Taylor Lindsey is our choice for top Angels prospect at the mid-way point of the 2013 season
By David Saltzer, Scott Stedman and Chuck Richter
With the Angels reaching the midpoint of the season, and most of the Minor Leagues having played their All-Star Game, we at AngelsWin.com are proud to present a midseason report for the Los Angeles Angels Top-50 Prospects. Rather than just presenting an update on each player on our Top-50 Prospects List from before the 2013 season, we tried to give fans a sense of how players are moving on the depth chart within the organization.
In looking at the Angels organization, there’s no denying that it has several weaknesses. Overall, the bulk of the talent is at the lower levels. There’s not much help at Triple-A, and while there is some strong talent at Double-A, it’s at least a year or more away from producing in the Major Leagues.
In terms of pitching, particularly starting pitching and lock-down closers, the organization is lacking. Due to some injuries, it is devoid of power arms. But, all that may change. The Angels went heavily after pitchers in the 2013 draft, and AngelsWin.com did not include them in our Midseason Report because we have yet to evaluate them. Many of them, such as Hunter Green, will appear in our 2014 Los Angeles Angels Top-50 Prospects list this winter.
Additionally, we did not include many of the Dominican Academy players who are just now making their way over to the United States. Although some do appear on here, we expect several of them to move up the list as we have a better opportunity to see them in action and get updates from our contacts about their performance.
Many players throughout the organization are starting to move levels. As such, our midseason report lists the most current team for that player. And, the stats will continue to move as we used the most recent stats for the player as of June 29, 2013.
As fans, it is easy to get caught up in all of the organizational rankings by the national magazines. And, while we at AngelsWin.com readily admit that the Angels’ organization does not have the level of talent that it had a few years ago, we also want to make clear that the Angels do indeed have prospects who will become solid players and contributors at the Major League level in the next few years. We have talked with scouts from every organization and they are aware of and have scouted many of the players on this list and they have given praise to several of these players. Excluding Triple-A, which has yet to announce their All-Star roster, the Angels placed 13 players in Minor League All-Star games (8 at Double-A, 3 at High Single-A, and 2 at Low Single-A). So, even with a low organizational ranking, Angels fans should not despair. There is still a future within this organization.
1. Taylor Lindsey 2B – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
.271/.330/.457
DOB: 12/02/1991
Not yet 22, Taylor Lindsey is responding nicely to the challenge of Double-A ball. When the Angels drafted him in the 1st round of the 2010 draft (37th overall), they liked his bat and thought he’d develop some power. That power is now showing at AA, where he has hit 11 HR in just 76 games—2 more than he had all of last year in 134 games! With some improvement to his defense, Lindsey could develop into a legitimate #2 hitter for the Angels and a solid contributor within the next 2 years.
2. Randal Grichuk OF – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
.251/.312/.472
DOB: 08/13/1991
Like Lindsey, Randal Grichuk is very young for the league and is making the adjustments to separate him from the pack. As the pick before Mike Trout, expectations were lofty for the outfielder and it looks as if he is beginning to realize some of his potential. Grichuk’s solid first half puts him in the top 10 in Total Bases in the Texas League. Recently, a scout that AngelsWin spoke to likened Grichuk to Jason Bay (the good Jason Bay) and feels they have a similar skill set. Grichuk figures to get his first MLB action soon, perhaps next year, but his long-term path to a starting role remains cloudy.
3. Kaleb Cowart 3B – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
.218/.285/.320
DOB: 06/02/1992
Although Kaleb Cowart’s struggles have made headlines in the first half, scouts still agree that he is one to keep as they believe he will be a productive major leaguer one day. Just barely 21, the switch-hitting third-baseman profiles as a middle-of-the-order hitter if he can refine his left-handed stroke. From the right side, Cowart has a .295/.368/.459 line. Defensively, Cowart possesses an above average arm and he handles the hot corner well. Cowart needs some time to make the adjustments to his level, but is still a known commodity to all opposing scouts and very highly regarded.
4. Alex Yarbrough 2B – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
.316/.343/.503
DOB: 08/03/1991
After a solid but unspectacular 2012 with the Cedar Rapids Kernals, Alex Yarbrough has burst onto the scene with a remarkable 2013 first-half. Yarbrough, a 4th round selection in 2012, is leading the California League in hits (98) and second in Total Bases (154). He has a smooth stroke from the left-side and projects to have gap-to-gap power. At second-base, Yarbrough has made strides but his range is just average. If he continues to hit the way he has, Yarbrough has a chance to climb to the top of the prospect list.
