MLB Prospect Watch

Reds Updates - Brackman, Cozart, Alonso, Frazier

• The Cincinnati Reds have signed former hometown hero and current minor league free agent Andrew Brackman, reports John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
• Rookie SS Zack Cozart, who had Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing elbow last August, should be healthy enough to compete for the Reds starting SS position this spring, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
• J.J. Cooper of Baseball America discusses the blocked paths to the majors for most of the Reds hitting prospects, especially Yonder Alonso and Todd Frazier.

Brackman Cut Loose by Yankees

Thanks to a major league contract signed after being drafted in 2007, the New York Yankees had an option of renewing the contract of Andrew Brackman going into the 2012 season.  The Yankees declined that option on Tuesday, making the 6'11" righty a free agent, reports Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

John Sickels of MinorLeagueBall.com has a scouting report on Brackman from the time he was drafted until the present, while Mike Ashmore of ThunderBaseball.com chronicles Brackman's travels through the Yankees farm system.

We'll have more on Brackman when he signs with a new organization.

 

Prospect Acton - Hernandez, Cowgill, Brackman

• Carlos Hernandez had a rough day on the mound on Tuesday, as the Oakland A's pitching prospect allows six home runs in 3 1/3 innings reports The Sacramento Bee .
• Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Collin Cowgill hit for the cycle on Tuesday notes Daren Smith of MLB.com.
• New York Yankees pitching prospect Andrew Brackman fell apart in the sixth inning of his latest start, throwing two wild pitches and giving up four runs and walking three reports Richard Rosenblatt of the Charlotte Observer .

 

Injury Updates - Brown, Hellickson, Brackman

• Domonic Brown had surgery to repair the hamate bone in his right hand today, and while he should be out for 4-to-6 weeks, he could be swinging a bat again in two, says David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News.  It is unknown where the Phillies will place the rookie right fielder upon his return, as Brown had been struggling mightily this spring before the injury.
• Jeremy Hellickson threw a bullpen session on Sunday that included 34 pitches, and his balky hamstring gave him no issues, putting him on track to appear in his first spring game for the Rays this Friday, reports Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
• Andrew Brackman faced hitters over the weekend, and his next appearance could come in a game for the Yankees, says Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
• Orioles pitching prospect Brandon Erbe is still working his way back from surgery he had last August to repair his torn labrum, and hopes to be back by mid-season, reports Jeff Zrebiec of MLB.com.
• Anel de los Santos, a catcher in the Angels farm system, will miss 8-to-10 weeks with a torn thumb ligament, reports Lyle Spencer of MLB.com.

 

Prospect Potent Potables - Pomeranz, Royals, Elbert

• Drew Pomeranz made it look easy pitching for the Indians in relief on Sunday, striking out three batters in two perfect innings of work, notes Bud Shaw of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• John Lamb and Will Smith are impressing people in Royals camp this spring, says Dick Kaegel of MLB.com.
• Scott Elbert was held out of game action over the weekend while he works on some mechanical issues by throwing batting practice to Dodgers hitters, reports Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
• Andrew Brackman is trying to prove to the Yankees that he can be a part of their pitching solution, says Caulton Tudor in the Boston Herald.