Top 5 Catching Prospects in Baseball

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Saturday August 18th, 2012

Codey Harrison (President/ CEO) – The second installment of a 3-part series featuring the top 5 prospects from middle of the field positions. This week we are focusing on one of the hardest positions in all of baseball to find superstars at. One of the biggest reasons is that catchers take a lot longer to progress defensively than any other position in baseball. Bryce Harper who was known for being a catcher in high school was drafted as an outfielder by the Nationals so he could make it to the Major Leagues much faster. Being able to call a game behind the plate, and knowing the angles that are needed to block pitches in the dirt can take several years to master. The wear and tear on a catcher can be a vigorous one, as most catchers only catch 140 games an entire season even if they are healthy the entire season. With current catchers in MLB who are stars like Joe Mauer, Matt Wieters, Buster Posey, Brian McCann, Yadier Molina, and Miguel Montero, it’s time to take a look at the potential future catching stars who replace the current MLB All-Star catchers.

Travis d’Arnaud (Toronto Blue Jays AAA) – Travis d’Arnaud was the prize prospect along with RHP Kyle Drabek the Blue Jays acquired in the Roy Halladay trade. d’Arnaud was named the 2011 Eastern League best catcher by the leagues managers. For the position, d’Arnaud has plenty of future plus tools (Hit, Power, Arm, and Fielding), and is on pace to supplant current Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia by the start of the 2013 season. d’Arnaud is currently on the disabled list, but for the season with AAA Las Vegas he’s batting .333, .380 OBP, .595 SLG, with 16 home runs, and 52 RBIs. One of the very few things scouts are drawn away from d’Arnaud is his approach at the plate, as he is very aggressive having walked on 19 times, while striking out 59 times on the season.

Gary Sanchez (New York Yankees High A) – Sanchez has shown a great ability to hit since being signed as an international free agent in 2009. The 19-year old Sanchez is one of the reasons the Yankees were willing to trade prized catching prospect Jesus Montero last off-season. Gary Sanchez has been at two different levels this year combining to bat .291, .351 OBP, .487 SLG, to go along with 16 home runs, and 73 RBIs.

Yasmani Grandal (San Diego Padres MLB) – The only true knock scouts have had about Grandal his power, well that may have changed since his Big League promotion as Grandal has blasted 5 home runs in just 24 MLB games. The 23-year old Grandal acquired along with Edinson Volquez, Brad Boxberger and Yonder Alonso for Ace pitcher Matt Latos. In 56 games with AAA Tucson, Yasmani Grandal batted .335, .443 OBP, .521 SLG, with 6 home runs, and 35 RBIs. In his 24 games stint in the Bigs before being placed on the DL, Grandal batted .312, .349 OBP, .597 SLG, with 5 home runs, and 15 RBIs. Plenty to like here if you are a Padres fan.

Mike Zunino (Seattle Mariners AA) – The 3rd overall pick in the 2012 draft by the Mariners, Mike Zunino has already reached AA Jackson. The University of Florida product also won the Golden Spikes Award as the nation’s top amateur player in 2012. Despite acquiring Jesus Montero in the offseason, the Mariners felt like Zunino would be a great addition as he profiles better defensively at catcher than Montero does. Zunino and the Mariners benefitted from the new CBA, which led to much more action in his signing year than most 1st rd picks in years past. So far as a pro Mike Zunino is batting a robust .381, .483 OBP, .729 SLG, with 10 home runs, and 36 RBIs. Mariners fans should be very excited as a 2013 debut is definitely possible for the heavy hitting Zunino.

Tommy Joseph (Philadelphia Phillies AA) – The key prospect that sent all-star outfielder Hunter Pence to the San Francisco Giants is a quality return for the Phillies. Joseph, who just recently turned 21, was assigned to AA Reading. The right-handed hitting Joseph has seen his bat continue progress since being a second round pick in 2009 from Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. So far this season between AA Reading and Richmond, Joseph has batted .258, .317 OBP, .391 SLG, with 9 home runs, and 41 RBIs.

These are some of the highest profiled catching prospects in all of baseball. Only time will tell if they will become All-Stars… or busts. Join us next week as we rank the top-5 center field prospects in baseball.

Today’s article was prepared by Codey Harrison, MiLB Prospects Analyst. We would like your feedback, so please feel free to comment on the article below, and share in discussion with our readers. You can also follow Codey on Twitter (@ProspectsMLB)

Please e-mail us at: behindhomeplatebaseball@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter, and “Like” us on Facebook. Also You can subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox.

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Should Seattle Trade Felix Hernandez?