5. Mark Sappington SP – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
3.97 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 90.2 IP, 41 BB, 73 K
DOB: 11/17/1990
Mark Sappington wowed scouts in Spring Training with his fastball reaching the upper 90s and his large presence on the mound. In April, he dominated High-A with his power fastball, tight slider and occasional changeup, with a solid presence on the mound. Since then, his control has eluded him somewhat but he still holds the key for long-term success as a starter. He looks to be about two years away from a possible big league debut.
6. R.J. Alvarez P – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
2.62 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 34.1 IP, 16 BB, 54 K
DOB: 06/08/1991
R.J. Alvarez was the Angels first selection in the 2012 draft, a 3rd round pick out of Florida Atlantic University. He features a hard and heavy fastball, low to mid 90s as a starter, and touching upper 90s as a reliever. His slider is already plus and his changeup has shown much promise. Although Alvarez got a couple starts in the first-half, his future remains as a possible lock-down closer. Most likely the starts are to get him extra innings to accelerate his progress.
7. Kole Calhoun OF – Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A)
.345/.420/.570
DOB: 10/14/1987
With a glut of outfielders ahead of him, Kole Calhoun has done everything possible in Triple-A to breakthrough to the big leagues—even working out at 1B. Not only is he keeping his OPS above 1.000, his defense is improving, now in the 65-70 range on the 20-80 scouting scale. All five of Calhoun’s tools are at least average with his speed, defense and bat a tick above average. Calhoun’s future remains cloudy, as it would likely take some sort of trade for him to get regular playing time at the Major League level.
8. Eric Stamets SS – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
.289/.356/.365
DOB: 09/25/1991
A scout recently compared Eric Stamets to Angel-great David Eckstein in that they are both grinders with similar skill sets. In fact, Eckstein’s 2002 slash line in which he was voted 11th in the MVP race, is nearly identical to Stamets’ 2013. Stamets, like Eckstein, has minimal power but makes up for it with a solid hit tool, plus speed and an understanding of the strike zone. Defensively, Stamets profiles as a Gold Glover. The sky is the limit for Stamets—it all depends on how much his bat develops.
9. Mike Morin RP – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
1.76 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 41 IP, 5 BB, 45 K
DOB: 05/03/1991
In what appears to be another valuable pick from the 2012 draft, Mike Morin has blossomed into a top 10 prospect as a reliever, which is tough to do. He possesses a fastball in the low 90s with an average curveball and nearly unhittable changeup. His control is impeccable. Recently promoted to Double-A Arkansas, Morin profiles as a set up man, possibly for the aforementioned R.J. Alvarez.
10. C.J. Cron 1B/DH – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
.288/.329/.421
DOB: 01/05/1990
Drafted in the 1st round in the 2011 draft, expectations were sky high for C.J. Cron with scouts drooling over his power. Cron was at High-A in 2012 and had a solid but unspectacular season, drawing disapproval from his critics for his extremely low walk rate. The low walk rate has stayed low in 2013, but he is still maintaining a good hit tool even though his power has diminished. Scouts still like Cron’s power in the long-run but he is struggling to show it in-game.
11. Zach Borenstein OF – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
.315/.357/.613
DOB: 07/23/1990
Zach Borenstein has really put his name on the Angels’ radar this season with his incredible display of power. Currently, Borenstein ranks 2nd in the league in slugging and 3rd in home runs. Now, he is nursing a strained hip flexor and is on the DL now but it should not keep him out much longer. All of his tools presently check-in at average with the exception being his power at above average. Like any other outfielder in the system, Borenstein will have trouble becoming a starter in this organization due to the pure number of players ahead of him on the depth chart.
12. Reid Scoggins SP/RP – Burlington Bees (Low Single-A)
3.98 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 40.2 IP, 23 BB, 46 K
DOB: 07/18/1990
Reid Scoggins was a high-risk, high-reward 13th round pick in 2012 with reports that he was touching triple digits on the gun. This year, the Angels have tried to stretch him out as a starter, although it looks his future remains in the bullpen. If he returns to the bullpen his track to the major leagues would be much quicker considering his power stuff.
