NEW YORK HYPE

Johnny J


New York is one of biggest markets in the world for professional athletes. So it's no wonder  New York draws the best athletes from around the globe. It's the place everyone wants to be. Its like playing on the biggest stage of all sports stadiums. The bright lights mixed in with the night scene. It's a major attraction. Well about 11 sports teams call this east coast state home. With it being the biggest stage to play on, fans of these teams expect to win. If they don't get what they want, then athletes will hear it. Not just from fans, but from the media. They will eat you alive when you don't win. It can be a difficult place to call home for sports players. However if you are helping this city win, it could be a good place to call home.

Some super athletes cannot
be booed, however.

The Big Apple, has plenty to be happy about:  the New York Rangers and Islanders would be in the playoffs if they started today; The New York Mets are three games over .500 (and probably the most exciting young pitcher, Matt Harvey--Ed); Alex Rodriguez still hasn't suited up yet, but the Yankees are the Yankees; the New York Jets finally brought in a quarterback to give Mark Sanchez competition; the Brooklyn Nets have made their first playoff appearance since 2007--back when Jason Kidd was running the point.

But the number one team sports fans should be happy about is the New York Knicks have established a team that can compete with the Miami Heat. The Knicks have accomplished a lot under Mike Woodson's first full season as shot-caller. They have secured the number two seed in the Eastern Conference, their first since the 93-94 season. They won the Atlantic Division for the first time since '94. They won over 50 games for the first time since 1999-2000, as well as winning thirteen games in the row that was snapped last Thursday against the Chicago Bulls. It was the third longest winning streak in franchise history.

They've done all this without their crippled $100 million dollar man, whom has missed 51 games this season and is expected to miss the final two games of the regular season. There is word Amar'e Stoudemire won't even be ready for the first round of the playoffs, which start next Sunday. All I can say is, Gotham isn't a place I see him playing in next season. Oh, but I do thank you for helping Carmelo Anthony come over, which then helped J.R. "Swish" Smith make his decision to defend Gotham together. If my cap had Night Thrasher on it, that would be Stoudemire; someone that likes to go around giving people karate chops. No special moves. Read up on Night Thrasher.

Spike Lee has the Knicks;
Stan Lee has these heroes.

Knicks' fans have desperately waited for a championship, since winning it 40 years ago. This year could be the year that Spike Lee gets his money's worth, sitting courtside.  That guy doesn't miss too many Knicks' games--he may not miss any practices!  I saw him sitting courtside when they beat the Heat in Miami a couple of weeks ago. He may even have his own locker. Watch Spike glorify the Knicks.

People talked about the Knicks having an ancient team with four players being over the age of 35, but I see it as leadership in the locker room. Yes, three of them are hurt, but I still would like to hear their voices in the locker room, mentoring and encouraging the team. They will be ready for the playoffs as Mike Woodson announced yesterday.  Now with a super-team to take down the infamous villains known as the Heat, I look forward to watching The King get his crown knocked off. There are superheroes all over the city, but only the New York Knicks can call Gotham home!

More NBA content is available here. 

All photos courtesy of Johnny J. 

MAKING THE PITCH: Texas Rangers

Nolan Ryan and the Rangers lost a few big bats, but their pitching stays
pretty much intact for 2013.
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos)

Felipe M

We take a look at the projected starting rotations and closer situations of every MLB team.  Of course, this will come from a fantasy perspective.  All cited stats are based on 2013 projections.  

To see our preview of the Toronto Blue Jays, click here. 

Now the Texas Rangers are up on stage.  

