Marc Hulet Prospects Chat – 6/21/13

Marc Hulet: Hi all… we’ll start in 10-15 minutes… feel free to get your prospect questions in now… lot’s of promotions, breakouts and other things to discuss!

Comment From Guest
soonest you can see Buxton and Sano in the majors?

Marc Hulet: Sano should reach the majors more quickly but Buxton looks intend on not being too far behind. Sano probably by mid-2014 and Buxton sometime in early to mid 2015

Comment From johnny stash
Offered Lindor and Fister for T. Walker. I’m competing for this year, and Fister is a big help. Is Lindor worth the step down in fantasy value?

Marc Hulet: Depends on what stats your league uses… One of Lindor’s strengths is defense which won’t help you in fantasy… Baez is more fantasy worth in terms of young shortstop prospects

Comment From Asking for a Friend
Luis Sardinas has produced relatively well. Has he improved enough to be considered a top 50 prospect next year?

Marc Hulet: I would think he’ll be in the top 100 but his strengths are more the collection of things he does well rather than any one standout skill

Comment From TwinsFan
I don’t understand why nobody is talking about Oswaldo Arcia. All he’s done is hit hit hit, and he’s just 22.

Marc Hulet: I agree — he’s been great but he’s playing for a team that doesn’t get a ton of national coverage. Wait until Buxton, Sano, etc. are there too and everyone will be talking about the Twins…

Comment From CJ
Do you have any picks for prospects who will breakout in the 2nd half?

Marc Hulet: It’s a good idea for an article so I’ll try and get something up in the next week or so… thanks!

Comment From drake
will taijaun walker be up in 2013? the mariners rotation is ugly and he is dominating in aa!

Marc Hulet: It’s possible but unlikely that you’ll see him in the majors in 2013. There isn’t much to be gained by it at this point. If he keeps pitching like this, though, and maybe gets to triple- A in the second half you might see him in the majors in early 2014.

Comment From JS
Have you scouted Singleton? Thoughts?

Marc Hulet: I have seen him play and also spoken to talent evaluators about him… I’ve been told he could become a very good defensive 1B — with all-star type offence.

Comment From Phil
What’s up with relatively paltry crop of 1b prospects in the minors? Can’t kids put on weight and hit anymore?

Marc Hulet: Typically 1B players start out at other positions — 3B, C, LF before shifting over there so not many high-ceiling guys start out at the position

Comment From Nik
Where would you have Maikel Franco ranked as far as 3rd base prospects?

Marc Hulet: Off the top of my head I’d say he’s quite high on the list at this point…

Comment From Asking for a Friend
Josh Bell looks to be having a good year. Should he be a candidate for promotion? What type of MLB production do you expect from him?

Marc Hulet: There is depth in the Pirates system so they really don’t need to rush him. I’d leave him there for now and then hope you can do a A+/AA split next year — youth is definitely still on his side.

Comment From Barry
So Stryker Trahan just called up to Rookie Ball. Will he see any low A action this year you think?

Marc Hulet: Haven’t talked to anyone about him this year, but in the offseason the talk was that his defense needed work so I’m fairly certain that’s why he started the year in extended spring — his bat was probably ready for the low-A challenge…

Comment From Asking for a Friend
Why don’t the A’s ever turn to Grant Green or Michael Choice?

Marc Hulet: I suspect they see Green as more of a super-sub guy and outfield depth doesn’t help Choice’s cause.

Comment From CJ
Have you had a chance to see Alex Wood? He has progressed to the majors a lot faster than what was expected (thanks in part due to the Braves depleted bullpen). Is he the #5 starter for the Braves next season.

Marc Hulet: I have seen him pitch but not since he was promoted to the majors — it’s on my list of things to do, though. Atlanta has some good young pitching so it remains to be seen if he’ll force his way into the starting rotation to stay in 2014 — I’m thinking not, but I’m also not running the club.

Comment From Noah
Now that the draft is finished, which team has the best minor league system?

Marc Hulet: Pittsburgh is good. Houston is good. Minnesota may be the best. St. Louis is good, although promotions are depleting things.

Marc Hulet: Those are just off the top of my head…

Comment From Hank
Jose Ramirez just got promoted to AAA..do you think we see him in the Yankees rotation by early 2015?

Marc Hulet: Depends on the development of the breaking ball. He has a good fastball/changeup combination but they may not be enough to stick as a starter. I saw him throw a few promising curveballs but not enough…

Comment From Russ
When can we expect a Wilmer Flores promotion?