13. Luis Jimenez 3B – Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A)
.297/.343/.422
DOB: 01/18/1988
After a brief stint with the Angels, Luis Jimenez proved he has the ability to provide a spark to any dugout and lineup that he is in. Jimenez, now 25, is above average at third-base with a very strong throwing arm. His bat will decide his future. If the gap-to-gap power that he has shown in the minors develops in the majors, he could possibly be a starter in the future, or with more work at 1B, a backup corner infielder.
14. Cam Bedrosian RP – Burlington Bees (Low Single-A)
6.25 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 36 IP, 15 BB, 40 K
DOB: 10/02/1991
In the beginning of 2013, Cam Bedrosian was back as a starter nearly 2 years removed from Tommy John surgery. He continued to struggle in that role, so he was moved to the bullpen where he has since improved and reaffirmed his status as a true prospect. In the bullpen, Bedrosian has logged 31 innings with a 3.19 ERA and 37 strikeouts, walking just 9. Still young for his division, Bedrosian has time to develop into top 10 prospect.
15. Matt Long OF/2B – Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A)
.301/.399/.476
DOB: 04/30/1987
Like Kole Calhoun, Matt Long is another underappreciated and underrated player. He doesn’t have any one tool that sticks out, but is a solid player across the board. A capable outfielder, able to play all OF positions, Long went back to playing 2B in 2012 in order to make himself more versatile. Long is capable of providing depth at either position, and could have a Major League future in a bench role.
16. Nick Maronde RP – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
4.54 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 33.2 IP, 131 BB, 38 K
DOB: 09/05/1989
Last year saw Nick Maronde have a meteoric rise from a starter in Single-A all the way up to pitching out of the pen in the Major Leagues. He was one of the fastest players from the 2011 draft to reach the Major Leagues. However, this year, Maronde has struggled with his velocity and command, resulting in more walks allowed. Maronde has only allowed 25 hits and only 3 HRs so far, so when he is on, he is keeping the batters off-balanced. If Maronde’s velocity returns, and he can consistently get back to getting strike one on hitters, he will return to the Angels’ bullpen in the future.
17. Sherman Johnson 3B/2B – Burlington Bees (Low Single-A)
.239/.363/.338
DOB: 07/15/1990
A leadoff hitter, Sherman Johnson has walked more times in his professional career than he has struck out (90 BBs vs. 89 Ks in 115 games). In addition to playing the infield, Johnson has played some games in the OF to become a jack of all trades. As such, he has value down the road as a super-utility player, where having a great approach at the plate will help.
18. Travis Witherspoon OF – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
.216/.300/.349
DOB: 04/16/19879
After raking with the IE66ers in the first half of 2012, Witherspoon earned a promotion to Double-A where he struggled in the second half. Those struggles continued for most of this year, although there are signs that he is pulling out of it (he has a .280/.364/.347 line with 8 SBs for the month of June). Witherspoon still profiles as a 4th/5th OFer with speed, capable of playing all the OF positions. However far he goes will depend on his bat, especially with the crowded outfield in the Angels organization.
19. Michael Snyder 1B – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
.275/.321/.493
DOB: 06/17/1990
Originally drafted as a 3B, Snyder was moved to 1B last year, and has only played that position on the field this year. Snyder has a long swing that generates a lot of power. His 20 2Bs have him tied for 4th in the Cal League and his 13 HRs have him tied for 9th. For a big guy (6’4”) Snyder moves well, having plated 3 triples both last year and this year. Snyder will need to improve his plate discipline to move through the logjam that the Angels have at 1B.
20. Mike Piazza SP/RP – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
3.60 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 60 IP, 26 BB, 67 K
DOB: 11/24/1986
After a very good 2012 for the Travelers last season, Piazza returned to the team in 2013 and has put up the same great numbers. In regards to his body stature and mechanics, Piazza draws up memories of Matt Palmer. Since the end of May, Piazza has been starting, which will help him develop as a long-man/spot star type pitcher.
21. Abel Baker C – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
.273/.330/.406
DOB: 10/26/1990
For those old enough to remember, the “C” for Abel Baker stands for Catcher, not Charlie. Offensively, Baker has slightly increased his power and OB% this year, even though that has resulted in more Ks. Defensively, Baker throws out just over a 1/4th of all opposing base stealers, and handles the pitching staff well. With catchers taking longer to develop than other players, Baker is still on the development curve and is the top catching prospect in the organization.
