Marc Hulet Prospects Chat – 7/26/13

: We’ll get started in about 15 minutes…. get your questions in early!

Comment From Dr. Met
Can you name 3 guys who immediately jump out at you as likely to be promoted once the trading smoke clears next week?

: I wrote a piece for Prospect Insider looking at five AL prospects that could get called up in the second half (with the NL coming next week) and mentioned Taijuan Walker, Asher Wojciechowski, Marcus Stroman, Nick Castellanos and Xander Bogaerts.

Comment From dgco
I hear varying opinions on Jose Ramirez (NYA). Any thoughts?

: I saw him pitch in May… good fastball, excellent change up — the breaking ball will determine his eventual role: starter or reliever… I have hope for him as a No. 3/4 guy but time will tell.

Comment From Milhouse
Does a prospect come to mind who could be a Matt Carpenter type? Kevin Pillar maybe though he’s an OF vs. IF?

: Carpenter was selected as a senior college guy, and possibly even if a fifth year guy if I’m remembering correctly… and you usually don’t find this kind of value with those players so he’s a little unique. I’m not really sure what you mean by his type, though….

Comment From Steve
Xander Boegarts worth a keep for next year? Is he going to be better than Brad Miller?

: Long term Bogaerts is definitely going to be better than Miller (who’s a solid prospect in his own right).

Comment From Guest
In what order would you rank: RDLR (Bos), Webster (Bos), Sanchez (Tor)?

: Sanchez, Webster, RDLR

Comment From John
Marcus Semien has been the best player in the Southern League. He’s 22 and seems to do everything above average offensively, exceptional plate discipline. Any reason this guy gets no love? What’s your take?

: Partly he gets overlooked because he’s in the White Sox system which is generally considered to be fairly poor (although there are some intriguing guys in there). I’m not sold on him being an everyday guy… but he could be a solid backup and possibly a second division starter.

Comment From dgco
Is Maikel Franco ready to be Philly’s 3b solution?

: No… maybe in a year…

Comment From HTD
Kyle Zimmer has been turning it around in a big way. When is his ETA?

: I’m thinking mid-2014 would be a safe guess. Big fan, as witnessed by my pre-season Top 100 ranking.

Comment From John
Have you seen Nick Kingham pitch? Reports are he’s sitting in the mid 90’s. Does he creep into top 75 prospects next year?

: He’s definitely a Top 100 candidate for next spring. He’s on my must-see list for the second half… but I got solid reports on him when I was doing the Pirates Top 15 last winter…

Comment From HTD
What are your thoughts on Matt Barnes. Can he still reach the majors next year?

: Barnes just needs to become more consistent. I can definitely see him pitching in the big leagues in 2014. Solid mid-rotation arm potential.

Comment From Bud
I know Cesar Puello’s crazy BABIP has fueled his high batting average…besides that, have you liked what you’ve (or contacts) have seen thus far?

: Puello is a guy that’s up in the air for a lot of people… part of it is the shadow of the Biogenesis Report.

Comment From HTD
Are you worried at all about Jonathan Singleton?

: Not really, no. The layoff didn’t help.

Comment From Chief Wahoo
Danny Salazar Why isn’t he back already?

: They’re in a playoff race and clearly feel there are better arms already on the big league staff in terms of present skill…

Comment From Eric
Any thoughts on Kennys Vargas or Dalton Hicks? Legitimate first base prospects, or are there red flags?

: To be a legit 1B prospect you have to absolutely mash. Hicks has been old for his leagues… I’d say don’t hold out a ton of hope for either, but we’ll know more as they hit the Double-A and Triple-A levels.

Comment From Matt
Seems like the Mets may have begun to transition Flores to 1b over the past several weeks. Do you think he can hit enough to play there?

: Maybe as a second division guy but I doubt he’s an impact bat at 1B…

Comment From John
More all star appearances – Bogaerts or Sano?

: I’ll say Bogaerts because he’ll likely be more consistent from year to year throughout his career.

Comment From Stan the Man
If healthy, would Oscar Taveras be the CF for the Cards right now?

: I’m not really sold on him as a big league center-fielder and certainly not on a team looking to make a run at the World Series…

Comment From Lee
Have you seen Brian Flynn at all this year? If so, any thoughts?

