Saturday, June 24, 2017
Los Angeles Dodgers OF Alex Verdugo - Buy Immediately
Alex Verdugo is currently on a 13 game hit streak in AAA and 5 years younger than the league average. He is batting .455 in his last 10 games. Verdugo has a 10.4% walk rate and a 9.3% K rate to go along with 14 doubles, 3 triples and 3 home runs on the season. These stats indicate a high level of plate discipline that you want to see in a major league hitter. In my opinion, there is a strong chance that prices could reach Bellinger/Seager levels in the future. I expect a callup to the majors in 2018 (possibly 2017) and I expect Verdugo to rake. The power numbers are not a concern as home run power is the last skill to develop. As I stated on Twitter previously, Mike Trout only hit 23 home runs in his minors career and Verdugo has hit 25. What is scary is that when you compare both players minor league statistics they are very similar. Am I saying that Verdugo is the next Trout? NO. What I am saying is Verdugo is an advanced hitter with 20-30 HR potential with a 70 rated arm. Time is running out so do not wait to invest. Verdugo's cards can still be bought for decent prices.
Link to Stats via Fangraphs
MLB Prospect Alerts & Updates
As we approach the All Star break, I would like to provide some updates and thoughts on various events happening in the minor leagues. As always feel free to send me a message on the blog or on twitter if you have any questions.
New York Yankees - Dustin Fowler - Back in 2016 I recommended you invest in Fowler. If you bought at that time you are in good shape. Prices have doubled. You hope he would increase his walk rate in the future but the talent is legit.
Oakland Athletics - A.J. Puk - A.J. Puk is now a STRONG BUY. Scouts were initially skeptical but Puk has delivered. He is the lefty that Oakland needs.
Cleveland Indians - Will Benson - I will be watching Will Benson closely as short season begins. Can he cut down on the strikeouts?
Boston Red Sox - Jay Groome - If you like Groome, I strongly suggest investing now. He was a steal in the draft due to character issues but the arm is front end.
Colorado Rockies - Brendan Rodgers - I am aware that Rodgers is on fire right now but there is one issue... He plays in Colorado. If he were to ever be traded I would buy immediately. He's that good.
Short Season Leagues - Keep an eye on all short season & rookie ball leagues. Performance will be a key factor when 2017 Draft is released in September. (Obvious I know)
Stay tuned for more updates from Prospects For Cash!
New York Yankees - Dustin Fowler - Back in 2016 I recommended you invest in Fowler. If you bought at that time you are in good shape. Prices have doubled. You hope he would increase his walk rate in the future but the talent is legit.
Oakland Athletics - A.J. Puk - A.J. Puk is now a STRONG BUY. Scouts were initially skeptical but Puk has delivered. He is the lefty that Oakland needs.
Cleveland Indians - Will Benson - I will be watching Will Benson closely as short season begins. Can he cut down on the strikeouts?
Boston Red Sox - Jay Groome - If you like Groome, I strongly suggest investing now. He was a steal in the draft due to character issues but the arm is front end.
Colorado Rockies - Brendan Rodgers - I am aware that Rodgers is on fire right now but there is one issue... He plays in Colorado. If he were to ever be traded I would buy immediately. He's that good.
Short Season Leagues - Keep an eye on all short season & rookie ball leagues. Performance will be a key factor when 2017 Draft is released in September. (Obvious I know)
Stay tuned for more updates from Prospects For Cash!
Monday, June 19, 2017
NY Yankees INF Gleyber Torres Out For the Season - My Thoughts
It was announced today that Gleyber Torres will undergo Tommy John surgery and will be out for the season. Tommy John surgery for a position player is not as negative than surgery for a pitcher so I'm not worried but his debut with the Yankees will be delayed a significant amount of time. The injury presents a possible new investing opportunity. Most prospectors will hold and some will sell at at a discount. Might be a good time to take advantage of a rare opportunity. Torres will be a star.
Monday, June 12, 2017
My Thoughts on the 2017 MLB Draft
The MLB draft is tonight and while most individuals could care less I will be watching all three rounds. Most scouts would say the talent is not as good as previous years draft (see 2011) but I still am interested on where certain players will end up. This draft has a few two way players that I have been watching closely. Hopefully all the kids drafted sign sooner than later so an adequate sample size can be logged before Bowman Draft is released in December.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Taylor Trammell - Cincinatti Reds (OF) - Strong Buy
After a slow start to the season Taylor Trammell has started heat up. He currently has 11 doubles, 7 triples and 3 home runs on the season. The most impressive stat is that Trammell has 28 walks so far. For a two sport player that is a very good sign. The tools are there and I expect him to continue his success. I strongly recommend prospectors invest in a few auto's. He is a speedster with the power potential to hit 15-20 Hr's.
Taylor Trammell Stats
Taylor Trammell Stats
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects You Should Buy
It has been over a month since the release of Bowman 2017 and prices have settled on the market. Here are a couple of prospects to consider.
Blake Rutherford - Nice prospect but prices are inflated due to him being a Yankee. Blake has some nice tools but he's a little too high for me.
Eloy Jimenez - Another Chicago Cub top prospect. Very talented player with some good tools and a great bat.
Nick Senzel - Senzel is an impressive prospect but I believe his auto cost is a little overvalued. I am watching closely to see if a price dip happens. A spike in power numbers will be a key thing to monitor.
The prospects above are considered high end talents and are well known to the prospecting community. Prices are pretty high so please keep your budget in mind and invest wisely.