22. Jeremy Berg RP – Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A)
3.13 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 46.0 IP, 11 BB, 37 K
DOB: 07/17/1986
With the Angels’ bullpen being the way it has been this year, it is very frustrating to see Jeremy Berg not getting a shot in the Majors. In his 5 years as a pro, Berg has a career 3.07 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 8.4 K/ 9 IP, 3.77 K:BB ratio, 2.2 BB/ 9 IP, and has only allowed 0.5 HR/9 IP. The knock on Berg has been his velocity, which sits in the upper 80s. But, as a sidearm/submariner, that works, especially with all of his breaking pitches that he can locate in any count. Adding Berg to the bullpen would give Scioscia an entirely different look, which with the way the bullpen has been, would be a breath of fresh air.
23. Austin Wood SP – AZL Angels (Low Rookie/Rehab)
4.15 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 21.2 IP, 12 BB, 18 K
DOB: 07/11/1990
Out of action with arm injuries since May 7th, Austin Wood has yet to retake the mound while on rehab with the AZL-Angels. Wood was a high risk/high reward pick, with upper 90s heat and raw control. When Wood recovers, he will need to still work on his mechanics, especially making a repeatable delivery. With a career average of over 5 BB/9 IP, Wood needs to attack and finish off more hitters—converting more BBs into Ks. When he does, he has the chance to be one of the true power arms in the organization.
24. Michael Roth SP – Los Angeles Angels (Major Leagues)
3.61 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 47.1 IP, 18 BB, 31 K
DOB: 02/15/1990
Angels fans already got a look at Michael Roth earlier this season, and are getting a second look at him right now. Roth is a soft-tossing lefty who generates success and groundouts by keeping hitters off balance. His changeup is a plus pitch, and he can command his offspeed pitches well, especially against lefties. With Scott Downs a FA after this season, Roth has a future role in the bullpen.
25. Joey Krehbiel RP – Burlington Bees (Low Single-A)
4.11 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 30.2 IP, 19 BB, 31 K
DOB: 12/20/1992
One of the few HS players taken in the 2011 draft, Joey Krehbiel was transitioned from 3B to the mound in his first professional season. Since then, Krehbiel has been developing into a solid reliever with a fastball, curve, and changeup arsenal. At 20 years old, Krehbiel has a chance to fill out more and add a little to his velocity. A flyball pitcher, Krehbiel will need to work more on keeping the ball down and away from lefties, who have provided most of the damage against him this season.
26. Eduard Santos RP – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
2.64 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 44.1 IP, 16 BB, 50 K
DOB: 07/11/1990
As mentioned above, the Angels are finally bringing over their first big wave of talent out of their Dominican Academy. Signed at age 18 in 2008, Eduard Santos has filled out and throws low-90s heat, with developing secondary pitches. With the Angels in need of bullpen arms, Santos has a chance to move fast as he adjusts to pitching in America and at the higher levels.
27. Pedro Toribio 2B/SS – Burlington Bees (Low Single-A)
.300/.333/.350
DOB: 07/21/1990
Pedro Toribio is a switch-hitting infielder who fits into the typical mold that the Angels have developed over the years. Skinny, athletic, with plus range, speed, and arm, Toribio is still raw, but developing. A good contact hitter, Toribio needs to work counts better to give his speed a chance on the basepaths. And, while he has plus speed, he needs to get better reads and jumps to be more successful (8 CS in 24 attempts).
28. Alex Keudell SP – Burlington Bees (Low Single-A)
3.04 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 76.0 IP, 22 BB, 52 K
DOB: 02/25/1990
After being drafted by the Rays in 2012, the Angels picked up Alex Keudell after he was released at the end of last year. Keudell, the Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year for the University of Oregon relies on a funky side-arm delivery that generates upper 80s and occasionally 90 mph heat. Keudell generates success by throwing plenty of offspeed pitches to keep hitters off balance. While doing well as a starter for now, AngelsWin.com believes that Keudell could have more success as a reliever down the road, relying on the offspeed pitches to generate more ground balls.