PROBABLE STARTING ROTATION

1. Matt Harrison
• Good: It was announced yesterday that Harrison will be the Rangers' opening day starter for 2013.  He won 18 games last season and has pitched very well this spring.  
• Bad: His projected numbers show that Harrison is anything, but an "ace" for any pitching staff.  More of a pitch-to-contact pitcher, K/BB of 2.13 not only shows a laughable strikeout total (K/9 of 5.86 similar to Erasmo Ramirez's), but possible control problems.  WHIP of 1.31 (also identical to Ramirez and A.J. Burnett) is further proof that he should not be considered an elite pitcher.  Currently ranked between Jason Vargas and Kyle Kendrick; both are bottom of the rotation starters for their respective teams.
2. Yu Darvish
• Good: The "real" ace of the staff, Darvish came through with a strong finish to 2012.  He's also had a dominant spring.  K/9 of 9.70, WHIP of 1.15 and a 3:1 K/BB just screams "ACE!"
• Bad: It remains to be seen if Darvish can pitch a full season of cosistent baseball. BB/9 of 3.04 is a slight concern, but not enough to sound the alarm on the Japanese hurler.  
3. Derek Holland
• Good: K/9 of 7.66 is more than respectable (similar to Jarrod Parker's K/9).  
• Bad: Although he won't give up too many walks, he can be hittable.  WHIP of 1.26 puts him behin pitchers like Tim Hudson and Wade Miley.
4. Alexi Ogando
• Good: Has had a pretty decent spring, more good than bad. 8.14 K/9 makes him an intriguing pitcher. 
• Bad: Really hard to figure out if his projected numbers are a product of his relief role from last season or if publications really believe that he can streamline those numbers as a starter.  Also will be pitching in his first full season as a starter since 2011 so injuries and fatigue will be a concern throughout the year.

CLOSER

1. Joe Nathan
• Good: 10.29 K/9 along with a 4.80 K/BB makes him a near-elite closer.
• Bad: Age and a terrible spring might hurt his stock.  

FANTASY ADVICE

Player	K/BB	K/9	BB/9	H/9	WHIP	HR/A
Yu Darvish	3.19	9.70	3.04	7.35	1.15	0.83
Alexi Ogando	3.23	8.14	2.52	8.14	1.18	1.09
Derek Holland	2.73	7.66	2.81	8.51	1.26	1.07
Matt Harrison	2.13	5.86	2.76	9.00	1.31	0.90

So based on these stats, which of these players should be the ace of the staff?  I didn't like Harrison last season, and I especially don't like him now, but if you think he can repeat his 18-win performance from last year, by all means.  I've never liked Holland either, but he can prove to be an asset in 2013.  

Ogando is the most interesting pitcher listed.  As mentioned, his numbers might be a by-product of his success as a reliever and it's hard to predict if those numbers will translate as a starter.  His numbers alone make him a 2nd-tier starter.  But his 2011 stats might be the best indicator as to what we can expect in 2013: K/9 below 7; K/BB of 2.93.  He also managed a WHIP of 1.14 that year as well so his 2013 projected WHIP might indeed be accurate.  Nevertheless, fatigue might play a big role this season and makes him somewhat of a risk.  He's still worth the risk if he can pitch close to those projections in the 1st half of the season.  

Joe Nathan is confident that his struggles in the spring should not be a concern.  In the event that his bad spring follows him in April and May, Jason Frasor might take over 9th inning duties for him. 

Neftali Feliz is still recovering from Tommy John Surgery.  He's not expected back until early August and that's very optimistic thinking.

The only pitcher worth reaching to anchor your #1 or #2 spot is Yu Darvish.  The numbers speak for themselves and are on par with his "real life" capabilities.  It's a crime that he will not be pitching on Opening Day, but so it goes.  

MLB content can be reached 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: #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.

ROCKTOBER: Thrice @ The Metro--MAJOR/MINOR Tour

Dustin Kensrue on the left; yours truly on the right (Personal Collection)

Felipe M

The following is a review of our musical concert/show series. We are a bit behind, but we will eventually catch-up--or die trying.

