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Sunday, March 7, 2021

CJ Abrams Could Be A Potential Superstar (San Diego Padres, 2B)

A few days ago I wrote about who I thought were the next generational talents in baseball. After watching a few spring training games I am adding CJ Abrams to this list. I think this kid has a star quality in addition to his baseball ability. His personality is perfect for the cameras. Right now the power is not there but he hits the ball hard and I could see a 20 home run player in the future. I think he is a few years away but I am expecting big things soon. 

Link to Stats via Fangraphs

Spencer Torkelson Scouting Report (Detroit Tigers, 1B/3B/DH)

Age: 21 (8/26/1999)

Bats/Throws: R/R

Height/Weight: 6'1/220

Position: 1B/3B/DH

Team: Detroit Tigers

Drafted: Round 1, Pick 1, 2020 MLB Draft


Top Card: 2020 Bowman Draft Baseball 

Base Auto Price (Subject to Change) - 
$600-$1000

2020 Stats: Did not play.

Torkelson was the best hitter in college baseball at Arizona State University. He broke Barry Bonds freshman HR record. The combination of contact and power tools made him pretty much a lock to go one overall in the draft. In addition to his on field skills, Spencer has great makeup and leadership skills. 

Conclusion: Torkelson possesses 80 grade power with the ability to make contact. The high tool grades that he possesses has caused his card prices to skyrocket upon the release of 2020 Bowman Draft. My thought is that these prices are appropriate despite the delay of his pro debut. I expect him to be one of the better power hitters in baseball and move quickly through the minors. When a player's hitting ability is this good, the defensive ability does not matter and will not impact card prices. Due to the high price of his 1st Bowman Auto, non-auto cards may have to be explored if looking for affordable options.   

Wander Franco Scouting Report (Tampa Bay Rays, SS)

Age: 20 (3/1/2001)

Bats/Throws: S/R

Height/Weight: 5'10/189

Position: SS

Team: Tampa Bay Rays

Drafted: July 2nd Period, 2017 from Dominican Republic

Top Card: 2019 Bowman Baseball 

Base Auto Price (Subject to Change) - 
$1000+ 

2020 Stats: Did not play.
 
Wander Franco seems to be the perfect prospect. He has hit at every level showing an advanced approach at the plate. Wander is a tough out and seems to not have too many holes in his swing. He hits the ball hard and seems to be on the path of being a MVP candidate. His K rate has never been over 10% since his pro debut. 

Conclusion: It seems that across the industry there is no debate that Wander Franco is the number one prospect in baseball heading into the 2021 season. In previous years a prospect in Tampa Bay would get limited attention. These days market location does not matter. Franco's debut will be well covered and the Rays will be competitive. Its just a matter of time before his card prices explode even more. I expect him to make an impact immediately and hit for some power. Due to the high price of his 1st Bowman Auto, non-auto cards may have to be explored if looking for affordable options.   

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

The Best Information Source for MLB Prospecting

Every year (2019 and 2020) I make sure to mention the Baseball America Prospect Handbook. The 2021 edition of the book has been released. It is easily the best tool you can use to help you with prospecting. I encourage everyone seeing this message to look into buying a copy. The book has full scouting reports for every team, grade tools and other fun facts.