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August 15th, 2012

Codey Harrison: Former AL CY Young winner, Current Mariners Ace Felix Hernandez threw a Perfect Game against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 15, 2012. It seems like the Rays get no-hit at least twice a year, but this maybe the first time the have been no-hit versus an elite starting pitcher. Since being signed at 16-years old Hernandez has had start written all over him, he even made his MLB debut at only 19 years of age.  Hernandez has always been plagued by notoriously bad Mariners offenses, during his CY Young season despite a 2.27 ERA Felix only had a 13-12 record due to little, to no run support.

It’s easy to see why scouts drooled over Hernandez as a teenager, and still drool over him to this day, has his repitore consists of a fastball that sits 93-97 MPH, that’s complimented with a 88-92 MPH Change-Up ,Felix also features two breaking balls a 89-91  MPH slider with great tilt, and a hammer power curve which sits 82-85 MPH with very tight spin. Through his younger years the Mariners limited Felix to a maximum amount of sliders that Hernandez could throw per start believing that it could help avoid arm problems. Nobody ever blamed the Mariners for that as any team with a talent like King Felix would want to protect at all costs.

Every year Felix Hernandez always appears to be in trade rumors, but will it ever happen? Some believe Felix should be traded to gain multiple elite prospects in return, while others belive the Mariners should try to lock Hernandez up long-term, and build a team around him. While at this point neither of those possibilities are right, or wrong as it’s entirely to early to tell. The believed asking price for a team to acquire Felix Hernandez would likely require at least 3 Five Star Prospects, 1 current MLB starting pitcher, and a current MLB position player, and some executives might say that return isn’t enough for Felix Hernandez.

For now no one knows what will happen to Felix Hernandez in the future, but on a day like August 15th, 2012 it’s time to just enjoy the amazing feat the Felix Hernandez accomplished. 27 up, and 27 down for Felix Hernandez and the Mariners. Marking a MLB record for Perfect games in a season with 3 (Felix Hernandez, Phil Humber , & Matt Cain).

From the entire BHP Baseball team we congratulate Felix Hernandez on throwing the 23rd Perfect Game in MLB History.

Today’s article was prepared by Codey Harrison, MiLB Prospects Analyst. We would like your feedback, so please feel free to comment on the article below, and share in discussion with our readers. You can also follow Codey on Twitter (@ProspectsMLB)

Please e-mail us at: behindhomeplatebaseball@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter, and “Like” us on Facebook. Also You can subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox.

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July MLB Power Rankings

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August 1st, 2012

Standings from 7/31 2012

1.) Cincinati Reds (62-41) – Joey Votto who? The Red have really turned it on since slugger and former MVP Joey Votto landed on the disabled list. With the recent surgance of Mat Latos on the mound the Reds have 2 Aces on their team that have led them to the best record in the MLB. The only Major League team with a win percentage over .600 overall on the season is the Reds, and they have done it with below average production from the leadoff spot.

2.) New York Yankees (60-43) – Yankees continue to expand their lead on the AL East, and have shown no signs of letting up. With Derek Jeter, and Mark Tiexera on hot streaks don’t count on the Yankees slowing down anytime soon.

3.) Washington Nationals (61-41) – With most of the Nationals talk being on whether or not they should shutdown Ace Stephan Strasburg at 170 innings, the Nationals quietly continue to rack up the wins.

4.) Texas Rangers (59-43) – With Josh Hamilton, and Yu Darvish in slumps the Texas Rangers are beginning to drop down the rankings. although with 2 of their key players struggling they are still in very good position to make another world series runs as they bolster one of the deepest line ups in all of baseball. In fact the Rangers are so deep that star rookie prospect Mike Olt has been batting 9th in the line-up.

5.) Atlanta Braves (59-44)- With Jason Heyward having a terrific rebound season the Braves have themselves primed for a decent playoff run.

6.) Pittsburgh Pirates (59-44)- NL MVP candidate Andrew Mccutchen continues to own National League pitching. With the call-up of outfielder Starling Marte, and the addition of LHP Wandy Rodriguez are ready to end their 20 season losing streak.

7.) Los Angeles Angels (57-47)- What else could the Angels ask for? Mike Trout is putting up an all time great rookie season, and Albert Pujols has been white-hot since his horrid start to the season.

8.) San Francisco Giants (56-47)- Will acquiring Hunter Pence put the Giants enough ahead of the NLW to make the playoffs?

9.) Los Angeles Dodgers (56-49)- Hanley Ramierez, Shane Victorino, and Joe Blanton, the Dodgers fans have got to like their teams chances.

