MLB Prospect Watch

Prospect Potent Potables - Pederson, Michael, Cardinals

• The strength of the Dodgers farm system is clearly in their pitching, but they do have one legitimate hitting prospect in outfielder Joc Pederson, says Ray Guilfoyle of MinorLeagueBall.com.
• Twins 2011 first-round pick Levi Michael didn't play at all after signing last season, due to repercussions from injuries he sustained in his lower half while in college, notes Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, but he should be ready to go for the start of spring training.
• The Cardinals have made another international signing, inking Dominican LHP Erick Hurtado, reports Ben Badler of Baseball America.  Hurtado is a 6'3" 17-year-old who throws in the mid-to-high 80's.

Prospect Potent Potables - Tolleson, den Dekker, LaMarre, Astros Invites

• Shawn Tolleson has taken a long and winding road to the top of the minor leagues, but as Ken Gurnick of MLB.com points out, he might have never become a Dodger if it wasn't for the team's current ace, Clayton Kershaw.  Now, Tolleson profiles as a potential future closer.
• Mets OF Matt den Dekker discusses his development as a player with Michael Baron of MetsBlog.com, including how he is working to cut down his strikeouts and how he plans to steal more bases next season.
• Mark Sheldon of MLB.com discussesz the progression of Reds CF prospect Ryan LaMarre, including what LaMarre is doing to try to add a little more power to his game.
• The Houston Astros have announced their non-roster invites to spring training, says Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, a list that includes 1B Jonathan Singleton, 2B Delino DeShields, Jr., SS Jonathan VIllar, and OF's George Springer and Jake Goebbert.

Prospect Action - Halloween Weekend Wrap

Arizona Fall League

• Cubs prospects Junior Lake and Josh Vitters led the way offensively for the Solar Sox, as each homered.
• Marlins 3B Matt Dominguez hit his third homer of the fall to lead the Saguaros to an 11-0 victory.
• Dodgers OF Kyle Russell hit a go-ahead homer in the top of the 9th inning to lead his Rafters to a 4-3 victory, and spoil a good start by Nationals P Sammy Solis.

 

 

Prospect Action - 10/26/11

Arizona Fall League

• Mariners P Danny Hultzen gave up just one earned run (on a solo homer) in 3 2/3 innings, striking out five in his Javelinas 7-6 loss.  A's OF Grant Green hit a home run in the 10th inning that proved to be the game winner.
• Pirates P Gerrit Cole also tossed 3 2/3 innings, allowing just an unearned run and striking out four, picking up his second win of the AFL season.  Twins OF Aaron Hicks hit his third homer of the AFL season, a three-run shot, in support of Cole.  After a horrendous start to the fall, Nats OF Bryce Harper has now hit in seven straight games, including a three-run shot yesterday, his second of the fall season.
• The Rafters hammered out 15 hits, including multi-hit games by Astros OF Jay Austin, Diamondbacks OF Adam Eaton, Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado, and Dodgers OF Kyle Russell, among others.

Dominican Winter League

• Wilin Rosario hit his fourth homer of the winter season, leading his Aguilas Cibaenas to a 5-2 victory.

Venezuelan Winter League

• Brewers OF Caleb Gindl hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning, to spoil a shutout, but it wasn't enough, as his Leones del Caracas fell 5-2.

 

 

Prospect Action - 10/14/11

• The Rafters outlasted the Desert Dogs 7-5, despite an 11-hit attack, including two by Blue Jays OF Anthony Gose in the loss.  Dodgers SS Jake Lemmerman continued to struggle in the victory, notes Jared Massey of LADodgerTalk.com.
• Pirates P Gerrit Cole got touched up for three earned runs in 2 1/3 innings in his professional debut, but touched 100 MPH, reports Ashley Marshall of MLB.com.  Cole's Rafters fell to the Saguaros 16-8, behind a 4-for-6 day at the plate by Rays SS Tim Beckham, RaysProspects.com points out.
  • Tim Williams of PiratesProspects.com has more on Cole's debut, and why it was better than the numbers suggest.
• The Javelinas were victorious thanks to two home runs by Padres 3B Jedd Gyorko.  Teammate Jaff Decker homered as well in the 14-5 blowout.