MLB Prospect Watch

Position Battles - Oliver, Scheppers, Teheran and more

• The Detroit Tigers rotation is all but set entering Spring Training, so Andy Oliver will likely start the season back in Triple-A, says John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press, but that doesn't mean we won't see him in the majors at some point this season.
• Tanner Scheppers received a non-roster invite to Texas Rangers camp, where they will continue to stretch him out as a starting pitcher, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, who also adds the stipulation that Scheppers could be used as bullpen help should the Rangers feel they have the need.
• Julio Teheran received his first big-league camp invite this year as well, but has virtually no chance of making the club this spring as the Braves will be very patient with their top pitching prospect, notes Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
• Lucas Duda is competing for a spot on the Mets major league roster, but according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, Duda is destined for Triple-A where he will split time between first base and the outfield.
• White Sox GM Ken Williams sees pitching prospect Chris Sale in the team's bullpen this season due to need, but is having prepare as a starter nonetheless, says Scott Merkin of MLB.com.
• Despite being invited to Astros camp, Koby Clemens has been told he'll likely start the season in Triple-A, reports Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
• The Orioles plan to develop Wynn Pelzer as a reliever, says Roch Kubatko for Baseball America.

 

 

Prospect Potent Potables - Farquhar, Lynn, Espinosa

• Danny Farquhar is new to the A's organization, so AthleticsNation.com has a scouting report for their fans so they know what they're getting.
• The Royals farm system is among the best in baseball, but as KingsofKauffman.com points out, it's their depth that's even more impressive than top prospects Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer.
• The Cardinals system isn't nearly as deep as the Royals, but FutureRedbirds.com takes a look at Lance Lynn, one of the pitching prospects in the system who could be in St. Louis soon.
• Wynn Pelzer looked impressive out of the bullpen this fall, says David Driver of ExplopreHoward.com, and Pelzer could reprise that role this season, eventually in Baltimore.
• Danny Espinosa is set to have hand surgery today to repair what appears to be an old injury, reports Bill Ladson of MLB.com, but it shouldn't keep him from holding on to the Nationals starting second base job that is his to lose entering Spring Training.
• After a uninspiring regular season, Dustin Ackley exploded in the Arizona Fall League, winning MVP honors, reports Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times, and now has his sights set on the Mariners second base job this spring, says Greg Johns of MLB.com. 

 

 

Notable Prospect Performances - 6/12

Let's take a look at some of the best and worst performances from the guys who are allowed to use their hands...

• A pair of Angels' pitching prospects shined on Friday night, as Tyler Chatwood won his 7th straight California League game, says Daren Smith of MLB.com, and Garrett Richards allowed just one hit over 6 innings of work, reports John Parker for MLB.com.
• Orioles' 1B prospect Brandon Snyder was 2-for-3 with a homerun and two stolen bases while Zach Britton, the team's best pitching prospect still in the minors, allowed just one run in 6 innings, lowering his ERA on the season to 2.84, reports Dean Jones, Jr. of the Baltimore Sun.
• Kyle Gibson has now had two rough starts in a row, after allowing 5 ER in 5 IP on Friday night.
• Lonnie Chisenhall has been hot lately, homering in his second straight game and in three of his last four.
• Mike Moustakas hit his 14th homerun of the season in game 1 of Friday's double-header, but it is his only hit in his past 4 games.  He's still batting .345 on the season, however.
• After a hot start to the season, Padres' pitching prospect Wynn Pelzer has struggled with his command of late, walking 12 batters in his past two starts, including 5 on Friday night.
• Grant Green has been proving his 1st round worth lately, blasting his 4th home run of the season on Friday, and batting .442 over his last 10 games.

Notable Prospect Performances - 5/20

• Michael Bowden's prospect status continues to slip, as he gave up two more home runs last night, reports Jim Hodges of the Providence Journal.  That's 8 surrendered on the season for Bowden and it's looking more and more like his role will ultimately be in the Red Sox bullpen.
• A's pitcher Carlos Hernandez threw 5 perfect innings to out duel Rangers' stud prospect Martin Perez.  It wasn't exactly a duel, however, as Perez was rocked to the tune of 7 earned runs in 3 1/3 IP.
• Aroldis Chapman rebounded nicely from his roughest start as a professional, throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out 7, reports Guy Curtright of MLB.com.  Chapman was forced to leave the game with a blister, but John Fay didn't seem to worried and the Reds are "hopeful" he won't have to miss a start.
• Brett Jackson has stayed hot and has displayed the skills more of a leadoff than a run producer, which isn't a bad thing.  In fact, as Matt Swain of Wrigley Bound says, it could get him to Chicago by next summer.
• I'm a little late getting on the Wynn Pelzer bandwagon, but he's making a strong case for me to join.  His latest persuasion included 5 no-hit innings, but I'm still a little skeptical.  It's not exactly a good sign when 46 of 83 pitches for a strike is noteworthy.  Sure is tough to ignore that 0.79 ERA though...
• We certainly have made notice of Julio Teheran's dominance this season, and that's not about to stop now that he's in High-A ball.  Teheran's impressive season continued in his first start after the promotion, notes Ben Badler of Baseball America, who also takes note of fellow Braves' fireballer Randall Delgado.