MLB Prospect Watch: Zeke Spruill

Zeke Spruill

Jacob Turner may be the front-runner for the last spot in the Tigers rotation this spring, but Jason Beck of MLB.com reports that there are "five or six" others that will be competing for that same spot, including fellow prospects, Drew Smyly, Casey Crosby, and Andy Oliver.
Zeke Spruill doesn't have a chance to make the Braves rotation this spring despite a strong bounce back season in 2011, but TalkingChop.com points out that Spruill seems to have put his maturity issues behind him, and should start the season just a step away from the majors.
The Yankees have announced their non-roster invites to spring training, reports Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Prospects include pitchers Manny Banuelos and Graham Stoneburner and catcher Gary Sanchez, among others.

We know Mike Trout is one of the Angels best three outfielders heading into the 2012 season, but Chris Cwik of FanGraphs.com outlines why that may not matter when it comes down to whether or not Trout makes the Opening Day roster.
Another top-5 prospect battling for a potential starting outfield gig is Bryce Harper in Washington, and while unlike Trout, an argument could be made for Harper getting a little more seasoning in the minors, Nats manager has already come out and said he wants Harper to make the team, points out Dave Cameron of FanGraphs.com, who lays out the potential costs of making such a move.
The Cubs have announced that they will be opening up a new facility in the Dominican Republic, reports Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. It will be the largest facility in the D.R. Despite current contributions from players like Starlin Castro and Carlos Marmol, the Cubs have not been huge players in Latin America in the past decade, choosing to spend the majority of their international budget in the Pacific Rim, especially Taiwan.
The Atlanta Braves have announced the rest of their spring training non-roster invites, with Sean Gilmartin and Zeke Spruill leading the way for the pitchers, and catcher Christian Bethancourt, third baseman Joey Terdoslavich, and shortstop Andrelton Simmons rounding out the hitters, reports TalkingChop.com.

Martin Perez struck out 10 batters in 7 2/3 innings of work, which are both career highs for the Rangers left-handed pitching prospect, notes John Parker of MiLB.com.
Brad Hand took a no-hitter into the sixth inning on Monday night, reports The Florida Times-Union. That was the good news from the Marlins farm system, but the bad news came in the form of Tom Koehler, who walked five and gave up three earned runs in just two innings of work, notes Jimmy Smith of The Times-Picayune.
Jonathan Shoop extended his hit streak to 15 games, reports TheShoreBirds.com, as the Orioles prospect filled in at SS for the injured Manny Machado, who has now missed 11 straight games. Shoop was originally a SS prospect, but was moved to third base to accommodate the team's top prospect.
Anthony Rizzo blasted two more home runs on Monday, says Andrew Pentis of MiLB.com, giving the Padres prospect 12 on the season.
Rays RHP prospect Chris Archer gave up three runs in five innings of work, but struck out seven, reports The Montgomery Advertiser.
Braves prospect Zeke Spruill struck out five in a complete game shutout, says Ashley Marshall of MiLB.com.
In a possible preview of a Yankees-Red Sox rivalry of the future, Gary Sanchez homered off of Anthony Ranaudo, one of two homers the Sox right-hander would allow.