Marc Hulet: I’m not convinced he’s going to be up in 2013 — at least not until September. He’s heated up recently but he doesn’t seem to get a ton of love from within the organization.

Comment From jon
Does Roman Quinn look more like he will terrorize the base paths in few years or he will flame out before making the majors?

Marc Hulet: His bat still has a ways to go so we’re possibly looking at another 3-4 years….

Comment From Asking for a Friend
Is Tyler Glasnow a legit #3 starter prospect?

Marc Hulet: If not a #2… definitely a pitcher on the rise.

Comment From Tyler
Brad Miller’s ETA at SS for the M’s?

Marc Hulet: It depends on his defense… He may not be the long term guy at SS because of the question mark with his glove. Franklin may end up there — or someone else outside the system. Miller could end up at 3B.

Comment From Asking for a Friend
Is Chris Owings making a case for a promotion/trade? Is his breakout for real or based mostly on location?

Marc Hulet: Owings is in the PCL which is a very good league to hit in, so take his average with a grain of salt. He also has just nine walks in 74 games which isn’t going to cut it in the majors… He’ll get picked apart with his current approach. Plus he’s a second baseman, not a shortstop.

Comment From Sam
Cecchini eta? Eventually pushes Middlebrooks to 1B if he maintains the same plate discipline on his way up? Also, Bogaerts by the end of August when drew is hurt again and Iglesias comes back to earth?

Marc Hulet: Cecchini’s offensive skills fit more at second base than third base… and he doesn’t have the prototypical power that teams look for at third base… I’m a big Cecchini fan so I hope he gets a chance.

Comment From Milhouse
I know he has a high upside, but is Duane Underwood the type of guy that if I can unload for a proven major leaguer now, I should?

Marc Hulet: If you’re in a position to win then he’s a guy you may want to consider giving up on… he’s got a ways to go.

Comment From Steven
If all continues to go smoothly, what is the soonest Adalberto Mondesi makes it to the big leagues?

Marc Hulet: He probably needs another 3-4 years in the minors, or so.

Comment From Asking for a Friend
Why is Chris Stratton getting more coverage than Clayton Blackburn? Isn’t Blackburn the better prospect?

Marc Hulet: That’s debatable at this point. Blackburn is more of a durable No. 4 guy while Stratton possesses a higher ceiling.

Comment From Wayne
Any word on potential call up of Nick Castellanos? Super 2 status does not seem to be a factor..

Marc Hulet: Haven’t heard anything… he’s really heated up as of late and can offer backup at 3B or the outfield so he might be a good guy to have on hand to give Miguel some rest in the second half — and hopefully have everyone fresh for a long playoff run.

Comment From John Stamos
Is Cesar Puello a Top 100 guy now? What about Chris Owings?

Marc Hulet: I’d definitely have to consider them both but they might still be fringy Top 100 guys.

Comment From Chuck In Chino
Thoughts on Luis Heredia (PIT)? They seem to be very S-L-O-W with him.

Marc Hulet: He’s only 18 and already in his third season so they’re being cautious not to burn out his arm, which is probably smart. He’s still somewhat raw despite his success so the pace is probably warranted.

Comment From DeepLeaguer
Who among these has the brightest future and is most likely to contribute soonest:

Comment From DeepLeaguer
A Russell, M Franco, A Almora, F Lindor

Marc Hulet: Pretty sure this goes together… I would say you’ll see Franco first, then Lindor, then Almora, then Russell.

Comment From Matthew
Anthony Gose needs a trade out of TOR it appears, right? Latest benching sure not helping his cause.

Marc Hulet: Pretty good talent to sell low on, so I hope not — unless they want to trade him to my favorite team 🙂

Comment From Chuck In Chino
can Trevor Story save his season?

Marc Hulet: He’s gotten stronger with each month, so it appears as though he’s already on his way to doing just that…

Comment From jon
Highest career WAR: Starling Marte or Gregory Polanco?

Marc Hulet: Polanco — not a big Marte fan.

Comment From Keeper? I hardly know her
What do you think of Wheeler’s control in his debut? I heard that the calls weren’t that good. Do you think he’ll improve ROS?

Marc Hulet: I didn’t see his MLB start but I saw him pitch in early June at AAA… his command was off. Still has a ways to go with that but his stuff is good enough to help him overcome that and succeed at a modest level until that happens.

