• Conclusion: Martin was able to garner 46 at bats for the Rangers last season where he posted pedestrian numbers. His Minor League numbers suggest that he's ready to contribute in the Majors, however. After 406 PA's at Triple-A: .318/.377/.483/.860, 12 homers, 19 stolen bases, and .56 BB:K. Martin is expected to be the lefty part of a platoon system at CF for the Rangers in 2013. 

Prospects #30-26 are available here. 

Prospects #20-16 are available here.

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #45-41

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.

45. Alfedo Silverio--OF--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Might get shot at LF, but more of a long-term prospect."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: Silverio had a pretty chaotic 2012. Last January, he was involved in a car accident that derailed his baseball season as he suffered an array of injuries including a concussion. In May, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Eventually, the Dodgers designated Silverio for assignment in November only to re-sign with the team. Ultimately, he would be picked up by the Marlins in the Rule-5 draft where he has "a moderate chance to stick with the Marlins all year long." He has shown a capability to steal a few bases and hit for a high contact rate, which is his preference to get on base, but will need to show ability to take more walks. 

44. Ryan Lavarnway--C--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Power/Average combo, might steal Catcher's spot for Boston in 2012."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Named Best Defensive Catcher in International League; Played 46 games for the Red Sox.
• Conclusion: Was completely overmatched by Big League pitching, posting a BB:K of .27. However, that small sample doesn't take away from the fact that he has potential to be a consisten Big League hitter. He has posted a .57 BB:K in his last two seasons in the Minors and has a career .376 on-base%. Power production did dip a bit in 2012, but still managed to display good contact rate. The problem in Boston is that the Red Sox are clogged up at catcher with David Ross and Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the roster and Mike Napoli, although will take over 1B, will add a 4th catcher to the mix (if and when both Napoli and the Red Sox finally make the deal official). Because of the team's depth at catcher, Lavarnway has been heavily involved in trade rumors this past offseason. 

43. Taijuan Walker--SP--Seattle Mariners

• 2012 Outlook: "Best long-term prospect in Seattle's system.  He's only 19."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #2 Best Prospect in Mariner's system; #2 Prospect in Southern League.
• Conclusion: The Mariners are very highly committed on Walker's upside and talent. They have all ready warded off trades with other clubs, including one with the Pittsburg Pirates. He has shown struggles with control in the Minors (averaging a BB/9 of 3.6), but did post a K/9 of 8.4 in 2012. Reports indicate that Walker will more than likely get an invitation to Spring Training with the Mariners, but subsequently he will see himself start the year in the Minors.

42. Willin Rosario--C--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Power hitter, but poor plate discipline."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Played in 117 games for the Rockies; Finished 4th in Rookie of the Year voting; Played in Dominican League
• Conclusion: Rosario's power was on full display in the Majors last season hitting 28 homers, 71 RBIs, and slugging .530. Despite his success, he still has a lot of improvements to make. The Rockies are concerned with his defense and is the primary reason why he went to play in the Dominican League this offseason as he looks to work on his catching skills. He also displayed poor plate discipline (BB:K of .25). His Minor League career saw him post a BB:K of .29, .267 batting average, and an on-base% of .316. Very underwhelming in on-base abilities and contact rate, but proved once again that his calling card is in his power (career .449 SLG% in Minors; 1 homer run every 24 at bats, roughly one dinger per week). He's all ready penciled in as the Rockies' starting catcher in 2013.

41. Jedd Gyorko--3B--San Diego Padres

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term prospect, has higher ceiling than fellow prospect, James Darnell."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #10 Prospect in Pacific Coast League; #11 Prospect in Texas League
• Conclusion: Unlike fellow farmhand, Darnell, Gyorko will actually be given an opportunity to win a starting job for the Padres in 2013. Even though he's listed as a 3B (played in 223 games at the position in the Minors), his ticket to the Majors will be playing 2B (48 career games in the Minors). He has a career BB:K of .54 and OPS of .913. If he is able to win the Padres' job at 2B, he might benefit and take advantage of the fact that the Padres will be moving in the fences at Petco Park.

Prospects #50-46 are available here.

Prospects #40-36 are available here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #70-66

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.

70. Gary Sanchez--C--New York Yankees

• 2012 Outlook: "Good power-hitting prospect, but needs to work on catching skills."
• 2012 Achievements: #3 Prospect in Yankees organization as well as its Best Power Hitter; #5 South Atlantic League as well as its Best Power Prospect; #9 in Florida State League. 
• Conclusion: Sanchez is only 20 years-old so he has a long way to go, obviously, but the hitting talent is real, putting up 29 doubles in 2012.  As far as his catching skills go, he threw out 30% of base stealers in 2012.  He produced very well in Lo-A ball, but struggled a bit in High-A. Needs to show more discipline at the plate, but Sanchez has time on his side to improve all facets of his game.

69. Alex Liddi--3B--Seattle Mariners

• 2012 Outlook: "Needs to cut back on strikeouts or he'll be the next Brandon Wood."
• 2012 Achievements: Played for Mariners in 2012
• Conclusion: Liddi still strikes out too much and his approach at the plate has proven to be flawed time and time again--since 2010, Liddi's on-base% and OPS have decreased.  Still, he's only 24 years-old so he's not a bust quite yet, but how much longer will the M's wait for him to improve?

68. Brett Jackson--OF--Chicago Cubs

• 2012 Outlook: "5-tool player, but strikes out too much.  Might make Big League club sometime in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: Called up by the Cubs; #15 ranked prospect in Pacific Coast League.
• Conclusion: Just like 3B, the Cubs have had plenty of recent hot shot, CF prospects (Corey Patterson and Felix Pie) and just like the players before him, Jackson is proving to be a bust in the making. While in Triple-A, he sacrificed patience for more power, which resulted in an increase in extra base-hits, but decreased OBP% and OPS.  While with the Cubs, Jackson struck out once ever 2 at bats. It seems that the Cubs have more patience with Jackson than with fellow Cubs' prospect, Josh Vitters, but Jackson needs to find a different approach at the plate and cut back on the strikeouts. 

67. Matt Davidson--3B--Arizona Diamondbacks

• 2012 Outlook: "Power hitter, but might be the next Mark Reynolds. Still young enough to improve."
• 2012 Achievements: Played in Arizona Fall League; #12 Prospect and Best Power Prospect in Southern League.
• Conclusion: Davidson improved his BB:K, strikeouts per at bats, OBP%, and OPS in 2012. Only 21 years-old, he's still has a ways to go before he's in the conversation to join the D'backs.

66. Daniel Corcino--SP--Cincinnati Reds

• 2012 Outlook: "5'11" pitcher, was dominant in 2011.  Will pitch in hitter-friendly California League."
• 2012 Achievements: Made Reds' 40 man roster; #17 Prospect in Southern League
• Conclusion: Corcino was riddled with control issues in 2012.  To his defense, he was promoted from Lo-A straight to Double-A last year, which might have explained his unimpressive numbers last season, but regardless, lack of control is a concern. Also proving to be a flyball pitcher early on in his career.  If he is to pitch for Reds, he needs to cut back on that as well. 

Prospects #75-71 can be viewed here.

Prospects #65-61 can be viewed here.