MLB Prospect Watch

Making Moves - 5/5

Baseball America has released their weekly transaction list from the previous week, which mentions a few minor DL transactions that snuck though the cracks, including:

• Matt Antonelli of the San Diego Padres to the 60-day DL because of surgery on his hamate bone, one day after being recalled.
• The Blue Jays put Travis D'Arnaud on the DL with a "tweaked back."
• Notable names returning from the DL include Reese Havens (NYM), Andrew Brackman (NYY), and Adrian Cardenas (OAK).

Not mentioned because it just happened today was a transaction by the Atlanta Braves that saw them promote reliever Craig Kimbrel to take the spot in their bullpen vacated by Kris Medlen, who will be replacing injured starter Jair Jurrjens in the rotation, reports Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  Kimbrel had been in a spring training battle for the last spot in the Braves' bullpen, but lost out to Jesse Chavez.  Kimbrel had 6 saves in Triple-A this season, and had struck out 21 batters in 15 innings, while walking only 5.  He had a 1.20 ERA.

Prospect Potent Potables - 4/11

Happy Strasburg/Chapman Day!

• Despite the lack of excitement and production from their current first base duo, the New York Mets have no plans to promote first base prospect Ike Davis, reports Dan Martin of the New York Post.
• Matt Antonelli was able to take batting practice on Friday for the first time since injuring his hamate bone in his hand, reports Corey Brock of MLB.com.
• Michael Brantley is making the adjustments necessary to be successful with the Indians, notes Mike Scott of MLB.com, but he had better make them before Russell Branyan returns and cuts into his playing time.
• And not to be overshadowed by the two biggest-name prospects making their professional debuts today, let's not forget about one prospect making a historic jump to the majors. Mike Leake was ready for his professional debut for the Cincinnati Reds today, notes Tom Groeschen of the Cincinnati Enquirer, and was effective in 6 2/3 IP, despite surrendering 7 walks.

Position Battles Won/Lost by Prospects

As Spring Training winds down (Opening Day is one week away!), we are starting to see the conclusions to many of the position battles that have taken place this spring.

• Despite being a favorite of his manager, Justin Maxwell was unable to make the Nationals' 25-man roster, large in part to his .102 batting average this spring, notes Bill Ladson in his MLB.com blog.
• Gaby Sanchez beat out Logan Morrison for the Marlins' first base spot, reports Joe Frisaro in his MLB.com blog.  Morrison will open the season in Triple-A.
• In Braves' camp, Craig Kimbrel is still in a battle for the remaining spot in the team's bullpen, according to Mark Bowman in his blog on MLB.com.
• Matt Antonelli wasn't exactly battling for a roster spot this spring, but a strong March performance has at least put him back on the prospect radar, notes Corey Brock of MLB.com, and perhaps also back in the Padres' future plans.

Prospect Performances - 3/10

Everyone has seen Stephen Strasburg's performance by now, but other prospects got to play too, ya know...

• Jeremy Hellickson struck out all four batters he faced against the Orioles on Tuesday, reports Bill Chastain of MLB.com.  Despite Hellickson's obvious talent, the Rays' rotation doesn't have any openings for the 22-year-old, but his performance certainly gave the Rays a glimpse of what his power arm could do in the back of their bullpen.
• Buster Posey finally got a chance to start for the Giants behind the plate and excelled, says Chris Haft in his MLB.com blog.  He also went 2-for-2 with a home run.
• Jason Heyward has been hitting everything in Braves camp this spring, and that includes the outfield wall, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com.  The top prospect collided with the wall trying to rob a home run on Tuesday, and had some soreness the next day.  he sat out only as a precaution.
• Matt Antonelli is getting some hits this spring for the Padres, something which he hasn't done consistently for the past two years, reports Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Padres' Antonelli on His Last Chance?

Three strikes and you're out doesn't just apply to the count at the plate.  In baseball, sometimes it applies to the chances you get to prove your worth.

If that's the case, Matt Antonelli has two strikes on him.  After having been one of the most highly touted prospects in the San Diego Padres farm system before the 2008 season, Antonelli has put up back-to-back disappointing seasons.  In 2008, he lost his swing completely.  In 2009, he struggled and battled injuries.

Now, as the Padres are in the process of rebuilding, Antonelli is in camp with what may be his last chance to regain his prospect status, reports Corey Brock for MLB.com.  The second baseman reported to camp early and says his swing is back to where it was in 2007.  While the big leagues may be a stretch for now, Antonelli is trying to show the Padres that he's still a valuable player.  Look for him to head back to Triple-A for a third time to see if he can get it right and, if successful, perhaps join the Padres mid-season.