OCTOBER 27, 2011: THRICE PLAYS LIVE @ THE METRO, CHICAGO, IL

Thrice is clearly one of our favorite bands of all time. My friend Donny and I decided to go see them yet again and they put on another great show.  The setlist is as follows:

1. Yellow Belly
2. The Weight
3. Promises
4. All the World is Mad
5. In Exile
6. Call it in the Air
7. Hold Fast Hope
8. Silhouette
9. Cold Cash and Colder Hearts
10. Circles
11. Treading Paper
12. Words in the Water
13. Of Dust and Nations
14. Firebreather
15. The Earth Will Shake
16. Anthology

Encore:

17. Phoenix Ignition

18. To Awake and Avenge the Dead

Last time, I mentioned that I can die a happy man because I finally saw them perform "To Awake and Avenge the Dead." The only way the last show could've been topped was if they had played "Phoenix Ignition"--which they did on this show.

As you will see from the setlist, the majority is filled with songs from their Major/Minor album, released in 2011. I believe Donny went as far as calling it the album of the year for 2011. Not very sure about that statement as I can name a few more albums that might give Thrice a run for their money that year (Frank Turner, Chuck Ragan, Bomb the Music Industry, Thursday, August Burns Red, and Animals as Leaders might have a case for #1, but I digress). It's definitely a solid Thrice album and it's definitely a great album to finish out their career. 

That night we were distracted by the Texas Rangers vs. St. Louis Cardinals World Series, Game 6 match-up. Could easily be the craziest, most spectacular game I have ever seen and it definitely made David Freese a household name (and an adequate fantasy 3B for Draft Day 2012). So while the band played, we would periodically check the score of the game. 

By the time the show was over, we agreed that we would go watch the game at one of the local bars (in case you don't know, Wrigleyville (really called Lakeview) is like the whorehouse of Chicago neighborhoods: any kind of bar is there at your disposal).  One problem though: lead singer, Dustin Kensrue announced that he would be doing a short, acoustic set at an undisclosed location. We later found out that it was at one of the Wrigley Field parking lots. 

As we waited on Dustin to set up,we grew very impatient of waiting and decided to make a quick dash to a nearby bar to catch some of the baseball game. We both drank a beer and ran back out to the parking lot where Dustin was supposed to play.  And there he was, Dustin, equipped with an acoustic guitar and a money jar as he was playing for charity. 

That was a very intimate set as a small crowd of Thrice fans gathered on a chilly October night. Dustin played 4 songs as the jar was being passed around. To my surprise, fans were very generous in donating money. The four songs played were:

1. Come All You Weary
2. Stare at the Sun
3. Blood and Wine (from his solo album)
4. Hospital Beds (Cold War Kids cover)

Dustin finished the set and did a quick meet and greet with fans, signing autographs, and taking pictures. We waited for awhile, but then decided to run back to the bar to catch the last couple of innings of the Rangers-Cardinals game. It would prove to be one of the greatest comebacks, most exciting ball games I have ever witnessed. Every time the Cardinals looked like they were done for, BAM! CRACK! another clutch hit. Of course, they would go on to win the World Series in 7 games (repeating a similar comeback in that game as well). Nights like these, I wish I was a Cardinals' fan.  Oh well...

...we ran back to the Wrigley Field parking lot and there was Dustin, still shaking hands with a few remaining fans. While we waited for Dustin to take a few seconds with us, Donny and I were talking throughout the night about how ultra-religious Dustin is and how it's funny how a guy like me, with no current Christian or religious background can really enjoy their music without being offended.  I also mentioned to Donny that I can tell that the whole "being in a band and touring-thing" really was not that important in Dustin's life.  I also read an article on Alternative Press (December of 2011 issue to be on newstands display until December 5, 2011) where, in an interview, Dustin mentioned his role in charitable work and at his church in Orange County, CA. I shared with Donny my thoughts that I knew that something was going to happen with this band. 