10.) Chicago White Sox (56-47)- The pick-up of Kevin Youkilis may be the best pick-up of any MLB team.

11.) Detroit Tigers (54-50)- They have Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer, can the rest of their rotation contribute?

12.) Oakland Athletics (56-47)- The amazing story of the Oakland A’s continues to fascinate. But can it continue?

13.) St. Louis Cardinals (55-48)- The Cardinals are interested in giving Kyle Loshe a contract extension, he’s a big reason the Cardinal’s are contending this year.

14.) Tampa Bay Rays (54-50)- With Evan Longoria back in the Rays line up at less than 100% the Rays have a chance to catch the Yankees.

15.) Baltimore Orioles (55-49)- Like the A’s the Orioles have continued to prove doubters wrong as they stay strong in the wild card race.

16.) Arizona Diamondbacks (53-51)- What more could the Diamondbacks ask for? Rookie starter Wade Miley, and Patrick Corbin have been nothing short of stellar. But where has Justin Upton been?

17.) Boston Red Sox (53-51)- The sage continues, Should Bobby V stay, or should he go?

18.) Toronto Blue Jays (51-52)- Is there a team with worse luck than the Blue Jays? They continue to get annihilated with starting pitching injuries.

19.) New York Mets (50-54)- Remember when the Mets discussed going on 3 days rest the remainder of the season so they could contend? Well that seems unlikely now with the Mets falling off the grid since the break.

20.) Cleveland Indians (50-53)- How long can the Indians free fall continue? Its brutal right now in C-Town.

21.) Seattle Mariners (49-57)- Could anyone of guessed that all the Mariners needed was to get rid of their former star Ichiro Suzuki?

22.) Philadelphia Phillies (46-57)- Despite their sellout streak ending, and being all but eliminated from the playoffs, the Phillies refuse to trade anyone of their big 3 starting pitchers.

23.) Miami Marlins (47-56)- The Marlins are starting to show their off-season spending spree was short lived as they are now in fire sale mode.

24.) Milwaukee Brewers (47-56)- 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun is having a better season than his MVP season, but the Brewers don’t have the weapons to contend.

25.) Minnesota Twins (44-59)- The Twins are surprising many with how good they are, despite being 15 games under .500.

26.) Kansas City Royals (42-60)- No one could have predicted Eric Hosmer would have fallen of the cliff as much as he has this season.

27.) Chicago Cubs (43-59)- The Cubs have turned it on of late, but it maybe short-lived as they traded away Ryan Dempster.

28.) San Diego Pardres (44-61)- Despite being 17 games under .500 the Padres were reluctant to sell, in fact they even locked up some of their potential free agents.

29.) Colorado Rockies (37-64)- Well the 4-man rotation idea could not go any worse.

30.) Houston Astros (35-70)- The Astros are putting up impressive losing streaks as they virtually sold all of their talented big leaguers.

Today’s article was prepared by Codey Harrison, MiLB Prospects Analyst. We would like your feedback, so please feel free to comment on the article below, and share in discussion with our readers. You can also follow Codey on Twitter (@ProspectsMLB)

Please e-mail us at: behindhomeplatebaseball@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter, and “Like” us on Facebook. You can subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox.

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Weekly 6-Pack MLB Prospects: Hot/Cold Sheet – Week of August 4th

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Codey Harrison:  This is the first installment of the weekly prospect hot/cold sheet. We will feature 3 prospects that are on fire, and 3 prospects that are ice-cold. List’s of player’s will only include players who are still prospect eligible, less than 130 MLB at bats, less than 50 innings pitched at the MLB level. Featured players are generally players who are highly regarded amongst the minors and are regarded as legit prospects. Dylan Bundy who ranks 2nd on our mid-season top-50 prospects list gets the nod for the hot prospect after his best outing as a pro.

HOT PROSPECTS:

Dylan Bundy RHP Orioles – The 4th overall pick of the 2011 first year player draft has been dominant all season, but especially dominant of late. Bundy had arguably his best start as a pro his last time on the mound going 6 2/3 Innings, allowing 2 hits, 0 earned runs, while walking 2, and striking out 8. Overall in his last 2 starts, Dylan Bundy has posted very good numbers. 11 innings, 9 hits, 2 runs (1ER), 3 walks, and 14 strikeouts. Bundy signed a big league contract with the Orioles and management hasn’t ruled out calling up Bundy in September if Baltimore is still in the playoff race.