29. A. J. Schugel SP – Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A)
6.43 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 84.0 IP, 32 BB, 71 K
DOB: 06/27/1989
Although the PCL is known for being a hitter’s league, A. J. Schugel has been struggling in 2013. While his walk rate is not up, and his K rate is not down, the number of hits he’s allowing, especially homeruns, is way up. Last year, Schugel gave up 117 hits in 140.1 IP, including 9 HRs, whereas this year, Schugel has already given up 84 hits including 11 HRs in just 84.0 IP. The good news is that Schugel has a “young” arm, having been converted into a pitcher after being drafted. However, Schugel will need to work on keeping the ball down in the zone with more movement to have success in the Major Leagues.
30. Jose Rondon SS Orem Owlz (High Rookie)
.286/.394/.393
DOB: 03/03/1994
Not yet 20, Jose Rondon has looked comfortable in the Pioneer League at the plate and at shortstop. Physically imposing, Rondon is smooth in nearly everything he does with plus-plus baseball instincts and makeup. His swing is free and quick and shows promise for power considering his body type. Some see him as a third-baseman down the road but he has enough range to stay at shortstop for now. The only thing keeping Rondon from the top part of this list is the lack of games he has played. After this season, the Venezuelan may shoot up the list, as his potential is off-the-charts.
31. Kramer Sneed SP – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
3.12 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 66.1 IP, 20 BB, 64 K
DOB: 10/07/1988
Although old for the California League, Sneed, who was acquired for Vernon Wells, has put up a great season for the 66ers. His stuff won’t wow you but he gets outs and he is a living, breathing lefty which helps his cause tremendously. He profiles as a possible long-man out of the bullpen.
32. Pat Lowery SP – Burlington Bees (Low Single-A)
3.83 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 56.1 IP, 30 BB, 28 K
DOB: 04/02/1990
Lowery features a high 80s fastball that generates a lot of ground ball outs. His control escapes him often and couple that with not a lot of strikeouts and it isn’t a good combination. Lowery may end up in the bullpen.
33. Kevin Johnson RP – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
2.41 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 33.2 IP, 7 BB, 16K
DOB: 08/19/1988
Kevin Johnson is a big left-handed reliever that, similarly to Lowery, gets outs but doesn’t feature the big stuff that other prospects do. His strength is getting and keeping hitters off-balanced throughout an at bat. AngelsWin sees Johnson as a possible LOOGY (Lefty-One-Out-Guy).
34. Eswarlin Jimenez SP – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
5.24 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 68.2 IP, 19 BB, 35 K
DOB: 11/27/1991
After a stellar 2012, Jimenez flew to #10 on our prospect list for his ability to keep the ball low in the zone and keep batters off the bases due to the lack of walks. This year, the walk rate is up and the strike out rate is down. To reestablish himself, Jimenez must locate his low 90s fastball better and keep his off-speed pitches down.
35. Zach Wright C – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
.233/.338/.306
DOB: 01/10/1990
Zach Wright supplied surprising power for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in Low-A last year as a catcher, slugging over .400. But this year, the power has inexplicably disappeared even though he has moved to league easier on hitters. One thing has remained, though: Wright’s stellar plate discipline which will aid him in the future.
36. Michael Cisco RP – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
2.51 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 32.1 IP, 10 BB, 25 K
DOB: 05/23/1987
Acquired from the Phillies in Spring Training for… nothing, Cisco has been one of Arkansas’ best relievers. His fastball sits in the 90-92 range but his secondary stuff can be iffy at times. His plus command will only help him going forward.
37. Tyler DeLoach SP – Burlington Bees (Low Single-A)
3.60 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 15 IP, 5 BB, 16 K
DOB: 04/12/1991
DeLoach was a 26th round selection in 2012 mainly due to his large size, 6’6” 240, and the fact that he was a lefty with three pitches. While his fastball remains fringy, his curveball has shown to have a large amount of depth.
38. Joel Capote OF – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
.240/.315/.297
DOB: 12/08/1989
The Angels decided to push Capote this year to accelerate him to a more age appropriate league. So far it has proven to be a struggle for the outfielder. When on, Capote has slightly above average speed, and can play all three outfield positions, but with the crowded Angels outfield, will have to improve with the bat to earn a backup OF job.
39. Drew Heid OF – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
.266/.358/.372
DOB: 12/14/1987
Drew Heid has always had a good eye throughout his stops in the minors and he also plays a solid defense. As a left-handed bat, Heid profiles as a possible 4th or 5th outfielder. He plays the game the right way and isn’t afraid to get dirty.