Usually, when Christian bands, or bands where the members happen to be devout Christians, talk very passionately about their religious beliefs and bring attention to their work in their respective churches, you can pretty much bet that the band will either break up or go on indefinite hiatus (Slick Shoes and Subseven are examples I can think off the top of my head). On November 22, 2011, Thrice announced that they were taking a "break," but I knew a break-up when I read about one.

I'm beginning to think he signed my
ticket stub up-side-down (Personal Collection)

So I was explaining to Donny my "Jesus is more important than my band"-theory while we waited patiently for Dustin.  Donny was explaining to me about some book that he likes to use to dispel the thought processes of his atheist friends. I was wearing my Bad Religion t-shirt.  

Finally, my turn came up, and I was speechless. I believe I stammered something along the lines of, "I'm...uh...ummm... I mean.... such....good... thanks.... work....fan....music....like..." So I was star-struck, big deal!  Plus, the whole idea of Dustin being a devout Christian and me repping Bad Religion probably played in my head, but in the end, Dustin was a cool dude, very subdued. He took the time to take a picture with me and Donny and even signed my ticket stub. 

Seeing a great show with one of my favorite bands, watching an amazing baseball game, seeing Dustin play an unsanctioned show at a parking lot adjacent to Wrigley Field, and getting another autograph: nights don't get better than this folks....

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #95-91

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.

95. Jurickson Profar--SS--Texas Rangers

• 2012 Outlook: "Great strike zone recognition, but a couple of years away."
• 2012 Achievements: Played 9 games for the Texas Rangers; #1 Prospect in Texas League along with being named Best Defensive SS in TL.
• Conclusion: His great approach at the plate was evident in 2012 along with a high contact rate.  Has shown capable skills when it comes to getting on base.  Once he gets on base, he can be a major threat on the basepaths.  He may need to spend more time at the gym and try to bulk up a little, but Profar is on the right path to becoming a Major League regular.

94. Jonathan Schoop--2B--Baltimore Orioles

• 2012 Outlook: "Decent pop, but long-term player."
• 2012 Achievements: Added to the Orioles' 40 man roster; Played in Arizona Fall League where he posted stats of .270/.446/.429 and showed good approach at the plate; #14 Prospect in Eastern League; Best Power Hitter and Infield Arm in Orioles' system
• Conclusion: At 21, Schoop has a lot of growing up to do.  Since moving up from Rookie Ball, he has shown unimpressive power numbers and posted a pedestrian OBP%, while showing a mediocre approach at the plate.  On top of that, the O's are not sure what position he should ultimately play (has seen action at 2B, SS, 3B, and even LF). Despite all of his deficiencies, scouts are still fascinated by his potential and still believe that Schoop's power potential will eventually come to fruition.

93. Xander Bogaerts--SS--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Power for SS, but at 19, he's still years away."
• 2012 Achievements: Red Sox announced that Bogaerts will join team in 2013 Spring Training; #1 Prospect, Best Power Hitter, and Best Athlete in Red Sox farm system; #2 Best Prospect in Carolina League.
• Conclusion: OPS keeps increasing as he moves up in class, justifying reports of his immense power potential.  He is tall, but lanky so body is not fully developed.  His approach at the plate is a small flaw. Despite the Red Sox inviting him to Spring Training, they have been adamant in moving Bogaerts very slowly through their system so he remains a long-term project.

92. Mike Olt--3B--Texas Rangers

• 2012 Outlook: "Impressed in [2011] Arizona Fall League, but still needs to work on contact skills."
• 2012 Achievements: Appeared in 16 games for the Rangers; #4 Best Prospect in Texas League as well as the league's Best Power Prospect
• Conclusion: Despite being called up, Olt did very little to impress anybody while with the Rangers. He had a decent 2012 in the Minors, boasting a BB:K of .603 and displaying the power that has scouts chirping. He also played in Dominican League with mediocre results (.256 batting average).  However, probably the biggest news of the off season was probably the Rangers' interest in acquiring Justin Upton from the Diamonbacks. Rumors had Olt being traded to Atltanta for #96 ranked prospect, Andrelton Simmons and in turn, trade Simmons to D'backs for Upton.  Then again, if Arizona wanted Simmons, they would rather just trade for him straight up, no?  Either way, look for Olt to continue to spend a majority of his time in the Minors next season.

