PLAYING FOR KEEPS!

Johnny J

Must have been stepped on by a Celtics' fan.
(photo courtesy of Johnny J)

The time is 12:23 AM, New York time. The Knicks are probably just landing in Boston.  It only takes about an hour from New York to Boston.  The Knicks should be well-rested since they didn't play last night. Oh wait--they did!  They lost 92-86 in a sluggish performance, despite the fact that they were so confident about closing out the series.  Instead, they are now losers of  two in a row.  The reality is the Knicks can mess around and lose this series. No team in the NBA has come back from a 3-0 deficit  The Celtics are in a win or go home stage so they have nothing to lose. But for New York, this is too close for comfort as the Empire State already knows how it feels for Boston to win four in a row (see the Red Sox beating the Yankees, four games to three, in the 2004 American League Championship)

I was looking forward to seeing the Knicks win their first playoff series since 2000. Then it hit me: the Knicks are not taking this game seriously. Knicks center/power forward, Kenyon Martin, told the team to wear all black to the game--"funeral colors"-- signifying that they were ending the Celtics in game 5. As a Knicks' fan and a fan of sports, that is something you do not do.  Don't give this team any hope.  Don't give them any type of extra motivation.  That's unacceptable because this is not the regular season--it's the playoffs!  Everything is different! You don't see the Miami Heat going around saying stupid thinks like that. That's a championship team.  A team that stays poised.  A team that doesn't let any distractions get to them. They just go out there and get it done.  The Knicks are just showing when they get in the spotlight, they just can't smile and wave like the penguins from Madagascar. They have to stir up the pot.

The Celtics are playing for keeps.  You win a game and you hold on to it.  It seems like the momentum changed for Boston when J.R. Smith elbowed Jason Terry, which put him on his back.  After that, Terry has been on a tear, finally earning his $30 million dollar contract he signed in the offseason. Terry made 5 three-pointers on Wednesday. While Smith made a whopping one field goal. He missed his first 10 shots. It seemed like that one-game suspension made him rusty, like he lost his rhythm. A very disappointing night, for the acclimated sixth man, who said the series should have been over and that he should be playing golf somewhere. Hey Smith, do you have an 0-10 iron?

“This is a new group,” coach Mike Woodson said. “And what they’re learning is that in playoff basketball, anything is liable to happen. We have to save our energy and stay composed on the floor. If we play the way we’re capable of, we’ll be all right.”

Coach, just said it right there--STAY COMPOSED. Play your game.  Stop the Isolations to Carmelo Anthony as he forces dumb shots. The scoring champ is getting his points, but he's taking 30 shots to get it (summoning his inner, Allen Iverson. Former teammates--Ed). That's what you call ugly shooting. During the regular season, he was in Iso 26 percent of the time.  In the first round of the playoffs, that number jumped to 43 percent. In game 4, when Smith was suspended, it wen't to 49 percent. Message to Carmelo--TRUST your teammates!  You can't win championships by yourself.

The Knicks are the only team in the Eastern Conference that I believe can make life hard for the Heat. If the Knicks lose, it's safe to say Miami is coming out as Conference champs. In order for that not to happen, the Knicks have to stay cool. Play your style of basketball, minus the 50 percent Isos for Anthony. This is pressure time now. Keep the smart comments out of the media, at least until you hoist the trophy.

For more NBA content, click here. 

MAKING THE PITCH: Boston Red Sox

Jon Lester's 2013 projections suggest that he's no longer an elite starting pitcher.
(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. 

For our review of the Baltimore Orioles, click here. 

Let's take a look at the Boston Red Sox.

PROBABLE STARTING ROTATION

1. Jon Lester
• Good: K/9 OF 8.12 makes him an intriguing option to be a potential #1 or #2 starter on your rotation.  1.01 HR/9 shows he can limit the long ball.
• Bad: WHIP of 1.34 is affected by a high 8.87 H/9.  BB/9 of 3.20 is similar to Chris Tillman's. In terms of having a similar walk rate and K/9, Lester is close to emulating Bud Norris.
2. Ryan Dempster 
• Good: 8.39 K/9 is still good, no matter how old a pitcher might be.  1.04 HR/9 is still a pretty good indicator--along with a 3-year average Groundout/Flyball ratio of 1.2-- that he might still be good enough to keep the ball low in the strike zone.
• Bad: WHIP of 1.31 makes him less desirable.  3.25 BB/9 is manageable, but H/9 has to be lower.  Currently, he's projected to be over 8.5 in that category.
3. Clay Buchholz
• Good: 6.46 K/9 still makes him a somewhat serviceable pitcher.  HR/9 of 1.01, just like the previous two pitchers mentioned, show that he has the skill set to keep the ball low in the strike zone.
• Bad: Unfortunately, he might be locating the ball too low in the zone.  1.96 K/BB is close unusable in fantasy baseball.  1.35 WHIP makes him irrelevant.
4. Felix Doubront
• Good: 8.16 K/9 makes Doubront a sleeper for 2013.  
• Bad: 3.68 BB/9 raises his WHIP to 1.36.  Just like Buchholz, Doubront is teetering on the brink of irrelevance in fantasy circles.