40. Daniel Tillman RP – Inland Empire 66ers (High Single-A)
5.84 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 12.1 IP, 10 BB, 11 K
DOB: 03/14/1989
After struggling with Arkansas in the beginning of the season, Tillman was placed on the DL for an undisclosed issue. Since rehabbing in AZL, Tillman seems to have regained his form. When he is on top of his game, Tillman throws a heavy fastball with a sweeping slider that generates a lot of strikeouts. Recently assigned to the IE66ers, Tillman looks to be getting his season back on track.
41. Yency Almonte SP Orem Owlz (High Rookie)
8.64 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, 8.1 IP, 3 BB, 5 K
DOB: 06/04/1994
Just barely 19, Almonte had a good enough spring to earn a spot in the Owlz rotation. He has a very fluid and repeatable set of mechanics which is rare in a young pitcher. His fastball and curveball have the potential to be plus pitches. Almonte is another player who has the possibility of really jumping up this list in a year or two.
42. Jett Bandy C – Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)
.237/.306/.368
DOB: 03/26/1990
There’s not much separating Jett Bandy from Abel Baker in terms of catching depth within the organization. Bandy is a few months older than Baker and playing at Double-A. Baker is left-handed, Bandy is a righty. Both show power and hitting skills. Both have earned praise from their pitching staff for their solid work behind the plate. Both could develop into serviceable catchers in the Major Leagues.
43. Mike Clevinger SP – AZL Angels (Low Rookie/Rehab)
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DOB: 12/21/1990
Clevinger was a 4th round pick in 2011, and is still recovering from Tommy John surgery from nearly a year ago. When healthy, his fastball is in the low 90s and he has a solid curveball. His future may be in the bullpen.
44. Matt Shoemaker SP – Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A)
4.80 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 108.2 IP, 19 BB, 90 K
DOB: 09/27/1986
With simple mechanics and knack for pin-pointing location, Shoemaker has proved very valuable as an anchor in the Bees rotation. Last year he added a cutter to his repertoire. Earlier this week, the Angels turned down a trade of Shoemaker to the Mets, so they must see value in his work. Shoemaker is likely one of the next players on the list on the Angels depth chart.
45. Victor Alcantara SP Orem Owlz (High Rookie)
16.20 ERA, 3.60 WHIP, 5 IP, 5 BB, 3 K
DOB: 04/03/1993
Alcantara has raw mechanics and very powerful but wild stuff. His fastball can reach the upper 90s and he also throws a slider with a ton of movement. The most likely scenario is that Alcantara shifts to the bullpen and focuses on controlling his stuff for one inning.
46. Kody Eaves 2B – Orem Owlz (High Rookie)
.200/.222/.343
DOB: 07/08/1993
Eaves was a 16th round pick last year and immediately moved from the hot corner to second base. His left-handed swing is very linear and he produces a lot of torque in his swing which profiles well as he moves up.
47. Nataneal Delgado OF – AZL Angels (Low Rookie/Rehab)
.125/.118/.188
DOB: 10/23/1995
Delgado was given the biggest bonus out of the Dominican last year for the Halos as he flashed plus power from the left-side in practice and training. He has a sound approach and creates plus bat speed with his aggressive swing. Time is on Delgado’s side.
48. Gabriel Perez SP – AZL Angels (Low Rookie/Rehab)
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DOB: 06/03/1991
One of the biggest arms with 2011 DSL championship team, Perez had a terrific 2012 with the Orem Owlz. However, now injured, Perez has not been able to join a team yet this season. He has a powerful fastball and very advanced changeup. When healthy, Perez figures to join the Burlington Bees.
49. Daniel Hurtado SP/RP – Orem Owlz (High Rookie)
1.69 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 5.1 IP, 3 BB, 3 K
DOB: 07/25/1992
Tall and lanky, Hurtado creates great downward action on his 88-91 fastball. While his off-speed stuff remains fringy, Hurtado could really grow with more innings in the States.
50. Ivan Melo SP – AZL Angels (Low Rookie/Rehab)
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DOB: 07/21/1994
Yet to debut in the United States, Melo has been raved about by scouts for his huge curveball and ability to throw any pitch at any time. Currently on the DL, Melo will begin to play in games for the AZL Angels within the next month.