91. Delino DeShields Jr.--2B--Houston Astros

• 2012 Outlook: "Very fast, but at 19, long-term prospect."
• 2012 Achievements: #6 Prospect along with being the Houston Astros' Fastest Baserunner; #12 South Atlantic League's Best Prospect as well as being the league's Fastest and Best Baserunner. 
• Conclusion: DeShields reminds me of Dee Gordon as both players' have above-average speed.  Father was former big leaguer, Delino DeShields so pedigree is there. Young Delino also showed a lot more patience at the plate in 2012. He will probably not hit for power, but can certainly get on base.  Baseball America predicts that he will have to eventually move to centerfield.  Wherever he plays, the Astros look to have their leadoff hitter of the future in their system. 

Prospects #100-96 are available here.

Prospects #90-86 are now available. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #115-111

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012. To read the criteria of compiling this list, please click here. "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

115. Kyle Gibson--P--Minnesota Twins:

• 2012 Outlook: "Recovering from Tommy John Surgery"
• 2012 Achievements: Best slider in Twins' system; Participated in Arizona Fall League; Made AFL's Top Prospects' List
• Conclusion: This former top prospect showed dominating stuff in Rookie and High-A ball before hitting a wall in AAA. He still showed great control and respectable strikeout rate.  Has ability to induce groundballs. Might be ready to contribute for Twins by summer of 2013.

114. Tanner Scheppers--P--Texas Rangers:

• 2012 Outlook: "Battled back and control issues. Still needs to develop as a pitcher"
• 2012 Achievements: Fastball was named "Best" in Pacific Coast League; Played for the Rangers as a Relief Pitcher
• Conclusion: After years of high walk rates in the minors, he impressed the Rangers in AAA to call him up.  Unfortunately, he got lit up in the Majors despite a decent K/9 and K:BB. Will need to work on command if he wants to avoid being another, in a very long list of, disappointing pitching prospect for the Rangers. 

113. Michael Choice--OF--Oakland A's:

• 2012 Outlook: "High strikeout rate might cripple his growth, but long-term prospect at 22."
• 2012 Achievements: Participated in 2012 Future Games
• Conclusion: Was having a solid season in the Minors before breaking his hand. Still strikes out too much, but if he can keep them under control next season and keep posting numbers, he can improve his stock.

112. Chris Carter--1B/OF--Oakland A's:

• 2012 Outlook: "Power potential is there, but has low contact rate. Running out of time."
• 2012 Achievements: Played half the season for Oakland A's. 
• Conclusion: Still displayed low contact rate, but made up for it in high OPS. Looks to be an all-or-nothing hitter as he has cemented the fact that he walks half as much as he strikes out.  Strikeouts are way too high, but still an intriguing batter with size and ability to post high on-base%. Career arch reminds me of Brandon Allen (who will be playing overseas in 2013).

111. Michael Taylor--OF--Oakland A's:

• 2012 Outlook: "26, running out of time to turn his career around. Might make big league club as 4th OF."
• 2012 Achievements: Played 6 games for the Oakland A's in 2012.
• Conclusion: Once an up-and-coming prospect three years ago, the door might have officially closed on his big league career this season. Home run rate dropped, but made up by hitting more doubles and improving BB:K. Starting to look like a Quadruple-A player, but size and pedigree and the fact that the A's have been known to give their players ample amount of time and chances to develop is all that remains for this player. 

Players #110-106 are reviewed here.

Thanks to Baseball America, CBSsports, Through the Fence Baseball, and Baseball-Reference for providing content for this project.