Comment From Harry
Do you (or any contacts) know what is up with Daniel Corcino? Appears he’s really scuffling this year, after some solid preseason hype.

Marc Hulet: He’s a guy that I need to look into but haven’t yet — his struggles are somewhat surprising.

Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
Sonnny Gray is doing pretty well in the PCL after struggling at AA last year. What can we expect from him in the Show?

Marc Hulet: He was working on his secondary pitches in 2012, which is part of the reason why he struggled… I’m definitely encouraged by him this year and I think he can be of help in the second half at the big league level. He probably has a No. 3 ceiling.

Comment From Eminor3rd
Is Erik Johnson the White Sox best prospect?

Marc Hulet: He’s in the conversation, for sure. He’s another guy that could perhaps help out at the big league level in the second half.

Comment From Steven
Is Trey Ball a top 100 prospect in the game?

Marc Hulet: I’m going to lean towards no, not yet.

Comment From Keeper? I hardly know her
When do you think Castellanos hits the bigs?

Marc Hulet: July/August…

Comment From Phil
Hey, that Lindor question is relevant to me! What do you think his power upside is?

Marc Hulet: He’s a gap power guy… maybe 10-12 homers in his prime for the Indians.

Comment From Mr. Wrestling IV
I don’t remember which of the FG propect guys mentioned this, but they felt that Rafael Montero was one of the players whose stock has increased the most this year. Is he showing new talent, or just continued production?

Marc Hulet: The Mets have seen a number of their pitching prospects really improve this year… Montero definitely has some mad skill… He didn’t exactly come out of no where — he was on the Mets Top 15 prospects list so this development is more of the continued variety rather than new talent.

Comment From Jack
What are your long term thoughts on the Odorizzi, Archer & Colome trifecta? All have a chance to grab a spot long term possibly in the rotation (if Archer can cool it with the BBs) it appears, especially with Price’s contract, Hernandez stinking & Cobb’s unpredictable injury. Thanks in advance.

Marc Hulet: Archer has the highest ceiling… but the command/control issues are somewhat worrisome. Colome might be a long term reliever while Odorizzi is more of a 3/4 guy.

Comment From Steven
What is C.J. Cron’s ceiling?

Marc Hulet: I’d like to see him tap into the raw power more consistently and prove 2012 wasn’t a Cal League mirage… Given his size and lack of defensive skills he really needs the power to carry him.

Comment From Guest
What do you think of the practice of having pitching prospects go long reliever for the big league club for awhile before hitting the rotation?

Marc Hulet: I’m a fan of it… I just don’t want to see teams continually flip flop young pitchers between starting and relieving… I’ve noticed a lot of pitchers that do that tend to blow out their elbows or shoulders.

Comment From FG Reader
what happened to mike newman

Marc Hulet: Mike’s taking a breather to focus on family and his day job…

Marc Hulet: And his newsletter at RotoScouting

Marc Hulet: If you’re a fantasy player you might want to check it out.

Comment From Andrew
Will George Springer overcome contact issues to become a good offensive player in MLB in your opinion?

Marc Hulet: I had more doubts in 2012 but he’s starting to win me over. I think he’ll figure it out and become a solid regular, if not better.

Comment From pr
Iglesias AL rookie of the year?]

Marc Hulet: I don’t think his numbers are sustainable and I question the playing time…

Comment From thomas
Whatever happened to Alex Wimmers?

Marc Hulet: He lost the ability to throw strikes and then blew out his elbow.

Comment From HTD
not all are prospects but: Who would you rather hold onto on a keeper league bench, Drew Pomeranz, Allen Webster, Alex Meyer, Zach Lee, or Jarred Cosart?

Marc Hulet: Webster is coming up to make a start soon so he’ll give you some help now. Meyer could have a big impact down the road.

Comment From Andrew
Is Nolan Fontana a legit prospect for the Astros?

Marc Hulet: He’s a prospect but has a modest ceiling. Second division starter…

Comment From raphael montero
Am I going to be called up this season?

Marc Hulet: The skill might be there to hold his own in the Majors but he still has some work to do and the Mets aren’t going to win this year so they may want to give Montero/Syndergaard/etc. lots of time to develop for future success.

Comment From jwise224
Marc, appreciate the chat time this morning. Great way to get Friday started before my Oregon State Beavers play in Omaha. Do you have any thoughts on what the Diamondbacks might do with Chris Owings? Kid is raking in AAA but is blocked at both 2B and SS. Thanks!

