MLB Prospect Watch

Link: Tabata Older Than Reported?

Well...no one's quite sure.  The Pittsburgh Pirates say they are confidant in the accuracy of OF prospect Jose Tabata's reported age, but they are also very much aware of the speculation that he may be as many as 3 years older than reported, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.  Pirates GM was quoted as essentially saying that he is aware of the rumors, but that there is not enough evidence for them to worry.

The difference between 21 and 24 years old may not seem like a lot, but when it's in regard to a player whose value lies primarily in his potential development, those 3 years become extremely relevant.  A large part of what makes Tabata such an attractive prospect (and why he was the main piece in return for Xavier Nady in their 2008 trade with the New York Yankees) is the power that most scouts think he will eventually develop.  These kinds of developments can be assumed with players who are young for their age (Tabata was in Double-A as a 21 year old in 2009).  If Tabata is actually 24, it is less likely that he will continue to develop and his performances at each level look less impressive.

Link: ETA of Mike Stanton

The Florida Marlins may be spending a little more money these days, but they will never approaching their roster assembly with the same open wallet of their National League East counterparts the Phillies and Mets.  So even with a growing payroll, the Marlins will always be reliant on young talent.  Luckily, they have one one of the best young talents in all of baseball.

Outfielder Mike Stanton has as much, if not more power than any prospect in the minor leagues, and Alex Pedicini from The Hardball Times breaks down how Stanton has used that power thus far in his professional career.  

Pedicini estimates that Stanton will arrive in Miami sometime in late 2011, but I expect it to be sooner.  Stanton will likely start the 2010 season in Double-A, and if he has success there, a mid-season move to Triple-A and a September call-up could certainly be in store for the young slugger.  If the Marlins are still in the race and need to add a bat at the deadline, but don't want to add salary, Stanton could provide an inexpensive answer.

Link: Bucs' Walker Ready to be Flexible

Neil Walker is a local kid, so it's no wonder the former first round pick is willing to do whatever it takes to stay with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  That includes moving anywhere on the diamond, reports Chick Finder of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  Originally drafted as a catcher and eventually switched to third base, the Pirates have entertained the idea of moving Walker to second base or a corner outfield position as well.  Walker is currently blocked by Andy LaRoche at 3B in Pittsburgh, and has the Pirates top prospect Pedro Alvarez nipping at his heels.

Walker will have a chance to make the team out of Spring Training in a utility role, depending on how well he adjusts to his multiple new positions.

Link: Josh Thole, Met Fan Favorite

The New York Mets' catching situation is tenuous at best, which may result in catching prospect Josh Thole getting a chance to play every day behind the plate in 2010.  This may please Mets' fans, as evidenced by this pro-Thole write-up by The NY Hot Corner, a Mets blog that likes the gritty style of Thole's game.  And while true baseball fans typically find themselves rooting for guys like Thole who make the most out of their limited abilities, play hard, choke up on the bat and don't strike out, Thole's lack of power production of any kind may ultimately limit his ability to be an every-day player.

Thole did hit .321 in his brief major league call-up last season, adorning himself to Mets' fans, but he has yet to play in Triple-A, so he may need a little more time in the minors.  Of course, with the Mets' next best option being Omar Santos, Thole may get his shot sooner than expected.  This will be an interesting position battle to watch in Spring Training, and MLB Prospect Watch will keep you posted all Spring long.

Link: More Posey Discussion

What started as speculation has now been confirmed by San Francisco Giants' brass, as general manager Brian Sabean was quoted by Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle as saying that top prospect, catcher Buster Posey, would get a look at some infield spots in Spring Training.  Posey was expected to compete for the starting catcher spot until the surprising re-signing of Bengie Molina for another year.