Keon Broxton Outfielder Diamondbacks – A 2009 3rd round draft pick of the Diamondbacks, Broxton is a toolbox when it comes to his baseball abilities. In 2010 Keon Broxton was graded as having the best tools in the Midwest league, behind only AL MVP candidate Mike Trout. Broxton has been on a very impressive power surge of late. In his last 10 games, Broxton has posted very good numbers: 5 home runs, 12 runs scored, while batting .308.

David Dahl Outfielder Rockies – The 10th overall pick in the 2012 draft, David Dahl has been dominating the Pioneer league and that has been the case over the last 10 games as well. Dahl fresh out of high school in Alabama is mostly known for his bat. Over his last 10 games, Dahl has 2 triples, 2 home runs, 12 RBIs, while batting a robust .455 average.

COLD PROSPECTS:

Joey Gallo First Baseman Rangers – After being drafted in the supplemental 1st round of the 2012 draft by the Rangers, Joey Gallo has been a home run hitting machine. Through 34 games in the Arizona League, Gallo has blasted an impressive 15 home runs. Although over his last 10 games Gallo has been very cold at the plate a.222 batting average, 5 walks and 15 strikeouts. Gallo is still hitting for power though with 3 home runs.

Julio Teheran RHP Braves – Going into the season considered a top-5 prospect in all of baseball, the Braves top prospect Julio Teheran has failed to show much progression this season with the AAA Braves affiliate. Over his last 2 starts, Teheran has pitched 8 1/3 innings, while allowing 11 hits, 7 runs, walking 6, and striking out only 3.

Danny Hultzen LHP Mariners – The second overall pick in the 2011 draft by the Mariners, Danny Hultzen has been mediocre since his promotion to AAA Tacoma, after dominating in AA. After 4 straight good starts Hultzen has been roughed up his last two times out on the mound. In a 2 start stretch Hultzen has pitched 9 2/3 innings, allowing 11 runs (10 ER), on 12 hits, walking 7, and striking out 11.

Today’s article was prepared by Codey Harrison, MiLB Prospects Analyst. We would like your feedback, so please feel free to comment on the article below, and share in discussion with our readers. You can also follow Codey on Twitter (@ProspectsMLB)

Please e-mail us at: behindhomeplatebaseball@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter  and “like” us on Facebook. You can subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox.

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2012 Mid-Season MLB Top-50 Prospects

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Codey Harrison:  A Texas Rangers shortstop prospect tops our list of the top-50 MLB prospects. Jurickson Profar is so highly thought of by scouts, that they believe the Rangers may end up trading 23-year-old 2-time All-star shortstop, Elvis Andrus. Profar has all five tools (hit, power, speed, glove, and arm) and he’s proven he knows how to use all five. He’s currently raking in AA Frisco at only 19 years of age, posting monstrous numbers of .297 AVG, .371 OBP, .500 Slug, 22 doubles, 7 triples, 12 home runs, and 44 walks to 59 strikeouts. Most believe he will be a gold glove caliber top, or middle of the order run producing machine that is a perennial All-Star. Time will tell on this prospect. But in a minor leagues full of “can’t miss” prospects, Profar gets out top vote at this stage of the season.

This list of the 2012 mid-season MLB Top-50 prospects does not include 2012 first year player draft players. Only players with less than 130 ABs, or 50 IP at the major league level qualify. All stats are 2012 MiLB stats as of 7/21/12:

