You know that whole "he came to spring training in the best shape of his life argument?" Today's links can't believe the Phillies just bet $125M that Ryan Howard stays in that shape into his late 30's.
- The Florida Marlins are above .500 and have no reason to panic, but they also have Mike Stanton, the most dominant power-hitting prospect in the minor leagues, and three outfielders in the majors, none of whom have an OPS over .715. And after Stanton hit 5 home runs in a two-day span, the Marlins are going to have a tough time keeping him in the minors, says Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.
- John Sickles of Minor League Ball has a breakdown on prospects named Jackson, including Austin, Brett, Jay, Justin, and Ryan.
- Speaking of Austin Jackson, Lee Panas of Tiger Tales.com dives into just how rare of a start Jackson is off to, and how unlikely he is the Tigers' rookie can keep it up.
- Josh Jackson of MLB.com has his hitters and pitchers of the week for each minor league. Notable prospects honored in this week's edition include Mike Moustakas, Kyle Russell, Mike Montgomery, and Phillippe Aumont.