CLOSERS

1. Joel Hanrahan
• Good: Hanrahan is expected to have a K/9 of 10.57.  Adequate K/BB of 2.96, H/9 of 7.0, and WHIP of 1.17 are similar to fellow closer, Chris Perez. HR/9 is a minute .71.
• Bad: 3.57 BB/9 is a tad high.  Other closers with similar BB/9: Chris Perez, Steve Cishek, and Greg Holland.

FANTASY ADVICE

The common theme with all the starting pitchers is that they are projected to have high WHIPs and BB/9 of 3.20+.  But what makes them intriguing options is that they can rack up the K's--even Buchholz. If you draft smart and not depend on the big names that these pitchers carry, they can prove to be very useful on your staff.  This cannot be reiterated enough: DON'T DRAFT THE NAME; draft the numbers.

More MLB content is available here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #20-16

Will Lonnie Chisenhall meet his potential and be a long-term
fixture at 3B for the Cleveland Indians?
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann)

20. Will Middlebrooks--3B--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Hits for power; might get called up in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: Garnered 267 at bats for the Red Sox.
• Conclusion: Unfortunately, Middlebrooks' season ended early last year due to a fractured wrist he suffered on August 10, 2012.  He posted a Major League Slash Line of .288/.325/.509 to go with 12 homeruns, but posted a dismal .19 BB:K.  He posted similar numbers throughout his career in the Minors (.276/.333/.454/.787) where he hit only 1 homerun every 30 at bats, but was able to show off his gap power as he hit 1 extra-base hit (minus homeruns) every 14 at bats.  He will definitely come back as the everyday 3B in Boston and is projected to hit between 3-6. 

19. Nate Eovaldi--SP--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Might make it to Big Leagues out of spring training, but needs more seasoning in Triple-A."
• 2012 Achievements: Made 22 pitching starts combined for the Dodgers and Marlins.



The Marlins were able to flip Hanley Ramirez for former
Dodger pitching prospect, Nate Eovaldi
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann)

• Conclusion: Eovaldi was traded to Miami in the deal that shipped Hanley Ramirez to L.A. His 2012 in the Majors is as follows: K/9 5.9; BB/9 3.55; K:BB 1.66; WHIP 1.51.  Just to have a basis of comparison, here are his numbers after 138 innings pitched in Double-A: K/9 8.4; BB/9 3.8; K/BB 2.19; WHIP 1.20.  He is supposed to have the inside track to start at the back end of the Marlins' starting rotation.  

18. Lonnie Chisenhall--3B--Cleveland Indians

• 2012 Outlook: "Competing for 3B job.  Described as a 'complete hitter.'"
• 2012 Achievements: Garnered 142 at bats with the Indians. 
• Conclusion: Missed about three months due to a right wrist injury after getting hit by a pitch.  He finished the 2012 Major League campaign with a BB:K of .30; .311OBP%; .430SLG%. Numbers at Triple-A were solid: BB:K .46; .282/.349/.458/.808.  Has inside track to to win 3B job with the Indians for 2013. 

17. Yonder Alonso--1B--San Diego Padres

• 2012 Outlook: "Competing for 1B job.  Numbers might suffer at Petco Park."
• 2012 Achievements: Played 155 games for the Padres last season.



Petco Park: where balls fly only to die and end up in
outfielders' gloves.
(photo courtesy of Felipe M.)

• Conclusion: Alonso will highly likely break camp with the Padres as the starting 1B.  That much is for sure.  How much will Alonso benefit from the fences being moved in at Petco?  It remains to be seen, but he can't be as bad as he was last season: 9 homeruns and 62 RBIs in his first full season with San Diego.  Based on his Triple-A stats, he should be able to produce big at the Major League level: .61 BB:K; .296/.364/.478/.842.  So he obviously does have the potential to be a big bat in the middle of the order.  The rest of his 2012, Padres, stats: .61 BB/K (not a type), .273/.348/.393.  Despite the weak SLG%, Alonso did hit 39 doubles last season (1 in 14 at bats).  Hopefully that's a positive sign that he can take advantage of a less, spacious Petco Park.   