TJ Friedl - STRONG BUY (Bargain Bin) - TJ was not drafted by any teams but he has my attention. He is putting together a solid season in A ball. I don't understand why auto's are under $10 for a player with 15 doubles, 4 triples and 4 homers. The investment is worth the risk based off the cost alone.
Triston McKenzie - I spoke about Triston in a previous post. He is a STRONG BUY. Triston will be brought through the system slowly and has a strong chance to remain a starter. One of the few pitching prospects I love.
Prospect to keep an eye on:
Yu-Cheng Chang - Chang has power potential but the K rate is too high to touch right now. Auto's are under $10. Keep a strong eye on him. Cleveland does a good job developing hitters.
Blake Rutherford - Nice prospect but prices are inflated due to him being a Yankee. Blake has some nice tools but he's a little too high for me.
Eloy Jimenez - Another Chicago Cub top prospect. Very talented player with some good tools and a great bat.
Nick Senzel - Senzel is an impressive prospect but I believe his auto cost is a little overvalued. I am watching closely to see if a price dip happens. A spike in power numbers will be a key thing to monitor.
The prospects above are considered high end talents and are well known to the prospecting community. Prices are pretty high so please keep your budget in mind and invest wisely.
TJ Friedl - STRONG BUY (Bargain Bin) - TJ was not drafted by any teams but he has my attention. He is putting together a solid season in A ball. I don't understand why auto's are under $10 for a player with 15 doubles, 4 triples and 4 homers. The investment is worth the risk based off the cost alone.
Triston McKenzie - I spoke about Triston in a previous post. He is a STRONG BUY. Triston will be brought through the system slowly and has a strong chance to remain a starter. One of the few pitching prospects I love.
Prospect to keep an eye on:
Yu-Cheng Chang - Chang has power potential but the K rate is too high to touch right now. Auto's are under $10. Keep a strong eye on him. Cleveland does a good job developing hitters.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Triston McKenzie - Cleveland Indians RHP - Strong Buy
Before I release my full breakdown of 2017 Bowman, I think it is crucial to mention Triston McKenzie as a pitching prospect to invest in. On May 10, 2017 he struck out 14 batters over 6 shutout innings. His wiry frame reminds me of CJ Edwards, a past favorite of the site. What makes me excited about this kid is that I think he will not move to the bullpen and has the stuff to be a No 2 starter. I rarely recommend pitchers but the talent and upside is too good to overlook. A base auto is selling for $15 and refactors are going for $30. I rate McKenzie as a STRONG BUY.
Triston McKenzie Stats
Triston McKenzie Stats
Saturday, April 22, 2017
My Thoughts on The MILB Season So Far
The MILB season is underway and even though its early there are a few observations that I think will help everyone with their prospecting. Check out these quick hits.
Vladimir Guerrrero Jr. - Currently has more walks than strikeouts. He's pretty much his dad with bat control. Let that sink in.
Anthony Alford - Nice prospect that battled injuries and is finally coming around. His cards have already flown off Ebay.
Lewis Brinson - On fire in Triple A but the Milwaukee market always scares me. If he was still with the Rangers his prices would be insane.
AJ Puk - Off to a great start this season. Small sample size but I love the talent.
Ryan Mountcastle - Having a nice season so far with 4Hr and a decent BB/K ratio.
Alex Verdugo - Currently lighting up Triple A at age 21. My only concern is can he hit for power. I'm willing to wait and see. The payoff could be huge.
Vladimir Guerrrero Jr. - Currently has more walks than strikeouts. He's pretty much his dad with bat control. Let that sink in.
Anthony Alford - Nice prospect that battled injuries and is finally coming around. His cards have already flown off Ebay.
Lewis Brinson - On fire in Triple A but the Milwaukee market always scares me. If he was still with the Rangers his prices would be insane.
AJ Puk - Off to a great start this season. Small sample size but I love the talent.
Ryan Mountcastle - Having a nice season so far with 4Hr and a decent BB/K ratio.
Alex Verdugo - Currently lighting up Triple A at age 21. My only concern is can he hit for power. I'm willing to wait and see. The payoff could be huge.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Vladimir Guerrero Jr Scouting Report - Toronto Blue Jays 3B,OF
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Profile:
Position: Third BasemanBats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6' 1", Weight: 200lb.
Draft: Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays March 12, 2015
Born: 3/16/1999
Scouting Report:
Grades: Hit: 60. Power: 70. Speed: 50. Defense: 45. Arm: 55.2016 Stats (Rookie Ball): .271 AVG/.359 OBP/.808 OPS,8 HR, 46 RBI, 32 Runs, 12 Doubles
The son of a future HOF, Guerrero Jr. has the hitting and power potential that makes you an instant fan immediately after you watch him at the plate. The top international prospect in 2015 had a very nice debut in rookie ball and looks to continue his development as one of the youngest rising stars in the top 100. His hitting ability and strike zone judgement has impressed scouts so far and there is no doubt the bat will play anywhere. Some worry about his defensive profile and his size being an issue but in prospecting offensive production drives prices. Reports have stated that the Blue Jays are putting all of their resources into developing Vladimir physically and mentally on and off the field.
I predict that when 2018 lists are released Guerrero Jr will be the top hitting prospect in the minors. He has trained with his uncle Wilton growing up in the Dominican Republic and we all know who his old man is. It's common for me to shy away from speaking about higher end prospects but I think Guerrero Jr will be special. The ability to hit for average and power can't be ignored and he has a strong support system fully backing him.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
MILB.com Prospect Primers
MILB.com has provided full prospect primers for all 30 teams. These highly recommend and fun to read. I have learned some things and actually found a few new prospects to add to my list. Enjoy!
MLB Prospect Primers from MILB.Com
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