MLB Prospect Watch

Best and Worst - Thursday 2/26

Every day throughout Spring Training, MLBPW will take a look at the best and worst performances among prospects.  Here are today's worthy candidates:

THE BEST

• Freddie Freeman (ATL) - 1-2, HR
• Nolan Reimond (BAL) - 2-2, HR, 4 RBI, BB 
• Travis Snider (TOR) - 1-3, HR
• Matt LaPorta (CLE) - 2-3, HR (off Dan Haren) 

THE WORST

• Jordan Schafer (ATL) - 0-3, K
• Jason Donald (PHI) - 0-3, K
• Trevor Plouffe (MIN) - 0-3, K

Early Returns on Prospects in Spring Training

There's not a lot of action around Spring Training yet with the first exhibition games slated to begin tomorrow, but that hasn't stopped a few prospects from making a good first impression.

• Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times reports on Tim Beckham’s first big-league camp at the age of 19.  Not much substance here, but some interesting comments from Rays’ Manager Joe Maddon regarding Beckham’s improved strength and bat quickness from his post-draft workout to now, two very important details for a teenage prospect.

• La Velle E. Neal III of the Minnesota Star Tribune comments on the additional playing time available for many Twins prospects thanks to many of the Twins’ veterans’ participation in the World Baseball Classic.  Specifically the article focuses on the possibilities for Trevor Plouffe and Luke Hughes, among others.

• Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram reports some high praise from Rangers insiders for 2008 first-round draft pick Justin Smoak, comparing his switch-hitting abilities to the likes of Mickey Mantle and Mark Teixeira at the same point in their respective careers.  One interesting note in the article mentions that Smoak took Neftali Feliz (the Rangers’ top pitching prospect) deep during a live batting practice session.  That’s good and bad news for the Rangers.

• John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer discusses the Reds vacant 5^th starter spot, mentioning prospects Matt Maloney and Daryl Thompson as having an outside chance at the position behind the likes of Micah Owings, Homer Bailey and others.

40-Man Roster Additions: American League

Yesterday, we listed the players added to the 40-Man Roster of National League teams.  Here are the American League additions:

Baltimore Orioles

• Brad Bergesen (P), David Hernandez (P) and Chorye Spoone (P), Wilfrido Perez (P) and Nolan Reimold (OF)
  

Boston Red Sox

• Felix Doubront (P), Hunter Jones (P) and Mark Wagner (C)
  

New York Yankees

• Michael Dunn (P), Anthony Claggett (P), Christian Garcia (P), Steven Jackson (P), Wilkins de la Rosa (P)and Eric Hacker (P).
  

Tampa Bay Rays

• Jake McGee (P), Dale Thayer (P), and Wade Davis (P).
  

Toronto Blue Jays

• Ricky Romero (P), Luis Perez (P), and Robert Ray (P).
  

Chicago White Sox

• Brandon Allen (1B), Jon Link (P), Jhonny Nunez (P), and Clevelan Santeliz (P).

Minnesota Twins

• Anthony Swarzak (P), Brian Duensing (P), Drew Butera (C), Wilson Ramos (C), Luke Hughes (3B), Deibinson Romero (3B), Trevor Plouffe (SS), Steven Tolleson (2B), and Armando Gabino (P).
  

Detroit Tigers

• Wilkin Ramirez (OF), Casper Wells (OF), Alfredo Figaro (P), Guillermo Moscoso (P) and Zach Simons (P).

Kansas City Royals

• Henry Barrera (P) and Brayan Pena (C)
  

Cleveland Indians

• Chris Gimenez (C), Carlos Santana (C), Trevor Crowe (OF), Jeff Stevens (P) and Hector Rondon (P).

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

• Anthony Ortega (P), Mark Trumbo (1B), and Rafael Rodriguez (P).
  

Oakland A's

• Ryan Webb (P)
  

Texas Rangers

• Jose Vallejo (2B), Omar Poveda (P), Willie Eyre (P) and John Bannister (P).
  

Seattle Mariners

• Greg Halman (OF), Steve Kahn (P), Gaby Hernandez (P) and Marwin Vega (P), and Michael Wilson (OF).