Marc Hulet: He might end up as trade bait. He still has some work to do on the defensive side of his game, as well as with his aggressive approach so he probably won’t be ready until 2014 — despite the impressive batting average.

Comment From Jesus
How soon might we see eric jageilo hitting 315 ft homers in yankee stadium?

Marc Hulet: 3-4 years perhaps… will wait to see him actually play in the minors before I start to project too much. Like what I’ve heard, though.

Comment From pr
can you name five minor league pitchers you would rather have than Robert Stephenson

Marc Hulet: Probably not. Big fan. He should be high on the 2014 Top 100 list.

Comment From CJ
Please rank these AA OFs: Pederson, Puello, Marisnick

Marc Hulet: Marisnick, Pederson, Puello.

Comment From Hakuna Machado
What to make of the Josh Phegley/Tyler Flowers situation?

Marc Hulet: Flowers has pretty much proven he can’t hit and is more of a backup guy, while Phegley might be able to hit well… but he needs a chance to prove himself.

Comment From Phil
Addison Russell someone to dream on?

Marc Hulet: Definitely… he’s just been pushed a bit too much.

Comment From Rod
Marc, with G Polanco’s progress in the minors and the Pirates set at CF for the future with McCutch, what’s the likelihood the package Polanco with say Taillon and some other prospects to go after Stanton. Seems like a great fit in RF. Either that or some quality SP for the stretch run. Thanks.

Marc Hulet: Anything is possible but you could also move Polanco to a corner. I’m not sure Pittsburgh can afford Stanton long term….

Comment From Jesus Shuttlesworth
Who will have a bigger impact this season – Gerrit Cole or Michael Pineda

Marc Hulet: Probably Cole.

Comment From mr. anonymous
just read an article talking about how the rangers may have lost trade material by using profar in the majors. since he’s not tearing it up, some teams may not see him as valuable enough to trade an ace pitcher or big bat for.. your thoughts?

Marc Hulet: Depends on the team. Some teams will see a very young player holding his own at the MLB level and know the tools are still there for him to be a star… and think perhaps that’s worth more than seeing him dominate AAA pitching.

Comment From Jesus Shuttlesworth
Zack Wheeler’s stuff looked great the other day but he had no idea where it was going. If he can get his command issues sorted out is he a perennial cy young candidate?

Marc Hulet: I kind of wrote about this in a piece that was published on the day he debuted… He can be a No. 4 guy right now and has No. 2 potential once he figures things out.

Comment From Scott
Between, Travis D’Arnaud, Christian Yelich, Oscar Taveras and Miguel Sano, who do you see reaching the Majors next?

Marc Hulet: Taveras, then Yelich.

Comment From Mark from Stanford
What player from the draft debuts as the highest rated prospect?

Marc Hulet: Mr. Appel.

Marc Hulet: Followed by the still unsigned Kris Bryant… although I like them both about the same.

Comment From kevinthecomic
Are there any “rule of thumb” stats that you need to see from a high school hitter in order to consider him a legitimate prospect? How about pitcher?

Marc Hulet: There really are no stats — it’s more about the athletic ability at that level. If we’re talking stats with hitters, I would like to see solid contact rates and an understanding of the strike zone. WIth pitchers, I want to see good command/control numbers.

Comment From Scott
Who do you like best among Dedgar Jimenez, Julio Urias, Roberto Osuna, Jose Berrios and Lucas Sims?

Marc Hulet: Osuna, although I think TJ surgery is imminent — even though he’s back pitching. Reminds me of the situation with Arodys Vizcaino and he’s had a lot of trouble getting healthy again.

Comment From Grand Admiral Braun
Does Baez project as a third-baseman?

Marc Hulet: He’s made some strides at SS but I think 3B will be his eventually home — if not the outfield.

Comment From Scott
Who has the most raw power?: Ryan Rua, Joey Gallo, Miguel Sano, Stetson Allie, Jonathan Singleton or Javier Baez?

Marc Hulet: Sano, followed by Gallo and Allie, for me.

Comment From Dave
Justin Wilson, future closer or future starter?

Marc Hulet: I think the bullpen is the right spot for him.

Comment From Danny Salazar
When do I get called up to the Tribe, and how do they use me?

Marc Hulet: Possibly the second half if the tribe stays in the playoff hunt. I could see him being a reliever early on and having some success.

Comment From John
Thoughts on ceiling for Gausman, and what we learned from his time with the O’s?

Marc Hulet: Not every pitcher is going to succeed on his first try. I’m not worried about his early struggles.