1. SS – Jurickson Profar (AA Rangers) .297/.371/.500, 12 HR, 10 SB
2. RHP –  Dylan Bundy (A+ Orioles) 5-3, 1.74 ERA, 72.1 IP, 88K
3. OF – Wil Myers (AAA Royals) .317/.396/.654, 28 HR, 5 SB
4. SS – Manny Machado (AA Orioles) .257/.343/.410, 8 HR, 12 SB
5. RHP – Gerrit Cole (AA Pirates) 7-4, 3.07 ERA, 88 IP, 90 K
6. OF – Oscar Taveras (AA Cardinals) .323/.386/.577, 20 HR, 8 SB
7. RHP – Trevor Bauer (AAA Diamondbacks) 11-1, 2.23 ERA, 93 IP, 116 K
8. RHP –  Shelby Miller (AAA Cardinals) 5-8, 5.40 ERA, 88.1 IP, 97 K
9. RHP – Jameson Taillon (A+ Pirates) 5-7, 4.27 ERA, 97 IP, 78 K
10. RHP – Taijuan Walker (AA Mariners) 6-5, 4.39 ERA, 82 IP, 80 K
11. RHP – Julio Teheran (AAA Braves) 6-5, 4.93 ERA, 87.2 IP, 63 K
12. LHP –  Danny Hultzen (AAA Mariners) 9-4, 1.74 ERA, 98.1 IP, 109 K
13. OF – Bubba Starling (R Royals) .292/.425/.523, 3 HR, 3 SB
14. LHP – Tyler Skaggs (AAA Diamondbacks) 7-5, 2.75 ERA, 91.2 IP, 84 K
15. 3B – Miguel Sano (Low A Twins) .249/.370/.511, 20 HR, 6 SB
16. 3B – Nolan Arenado (AA Rockies) .261/.323/.377, 7 HR, 0 SB
17. RHP – Zach Wheeler (AA Mets) 9-5, 2.99 ERA, 105.1 IP, 101 K
18. C – Travis d’Arnaud (AAA Blue Jays) .333/.380/.595, 16 HR, 1 SB
19. RHP – Jacob Turner (AAA Marlins) 5-4, .277, 84.1 IP, 57 K
20. LHP – Manny Banuelos (AAA Yankees) 0-2, 4.50 ERA, 24 IP, 22 K
21. RHP – Carlos Martinez (AA Cardinals) 4-4, 2.71 ERA, 66.1 IP, 57 K
22. SS – Billy Hamilton (AA Reds) .318/.413/.440, 2 HR, 112 SB
23. SS – Francisco Lindor (Low A Indians) .270/.364/.390, 5 HR, 19 SB
24. 3B – Mike Olt (AA Rangers) .291/.404/.586, 25 HR, 4 SB
25. RHP – Archie Bradley (Diamondbacks) 8-5, 3.88 ERA, 92.2 IP, 90K
26. LHP – Martin Perez (AAA Rangers) 5-5, 4.59 ERA, 86.1 IP, 50 K
27. OF – Christian Yelich (A+ Marlins) .307/.385/.531, 10 HR, 15 SB
28. OF – Brett Jackson (AAA Cubs) .263/.342/.492, 13 HR, 22 SB
29. RHP – Matt Harvey (AAA Mets) 7-4, 3.34 ERA, 105 IP, 106 K
30. OF – Starling Marte (AAA Pirates) .281/.345/.493, 11 HR, 19 SB
31. 1B – Jonathan Singleton (AA  Astros) .276/.394/.483, 13 HR, 3 SB
32. RHP – Jake Odorizzi (AAA Royals) 10-3, 3.26 ERA, 96.2 IP, 97 K
33. SS – Hak-Ju Lee (AA Rays)  .275/.341/.354, 2 HR, 34 SB
34. 3B – Anthony Rendon (A+ Nationals) .300/.417/.700, 0 HR, 0 SB
35. OF – Gary Brown (AA Giants) .296/.359/.414, 6 HR, 27 SB
36. RHP – Zach Lee (AA Dodgers) 2-5, 5.53 ERA, 71.2 IP, 65 K
37. SS – Javier Baez (Low A Cubs) .331/.389/.589, 9 HR, 18 SB
38. RHP – Casey Kelly (AAA Padres) 0-0, 2.25 ERA, 12 IP, 14 K
39. C – Yasmani Grandal (MLB Padres) .335/.443/.521, 6HR, 0 SB
40. OF – Rymer Liriano (AA Padres) .279/.346/.416, 6 HR, 25 SB
41. C – Gary Sanchez (A+ Yankees) .281/.340/.497, 15 HR, 13 SB
42. SS – Nick Franklin (AAA Mariners) .292/.369/.481, 7 HR, 12 SB
43. 3B – Jedd Gyorko (AAA Padres) .322/.384/.561, 22 HR, 3 SB
44. SS – Andrelton Simmons (MLB Braves) .292/.372/.421, 3 HR, 10 SB
45. SS – Jean Segura (MLB Brewers) .291/.343/.396, 7HR, 33 SB
46. OF – Anthony Gose (MLB Blue Jays) .292/.375/.432, 5 HR, 29 SB
47. 3B – Nick Castellanos (AA Tigers) .360/.403/.524, 9 HR, 5 SB
48. OF – George Springer (A+ Astros) .335/.413/.567, 18 HR, 24 SB
49. OF – Michael Choice (AA Athletics) .287/.354/.423, 10 HR, 5 SB
50. RHP – Chris Archer (AAA Rays) 5-8, 4.68 ERA, 82.2 IP, 98 K

Today’s article was prepared by Codey Harrison, MiLB Prospects Analyst. We would like your feedback, so please feel free to comment on the article below, and share in discussion with our readers. You can also follow Codey on Twitter (@ProspectsMLB)

Please e-mail us at: behindhomeplatebaseball@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter, and “Like” us on Facebook. You can subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox.

Follow @BHPBaseball