: He’s always been a fringe guy for me in the past but I’ve heard he’s looked good this year… I’ll have to do some more digging…

Comment From Steve
Are Conception and Perez (the two guys the Angels got for cap money) worth anything for the big league club in the future?

: NPs (non-prospects)… Clearly shows that LAA thinks very little about signing players on the international market this year.

Comment From Brian
J.R. Murphy is killing it. Good walk rate, power, low strikeouts, young for his level. Will he get any top 100 love?

: Not sure if he’s Top 100 worthy yet but he’s possibly one of the Top 10 prospects in the Yankees system.

Comment From Michael
Tony Sanchez….legit starting catcher in the future, or is this season a mirage?

: He’s probably a platoon or backup guy but he might gut our some seasons as a regular guy… he’s been in and out of the Pirates top prospects list for about four years.

Comment From Ryan
It hasn’t been a great year thus far, but does the fact that Josh Bell has come back healthy from his knee injury and performed decently well put him back into Top 100 discussions or does he have more to prove?

: Probably not a 100 guy yet but he’s definitely shown flashes of potential and 2014 could be a big year for him.

Comment From Ken
Max Kepler or Mason Williams?

: Kepler has a bigger ceiling, Williams has a better chance to play in the majors… Give me Kepler.

Comment From Ryan
Is Stetson Allie a legit prospect or more of a lottery ticket at this point? His K rate seems unsustainably high and he seems like the type of player to get exposed by AA pitching next year.

: He’s really disappeared in High-A and may not be ready for AA in 2014–at least not at the beginning of the year. Big holes in that swing but he’s still new to full-time hitting so he gets the mulligan.

Comment From Michael
odds alen hanson sticks at short for the pirates?

: Probably not, but it’s dependent on there being a better defensive option.

Comment From Camp
We know Almora and Soler have a ton of hype in the Cubs farm system, but what about Matt Szczur? What do see for him as far as potential, role, and production with the big league team?

: Platoon/back-up guy… fourth outfielder type…

Comment From Tony
Had you ever gotten a look at Junior Lake in the minors? We all know he can’t keep this up, but is there any reason to believe that he can’t be an above-average regular going forward?

: I spoke to a talent evaluator whom I really respect about Lake this past off-season (and who knows the prospect really well) and got kind of a “meh” comment when I asked how likely he was to realize his full potential. He’s the kind of guy who could play really, really well for stretches and then disappear for months on end. Good tools, just can’t seem to make them click.

Comment From Ryan
Has some of the shine come off of Luis Heredia’s prospect status because of his middling results this year (not to mention going to extended spring training because he was out of shape to start the year)? Not sure how much of this is alleviated by the fact that he’s an 18 year old in full season ball.

: He has lost some shine, for sure. Three years in short season ball is a lot even when you’re that young and he’s not exactly dominating–far from it, in fact.

Comment From Michael
Will Jameson Taillon pitch in AAA this year?

: I think he will (should)…

Comment From Wes
Looks like Jimmy Nelosn’s BBs are coming back to bite him in the move up to AAA. You still like him as a future innings eater?

: I do. Lots of young pitchers are inconsistent and this should just be a blip in the road for him.

Comment From CMR
Hey, Marc. What do you see as Tyler Lyons’s future? Whatever it is, I think he’s about done with the minors.

: Middle reliever/long man in a big league bullpen… could manage some spot starts.

Comment From Tony
If Julio Urias is still available in my dynasty league, would I be smart to jump on him now?

: He’s a little overrated because of the age thing… if he grows, then he could be a beast but right now he’s on the short side so durability is a concern… with that said, a very impressive season for him.

Comment From jda
Marcus Stroman’s relative lack of downward plane is partially compensated for by the fact that hitters can’t seem to easily pull what they put in the air off of him. True or false?

: Big league hitters are a lot different than minor league hitters… I’m tempering my enthusiasm for the small right-hander until he pitches in the majors… I still think he’s a long-term reliever.

Comment From Mark
What are the chances Ceccini and/or Joc Pederson get called up this year?

: Probably not super high for either.

