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Saturday, April 7, 2018

Los Angeles Angels OF Brandon Marsh - 2018 Breakout Prospect

One of my favorite breakout prospect candidates in 2018 is Brandon Marsh. A former two sport athlete, Brandon has the power/speed combination that could have him in the top 100 by the end of the year. He has battled injuries the first few seasons in his pro career but now he is finally healthy and ready to play full time. Above average power is definitely a future possibility and flashes of five tool ability are hard to ignore. Unfortunately, Brandon does not have a Bowman Chrome auto. Hopefully on April 25th that changes when 2018 Bowman is released.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Atlanta Braves OF Cristian Pache - 2018 Bowman Alert

2018 Bowman comes out later this month and while collectors are on the hunt for Otani autographs I am looking for players with the potential to be in the top 100 next year. When I saw Cristian Pache officially sign for Bowman, I immediately got excited. Pache is already one of the top outfield defenders in the minors and has improved all of his tools since signing with the Braves as a 16 year old. He did not hit any Home Runs in 2017 but all the reports I have read state that he has power potential. The Braves are working on his swing constantly and I think he will break out in 2018.

Link to Stats via Fangraphs

One New Rule for Investing in Pitching Prospects

Every year it seems pro baseball has major pitching injuries before the season starts. Multiple talented arms have went down already and we have not even started the season yet. From Jharel Cotton, Brent Honeywell and Rafael Montero, investing in pitching is risky business. A.J. Puk was just shut down due to biceps tightness this week and he was one of my favorite pitching prospects. I can honestly say at the moment that if I invest in a pitcher it will be a small investment. How would I define small investment? For me it would be no more than 5 base auto's for a player and I would spend no more than $15 each. I think these players are throwing way too much these days and it starts at the youth level. Buyer beware.

Spring Training and Prospect Performance - Does It Matter?

Spring Training is wrapping up and prospects are headed to Minor League camp. I noticed a number of prospects had really good camps this year and showed off a number of tools and abilities. Should prospectors take these performances seriously? In my opinion good performances should be noted but not taken too seriously. Spring Training for a majority of the players attending is an extended Major League tryout. The pitching quality is not the most elite and the hitters are not facing the best competition on a daily basis.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

2 MLB Prospects Who Will Move Quickly In The Minors

Pavin Smith and Keston Hirua are two members of the 2017 Draft class who posses above average hitting skills. Most reports expect Keston to have above average power and Pavin Smith to eventually come into his power last. Prices are a little on the high end for both but the hitting skills are so good the potential for prices to explode this season are likely. I have provided a few additional thoughts below for each player.

Milwaukee Brewers 2B - Keston Hirua - Reports have stated that Keston's elbow is fully healed. Scouts worry about his defense but the bat is so good it will become a non factor. You may see him in the Majors this year and I expect him to move quickly. Milwaukee Brewers prospects usually do not sell but I think Keston is a special player. For a Brewer prospect, his cards are in high demand. The best time to buy is now.

Arizona Diamondbacks 1B - Pavin Smith - Similar to Keston, Smith has above average hitting ability and walked more than he struck out during the 2017 season. He is a lock to be the replacement for Paul Goldschimdt in 2019 and should move quickly. The main issue scouts have is the power potential. I am taking the gamble that he will develop power last 

Sunday, March 4, 2018

A.J. Puk Shining In Spring Training

One of my favorite pitching prospects, A.J. Puk is having an impressive spring. He has added a few pitches to his arsenal and arrived to camp in great shape. He is clearly the best pitcher the A's have and his Bowman auto can still be bought for around $15. It is not too late to invest in a future stud.

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Justin Williams - Tampa Bay Rays OF - Breakout Prospect Canidate

It's a good feeling when you find an under the radar prospect with a track record of making adjustments each season. Justin Williams has played 5 minor league seasons and is only 22 years of age. In 2017, Williams made multiple adjustments at AA Montgomery and raised his walk rate to an impressive 9% while cutting down on strikeouts. Not to mention he mashed 21 doubles, 3 triples and 14 homers. After doing some research online it seems that prices are still very affordable. EBay does not have much on sale which is a sign of people buying and holding until the season starts. I would suggest digging around at local card shows and set up alerts for any new sales of his Bowman Chrome auto. I think Williams will continue to improve. Scouts love his overall makeup and hitting ability.

Stats Don't Lie - 2017 Final Report Highlights

Stats are big part of my prospect analysis and this season I would like to share more numbers with my readers. All of the hitters listed below finished the season with a walk rate above 8%, a K rate below 20% and an .ISO above .140. The basis of the report shows hitters who have a great chance of success as they move up the ladder. Keep in mind this is only for the 2017 season and some players may have played across multiple levels. More names could of been added but I only wanted to focus on players with Bowman Chrome Auto's.

Houston Astros - Ronnie Dawson - STRONG bargain bin recommendation. He has to cut down on the K rate to make it to the Majors.

New York Yankees - Nick Solak  - A Yankee prospect that has been overshadowed. Decent pop and a good eye at the plate. Worth a buy.

Cincinnati Reds - Jeter Downs - Breakout prospect candidate. Very impressive first season in the Minors.

Toronto Blue Jays - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - Stud

Tortonto Blue Jays - Bo Bichette - Stud

Cincinnati Reds - Nick Senzel - I think he will grow into power and hit 20-25 home runs annually.

Miami Marlins - Lewis Brinson - Will finally get his shot but can he stay healthy.

Boston Red Sox - Rafael Devers - Stud

Toronto Blue Jays - Reese McGuire - On the 40 man roster.

Baltimore Orioles - D.J. Stewart - Scouts are skeptical but his auto is nowhere to be found on EBay. Interesting.

Tampa Bay Rays - Jake Bauers - Nice prospect but not sure if I would buy. Prices are a little out of range for me.

Philadelphia Phillies - J.P. Crawford - Nice prospect with good defense but the time to buy was when he was struggling in AAA.

Prospects Who Need A Chrome Auto

While we all wait for the 2018 Bowman Checklist to be finalized check out the names below. The prospects listed are on my wishlist to sign a Bowman Chrome card this year. 

Washington Nationals - Carter Kieboom - Exciting prospect with multiple tools.

Minnesota Twins -Akil Badoo - Good prospect still who is still growing into his power potential.

Arizona Diamondbacks - Daulton Varsho - Rare catcher prospect that I like. Impressive first season in A ball.

St Louis Cardinals - Carson Kelly - Another catching prospect that I like. Expect to see him in the Majors this year.

Saturday, February 10, 2018

New York Yankees 2B/SS Hoy Jun Park - Bargain Bin

I was running some numbers a few days ago and noticed Hoy Jun Park had an under the radar season. What I love about Park is his walk rate and ability to get on base. His batting average was around .250 for the season but he showed signs of power with 12 doubles, 6 triples and 7 home runs. Base autographs are selling for under five dollars. For that price I think buying a few is a good move. I think Park will take a big step this year and has double digit home run potential.