Comment From Scott
Is Hak-Ju lee out for the year?

Marc Hulet: Last I heard, yes.

Comment From Joseph
Any reports on Foltynewicz’s off speed stuff? Obviously the fastball’s electric but I haven’t heard much about his secondary pitches.

Marc Hulet: Breaking ball is solid but changeup still needs some fine-tuning.

Comment From Matt (Steinway)
Are too many young hitters convinced that it is okay to strike out %25 of the time? Do organizations no longer try to improve hitters’ bad K%? It is troubling to me to see so many kids come up with no interest in making contact and putting the ball in play.

Marc Hulet: Most orgs I talk to let the hitters develop without putting too much pressure on them to change their approach. They feel the natural talent will evolve over time as they see more and more pitching and gain experience.

Comment From Miike Francesa
Gary Sanchez vs. Travis D’arnaud – who you taking long term?

Marc Hulet: My gut says d’Arnaud.

Comment From Dan in Hoboken
Is Taylor Lindsey the Angels #1 hitting prospect? He is only 6 months older than Cowart and has been raking.

Marc Hulet: There isn’t a ton of competition and Cowart has been very disappointing this year, so I’d say yes

Comment From RaiseIt
Where do you rank the Buccos System overall? First? Top 5?

Marc Hulet: Definitely Top 5… probably not better than the Twins….

Comment From Jamaal
Where would Appel rank on your Top 100 prospects?

Marc Hulet: Hard to say but both Appel and Bryant would be on there at least in the 50ish range, perhaps higher… depends on how many players lose prospect eligibility this year.

Comment From CJ
Renato Nunez – Thoughts?

Marc Hulet: Very impressive this year — could be a Top 100 guy

Comment From John V.
What’s up with Max Kepler?

Marc Hulet: I’ve heard he’s in Low-A and should play in the next day or two after opening the year in extended spring.

Comment From Dan
will the prospect stock watch series ever return?

Marc Hulet: We had originally planned to morph it into a different type of series but that’s since fallen away so I’ll see about bringing it back … I liked writing it.

Comment From Prospect hunter
Does Archie Bradley see the bigs this year?

Marc Hulet: I doubt it. Hopefully 2014.

Comment From John V.
Thoughts on Arismendy Alcantara?

Marc Hulet: Good prospect with all around skill, no huge standout offensive tool

Comment From Prospect hunter
Does Xander Bogaerts get the call in 2013?

Marc Hulet: Maybe September but I think he’ll be a 2014 guy now that Iglesias is playing well behind Drew.

Comment From Phil
what’s Allan Webster’s floor?

Marc Hulet: Eighth inning reliever.

Comment From Asking for a Friend
would you rather have: Crick, Glassnow, or Blackburn?

Marc Hulet: Probably still Crick but Glasnow is closing the gap.

Comment From michael
Better career war: mccutchen or polanco….

Marc Hulet: The former.

Comment From Thinking about a plus
Is fangraphs+ $5 a month, a year, or for all time?

Marc Hulet: It’s an annual cost.

Comment From Ant
Who is better Taylor Guerreri or Robert Stephenson?

Marc Hulet: I prefer Stephenson

Comment From Bob
Which Yankee prospect would you be most reluctant to deal if you were Cashman?

Marc Hulet: Probably Sanchez or Williams.

Comment From Ant
Hey – do you have a Scouting report on Martin Agosta?

Marc Hulet: It’s funny… I asked the Giants about him in the winter and they didn’t even know exactly what they had with him at that point… I’m sure it’s changed now. You can bet I’ll be delving into him in the coming weeks and months.

Comment From Ant
Will Jose Campos ever be Jose Campos again?

Marc Hulet: I hope so…

Comment From Ronny
What kind of upside does Nik Turley have? Thanks

Marc Hulet: Reliever. Not a fan of his delivery whatsoever.

Comment From Michael
If you were appels advisor, would you have advised him the same way boras did? Or would you have had him take the 3.8 last year and started his career?

Marc Hulet: He probably made the right move getting a fourth year of education from Stanford.

Comment From Daniel
What is Max Fried’s ceiling?

Marc Hulet: No. 2/3 pitcher.

Comment From Ronny
Is Sean Nolin a legit prospect? Whats his upside?

Marc Hulet: No. 4 starter.

Marc Hulet: Thanks for all the questions… but I have to go. Feel free to send questions my way on Twitter @marchulet