MLB Prospect Watch: Bradley Emaus

Bradley Emaus

Michael Pineda appears close to claiming a spot in the Mariners starting rotation, and that has a lot to do with the development of his change-up this spring, according to Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times.
With the demotion of Justin Turner, Rule V draft pick Brad Emaus appears to be in line to be the Mets Opening Day second baseman, reports Andrew McCarron of the New York Daily News.
Scott Elbert took another step closer to claiming a job in the Dodgers bullpen, pitching on back-to-back days for the first time this spring, says Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
Tim Collins has been nothing short of impressive this spring, and is one of just two lefties in competition for a spot in the Royals bullpen, notes Dick Kaegel of MLB.com.
The Braves will use Craig Kimrbel as a closer, but he will share the role with Johnny Venters, notes TalkingChop.com.

Nick Franklin may not look like a power hitter, but his performance in the Midwest League as a teenager last season put the Mariners shortstop prospect in some powerful company, notes Greg Johns of MLB.com.
Jesus Montero isn't giving up on battling for the Yankees starting catcher job, despite the presence of Russell Martin, Jorge Posada, and Francisco Cervelli ahead of him on the depth chart, says Brian Costello of the NY Post. But given the team's need for another starting pitcher, John Harper of the NY Daily News suggests that this might finally be the season GM Brian Cashman gives in and trades the top prospect. All of this in spite of more and more reports, like this one on TYU, that suggest that Montero may not be destined to make a position change after all, thus further enhancing his value.
It's no secret that Domonic Brown struggled in his brief taste of the majors, but despite numerous theories as to why, David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News reports that Phillies hitting coach Greg Gross claims to have Brown's problems solved.
Brad Emaus could fill any number of roles on the Mets roster this season, but the Rule V draft pick has his own opinions on where he likes to play, notes Matthew Cerone of MetsBlog.com.

Allen Craig spent time in left field and first base last year in the minors, only to come to the majors and see the majority of his time in right field, and even a small one-inning cameo at second base, as the Cardinals attempted to get the 25-year-old prospect's bat into the lineup. With Lance Berkman joining the team to take one corner-outfield spot, and Matt Holliday and Albert Pujols firmly entrenched in the other corner spot and first base, respectively, Craig will be shifting back to his original third base position this spring were the major league situation is much less settled, reports Derrick Gold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Bradley Emaus should be a main competitor in the Mets open competition for their starting second base job this spring, says Michael Diaz of MetsBlog.com, who compares the Rule V draftee to his competitors.
Drew Pomeranz signed too late to make an official professional debut in 2010, but Indians Prospect Insider has a introduction to the Indians LHP prospect to get you ready for the highly anticipated start of his minor league career.

The Colorado Rockies will be holding a one-week mini-camp for prospects who are recovering from injury, including catcher Wilin Rosario and pitcher Christian Friedrich, reports Jack Etkin of InsidetheRockies.com.
With the signing of Russell Martin, the Yankees have officially blocked Jesus Montero's path to the everyday catching job, leaving EJ Fagan of TYU wondering what the best option is for the big hitting prospect. The Yankees have more than just Montero to consider when it comes to young talent, and Frankie Piliere of FanHouse.com suggests that now might be the time for an influx of youth, including pitching talents such as Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, and Andrew Brackman.
The New York Mets will apparently have an open competition for their second base job, according to Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog.com who quoted manager Terry Collins in the article. Included in that competition will be Rule V draft pick Brad Emaus, who the team selected from the Blue Jays and can play second or third base. Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News also reported on Collins' comments.

Arizona Fall League

An 18-run, 22-hit offensive outburst by the Solar Sox provided more than enough run support, as everyone in the starting lineup had a hit and four players had three hits or more.
It took the Rafters 10 innings to dispose of the Desert Dogs, as Surprise scored two runs in the top of the 10th of of George Kontos to help Chance Ruffin earn his first AFL win and allow Danny Duffy to pick up his first AFL save.
Dustin Ackley continued to be an on-base machine in the Javelinas 7-4 victory over the Scorpions Tuesday as he reached three times in five plate appearances, raising his AFL on-base percentage to .563. The game also saw Brandon Belt's first game action since fouling a ball off his foot on October 22nd. Belt went 1-for-5 and struck out three times in the game.

Venezuelan League

The Tigres del Licey posted 16 hits and seven runs, including a 2-for-3 day by Red Sox short stop prospect Yamico Navarro, who started at third base on Tuesday.
The Toros del Este put up 11 runs behind a 4-for-4 day at the plate by Bradley Emaus, which included two doubles. On the losing side, the Gigantes del Cibao featured Josh Reddick who went 3-for-4 and Francisco Peguero, who went 0-for-5.