MLB Prospect Watch

Prospect Potent Potables - Orioles, Montero, Frazier

• The Orioles have been linked as possible trade candidates with just about every low-end veteran that's reportedly on the trading block, but as Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun points out, they don't have a lot to trade that they're willing to part with.  Connolly mentions Xavier Avery and L.J. Hoes as the only realistic trade pieces among the Orioles top prospects.  If the team can't get significant return or significant improvement in an area of need (which, for those prospects they probably can't), then I don't see how a trade makes sense.  The Orioles aren't close to competing in the AL East, and giving up a prospect with any kind of upside for a marginal starter or middle reliever isn't the way to build long-term.
• Jesus Montero's power potential is even more valuable now than it would have been a decade ago, which is why the Mariners were willing to part with such a young, talented pitcher in order to get him, says Larry Stone of The Seattle Times.  Stone quotes scouts that even say that young position players are becoming more difficult to develop than young pitching, which, if true, and given the Mariners staple of young pitchers, makes the move a good fit for the Mariners even more.
• Todd Frazier's best chance to make the Reds roster this spring is his versatility, but the team has signed other versatile players Wilson Valdez and Willie Harris, potentially bocking Frazier's path, notes Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.  While Valdez and Harris have veteran experience, Frazier can duplicate all of their versatility in one player, and has more power potential than either one.  At 26, if Frazier isn't ready for the majors, he may never be.
• I wrote a piece for MLB Depth Charts discussing which of the top prospects in the game will make their team's Opening Day roster, including Montero, Matt Moore, Bryce Harper, Jacob Turner, Shelby Miller, Mike Trout, and Trevor Bauer.

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.

Blogs Track Teams - 6/24/11

• PineTarPress.com reports on the Royals farm system and a mediocre start by Tim Melville.
• Orioles-Nation.com checks in with a report on the Birds system, including Jonathan Shoop's first game in the Carolina League along side Manny Machado.
• Jarred Massey of LADodgerTalk.com discusses the Dodgers farm system, including a rough day at the plate for Kyle Russell.
• Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com writes about the Reds, including Todd Frazier's 3-hit day.
• Tim Williams of PiratesProspects.com discusses an up-and-down start for Kyle McPherson and other Bucco prospects.
• Steve Foster of InsidetheRockies.com makes mention of multi-hit days for Tim Wheeler, Nolan Arenado, and Kyle Parker, and other Rockies results.
• RaysProspects.com discusses Justin O'Conner's solo homer from Thursday, and other Rays prospect results.

 

Blogs Track Teams - 6/21/11

• Tim Williams of PiratesProspects.com recaps the action from throughout the Buccos farm system, including a solid outing by Quinton Miller.
• FutureRedbirds.net discusses another dominant start by Shelby Miller, and other results from the Cardinals system.
• Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com makes mention of a homer by Todd Frazier, more hot hitting from Zack Cosart, and the rest of the Reds results.
• Steve Foster of InsidetheRockies.com writes about the Rockies farm system, and another multi-hit day for Darin Holcomb.
• Jarred Massey of LADodgerTalk.com dishes about Trayvon Robinson's 16th home run of the season and other Dodger doings.

 

Blogs Track Teams - 5/13

• Tim Williams of PiratesProspects.com highlights the Pirates evening on the farm, including a solid outing by Zack Dotson.
• Orioles-Nation.com checks in with updates on the O's farm system, inculding a three-hit day for Jonathan Schoop.
• Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com mentions a big night for Todd Frazier with a double and a homer, and other Reds results.
• Jared Massey of LAdodgertalk.com talks about two more hits for Dee Gordon, and other Dodgers doings.
• Larry Stone of The Seattle Times breaks down the Mariners farm, including the red-hot Carlos Triunfel.