MLB Prospect Watch

Reds Call Up Frazier

Todd Frazier, who made the Reds roster this spring only to be sent down when the team claimed Alfredo Simon off of waivers, has been recalled to Cincinnati, reports Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.  Frazier will take the place of Miguel Cairo on the roster, as Cairo heads to the disabled list.

Frazier has played primarily third base in the minors this season, but can also fill in at both corner outfield spots, or both first and second base.  His versatility will give Reds manager Dusty Baker the flexibility he needs as starters Scott Rolen and Brandon Phillips deal with minor injuries.

 

Blogs Track Teams - 4/16/12

• RaysProspects.com recaps the Rays system, including rough days at the plate for Jake Hager and Drew Vettleson.
• Bobby Bundy struggled in his latest start, says Orioles-Nation.com, who briefs us on the entire Birds system.
• Josh Bell had trouble making contact on Monday, notes Tim Williams of PiratesProspects.com, who has all the results from the Pirates system.
• Trey McNutt gave up his first run of the season, says The Cub Reporter, who catches us up on the Cubs system.
• Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com recaps the Reds organization, inculding Billy Hamilton's continued hot start and Todd Frazier's push for a call-up.
• TalkingChop.com discusses a busy day on the Braves farm, including a 3-hit day by Joey Terdoslavich, a rough outing for Zeke Spruill, and a strong start by David Filak.
• Oscar Taveras turned in a 3-hit day, says FutureRedBirds.net, who also breaks down the rest of the Cardinals system.

 

Blogs Track Teams - 4/9/12

• Orioles-Nation.com breaks down the Birds farm system, including a three-run homer by Manny Machado.
• Talking Chop.com discusses the day in the Braves organization, including a strong 2012 debut in Double-A for Andrelton Simmons, and a 3-error day for Joey Terdoslavich at third base.
• RaysProspects.com recaps the Rays results, including a double by Jake Hager.
• Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com recaps the Reds system, including multi-hit days for Didi Gregorius and Todd Frazier, and a steal for Billy Hamilton.

Roster Moves - Triunfel, Orioles, Frazier

• Carlos Triunfel, once thought to be a lock to move away from shortstop, will be starting there for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainers, and despite the luster having worn off of his prospect star over the years, it's important to remember that the Mariners youngster is still just 22 years old, says Larry Larue of The [Tacoma] News Tribune.  Triunfel may no longer be the team's shortstop of the future, but if he regains his promise at the plate, he could profile as a solid utility player in the majors.
• The Orioles plan to keep their top two position prospects, Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop, together for another year, despite the fact that both are natural shortstops, reports Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun.  Both will begin the year at Double-A, and Schoop will play primarily second base in difference to Machado.  Last season, Schoop saw time at third base as well as second when he was along side Machado, and filled in nicely at short when Machado missed time with an injury.  Connolly also notes that top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy will start his professional career in full-season ball, debuting at Low-A Delmarva.
• Despite being told that he had already made the team, the Reds optioned prospect Todd Frazier to the minors on Wednesday to create roster space for Alfredo Simon, says John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer.  Despite the disappointment for Frazier, the move was made based on who had minor league options left, which Frazier did.  He will play primarily third base in Triple-A, while also seeing some time in the corner outfield spots, and will almost certainly be back in the majors as soon as Scott Rolen needs to miss some time.

Roster Decisions - Corbin, Flaherty, Frazier

• Diamondbacks lefty Pat Corbin struggled in his final outing of the spring on Monday, but manager Kirk Gibson still left the door open for Corbin to not only make the Diamondbacks Opening Day roster, but to possibly sneak into the starting rotation, according to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic.  The Diamondbacks have already announced their starting rotation for the start of the season, but fifth starter Josh Collmenter has been terrible all spring, and the Diamondbacks have been auditioning pitching prospects, the strength of their farm system, all spring.  Corbin has been strong all spring and is the only pitching prospect left in camp.
• As expected, the Orioles announced on Monday that Rule V pick Ryan Flaherty would be on the Opening Day roster, reports Eduardo Encina of The Baltimore Sun.  Flaherty offers as much versatility as any utility player in the majors, having appeared at all four infield positions this spring, and both corner outfield positions.  For a utility player, the ability to play shortstop, even if just as a stop gap, offers additional value, as it keeps his team from having to keep a player specifically for the backup shortstop role.  In addition, Flaherty is a left-handed hitter, offering even more value as a pinch hitter.  If Flaherty hits at all, he could offer the Orioles a nice value from a Rule V pick.
• Todd Frazier entered spring training needing to perform well in order to make the Reds Opening Day roster, and that's exactly what he did, and that's exactly what has happened, says John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer.  Frazier's assent to the majors has stalled in Triple-A due to a combination of veterans blocking him at the major league level and manager Dusty Baker's perpetual reluctance to play young players.  Frazier offers almost as much versatility as Flaherty, with the ability to play second and third base (his best defensive position), as well as first base or either corner outfield position.  Frazier won't get every day playing time just yet with veterans blocking him in almost every spot, but with Juan Francisco now out of the picture, Frazier should get a chance to fill in at third base when Scott Rolen inevitably misses time.