Comment From Rear Naked Choke
How good can Avisail Garcia be. Seems Tigers are almost higher on him then Castellanos.

: He’s not as promising as Castellanos but Garcia has had flashes of brilliance at opportune times, which has cast a favorable light on him. He could be a solid but unspectacular regular outfielder.

Comment From LarryA
What do you make of Baez HR-or-nothing approach in AA?

: It’s not really any different than what’s he’s done before now… His approach is very raw.

Comment From Bart
What are your projections for Jonathan Villar and is he better option over Zack Cosart?

: I’m in the camp that believes Villar is going to be a backup in the majors.

Comment From Bruce
could Kyle Crick move up fast enough to get a cup of Joe next year?

: Probably not… 2015 is likely the earliest we’ll see him in the majors. But don’t fret, the Giants know how to develop pitching…

Comment From COREY KLUBER
Lindor is tearing it up in his short time in Akron. Obviously sample size and BABIP are at play here, but could he see AAA soon? Is it really that big of a jump?

: He’s only 19 and his AA numbers are extreme small sample… I doubt he sees AAA in 2013.

Comment From greg
Any thoughts on Corey Black?

: I tweeted about him this AM… nice pick up by the Cubs. Very good FB, solid BB, likely a reliever in the long run but one that could pitch in high leverage situations. More upside than Tommy Kahnle, which was the other name mentioned.

Comment From Nate
Kohl Stewart: KLaw has him ranked as his 30th prospect already. Do you agree at all with this ranking? Also, do you find him more easily projectionable since his knocks seem to be on his mechanics? Would you expect the fact that he’s now concentrating solely on baseball and not football as well to help at all?

: It’s a little rich for me but Keith has developed a good eye for prospects. Kohl is definitely the kind of player that could really take off by focusing on one sport.

Comment From Mikey
Is Odorizzi worth a stash, or is he dropping down the prospects list? His stuff can be filthy at times.

: I’ve had him ranked as a future No. 4 starter for a while…

Comment From greg
Does Javier Baez’s crazy display of power in AA put him in the discussion as a top 10 prospect in baseball?

: I ranked him 13th on my Top 50 mid-season report.

Comment From Milhouse
By his type I mean an under-hyped grinder who produces very well almost immediately.

: This is in regards to the earlier comment about Matt Carpenter… Ah, yeah Pillar could be that guy but I think Pillar is more likely to be a fourth outfielder, as opposed to Carpenter who is a legit regular while playing 2B.

Comment From bo bo
Brandon Morrow is done for the season in Toronto. Will they look to promote internally or from outside?

: It depends on when the front office gives up hope on competing for a playoff spot in 2013… once they do, we could see some young arms come up, perhaps Sean Nolin again.

Comment From Bart
Ervin Santana for Kolten Wong. Who says no?

: The Royals. They can get more.

Comment From Izzy
Sardinas or Odor?

: Sardinas… better defensive value.

Comment From Guest
Polanco or Soler as long term keeper, or other NL outfielder who may be out there?

: Good choices. Almora is another one.

Comment From Patrick
Asked this of Jim Callis earlier, wanted your take: Who has the higher ceiling, JP Crawford or Maikel Franco?

: Crawford has a chance to be the more well rounded player so maybe that gives him an edge, but Franco could become an Edwin Encarnacion kind of player… I’m up in the air on this question.

Comment From Barry
Is Courtney Hawkins CWS worth keeping in a 5X5 Keepers auction league for nxt yr?

: He has a chance to be very good but I’m worried about the impact this rush through the system will have on him long term.

Comment From Steve
Is Junior Lake for real? Is he a .300/20/20 true talent guy?

: No. He’s not a guy that’s going to hit for a high average.

Comment From Nate
The Cubs are building quite a system, but which of their pitching prospects appear to be strongest? Any impact arms there?

: Pitching is definitely the weakness of this system. They need some guys to step forward.

Comment From Concerned White Sox Fan
Is Erik Johnson legit?

: He could be a solid mid-rotation guy…

Comment From Mike
Byron Buxton has a lot of strikeouts in High-A, are you concernd about it? He seem to have plate discipline issue.

: He’s super, crazy young and definitely has work to do but I’m not worried.