16. Drew Pomeranz--SP--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Might win job out of spring training.  Can be effective."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 22 games for the Rockies, but was on a very limited innings count (finished with 96.2 IPs in 2012).
• Conclusion: Pomeranz not only struggled with the Rockies last season, but he was already struggling in Triple-A: 10 GS, K/BB 2.38; WHIP 1.52; BB/9 3.7; K/9 8.9; H/9 9.9.  Last season with the Rockies, he posted K/BB 1.80; WHIP 1.49; BB/9 4.3; K/9 7.7; H/9 9.1.  Somewhat similar numbers, but despite last year's struggles, the Rockies are still hoping that he can make it back to the Big Leagues as, at the very least, a #5 starter. 

To check out Mike McCann's "Field of Fotos" and check out other great baseball pics, click here.

Prospects #25-21 are available here.

Prospects #15-11 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: #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.

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #90-86

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.

90. Manny Banuelos--SP--New York Yankees

• 2012 Outlook: "21, hard thrower, but comes with control issues"
• 2012 Achievements: #8 Best Yankees' Prospect
• Conclusion: Banuelos only pitched in 24 innings last season which ultimately ended with him undergoing Tommy John Surgery in October and won't be back until 2014. Before he got hurt, Banuelos was said to have a good changeup, but was already having issues with control and command throughout his Minor League career.  He was becoming more hittable as he moved up in class as well.  

89. Jean Segura--SS--Milwaukee Brewers

• 2012 Outlook: "Great contact and adequate power.  Should make Majors by 2013."
• 2012 Achievements: #12 Prospect and Best Baserunner in Texas League. Played in Dominican League.
• Conclusion: Was involved in trade that sent Zack Greinke to the Angels.  Had Segura stayed in Anaheim, he probably would not have been called up in 2012.  But it only took Milwaukee 8 games in their farm system to call up the promising young shortstop. Despite looking overmatched in the Majors, the patience he displayed in the Minors streamlined fairly well in the Big Leagues. Segura's calling card is definitely his ability to get on base. He's expected to be the Brewers' starting SS in 2013.

88. Christian Yelich--OF--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Good gap power, but a couple of years away."
• 2012 Achievements: Made Arizona Fall League's Top Prospects' Team; #4 Prospect and Most Exciting Player in Florida State League.
• Conclusion: Standing at 6'4", but only 189 lbs, Yelich's baseball skills are not the only thing that he needs to develop. What he lacks in homerun production, he makes up for it in hitting doubles, but if he were to bulk up, those doubles could turn into homeruns, obviously. Could also improve his approach at the plate. Regardless, reports show that he probably won't make the Marlins until 2014, but with the Marlins seemingly willing to trade anybody under long-term contract on their roster, I wouldn't be surprised if Yelich makes the Big League club by summer of 2013. 

87. Jon Pettibone--SP--Philadelphia Phillies

• 2012 Outlook: "Throws hard with good command."
• 2012 Achievements: #19 Prospect in Eastern League; Was added to Phillies' 40-man roster in November
• Conclusion: Of all the Phillies pitching prospects, Pettibone was the closest to joining the Big League club, but not in 2012. His chances did not increase much for 2013. At 6'5", he has the size the Phillies are always looking for in their pitchers (i.e. Ryan Madson, Gavin Floyd, etc.). Has improved his K/9 since 2010, but high has only reached 6.8. What he lacks in "punch out power," he makes up for it in good command as evident by low walk rate and WHIP. Too soon to categorize Pettibone as a strikeout pitcher or a future "pitch to contact" hurler.

86. Matt Barnes--SP--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Might move up very quickly through Minors, but not play in Majors in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: #3 Carolina League Prospect; #3 Red Sox Prospect as well as having Best Fastball and Curveball in Red Sox farm system.
• Conclusion: Not to be confused with the NBA player.  After dominating Low-A, he struggled a bit in High-A ball.  Still was able to post great K:BB, K/9, and BB/9 rates. Aggressive style might be the reason why he became a bit more hittable in Hi-A as opposed to Lo-A (8.2 H/9 vs 4.0 H/9, respectively). Might spend another full year in the Minors in 2013. 

Prospects #95-91 can be viewed here.

Prospects #85-81 can be viewed here.

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.