Comment From Andy
How does Nick Delmonico fit into the Brewers top 10 prospects?

: Somewhere in the 4-7 range off the top of my head… Milwaukee doesn’t have a deep system.

Comment From KJ
Do you think Red Sox have the best farm system in the baseball? Top 5: Red Sox, Cubs, Astros, Pirates, Cardinals?

: Those are mostly the clubs I would consider for the top but I wouldn’t put Boston at No. 1….

Comment From Greedo
Is Max Stassi Houston’s future at C?

: He needs to become a lot more consistent before I go that far.

Comment From Concerned White Sox Fan
What’s wrong with Courtney Hawkins? Do you think his struggles this year hurt his prospect status?

: He was rushed terribly and has struck out a ton. Yes, it hurts his value but not a lot because he’s young… if he doesn’t make adjustments in 2014, though, then I start to get worried.

Comment From Tony
Lots of differing opinions out there on Garin Cecchini. What’s your take?

: Should hit for a solid average with gap power. The lack of premium HR pop hurts but I like what I saw from him defensively at 3B… I think he can be a solid regular.

Comment From Noah
Buxton has started to heat up again, do you see him going to Double A this year?

: No

Comment From Bart
Is Travis d’Arnaud the best catching prospect overall? Who would you compare him to in the majors?

: I still have him as the top catching prospect but Austin Hedges is gaining on him… I don’t have a solid comp off the top of my head.

Comment From John
Time to pull the on Trevor Story?

: 2014 will be an important year for him; I wouldn’t give up just yet, no.

Comment From jda
Jake Thompson (the Tigers’ version) is doing really well as a 19-year-old in full-season ball. Obviously the draft pick doesn’t look as much like an overreach now, but is Thompson a legitimate Top 200 prospect?

: I like him a lot… potential Top 200 guy but I’d have to lay out his competition for a spot before I really commit to that….

Comment From LaLoosh
you think that Cody Asche can be moved back to 2B? His bat would be a bigger plus there and apparently 3B will be Franco in Philly. If Utley gets extended does that all make Asche a solid trade chip?

Comment From John Stamos
% Chance Rafael de Paula is converted to a reliever? Or is it still too soon to really tell.

: 50-50? Too soon to tell, really.

Comment From Woody
As undersized, hard throwing righty’s, are Carlos Martinez and Marcus Stroman both destined for the bullpen?

: Stroman more so than Martinez but, yes, that is the concern on both. The Jays prospect is shorter than Martinez… but he’s a little more of a “pitcher.”

Comment From Raul Adalberto Mondesi
I’m the best shortstop prospect around, no?

: No… I think he was ranked as the sixth or seventh best SS prospect on my Top 50 list at mid-season.

Comment From Roger
What should I know about Vic Black besides the future closer label?

: He has control problems.

Comment From greg
Who would you take long-term – Sano or Baez?

: Sano

Comment From Nathan
Any updated thoughts on George Springer? Seems like people keep trying to downplay the kind of player he’ll be, but he hasn’t done anything except tear the cover off the ball in the upper minors

: The strikeouts are worrisome. His crazy high BABIPs are aiding his batting average A LOT.

Comment From Vic
Higher ceiling, Stephenson or Bradley?

: They’re very, very close.

Comment From Carlos Danger
What are your thoughts on Greg Bird?

: Solid sleeper prospect.

Comment From Patrick
Would an Asche/Frandsen platoon give you equivalent value above replacement level to what Michael Young has to offer over the remainder of the season?

: That platoon would probably be good for approximately 0 WAR…

Comment From Steve
What’s holding Castellanos back? Are they worried about his ability to hit big league pitching?

: I think it’s more his defensive work right now…

Comment From Concerned White Sox Fan
Is recent call up Josh Phegley the answer for the White Sox at catcher?

: Probably not long term… but he’s better than Flowers.

Comment From Daniel
Is kevin plawecki a top 100 guy?

: Probably not, but a solid prospect.

Comment From Damon
Is Taijuan Walker’s high BB/9 a cause for concern?

: high walk rates are always a concern but 3.46 BB/9 is not high.

Comment From Wilson
Grumblings that we might see Wacha spot start against Pitt next week. Is he a top-10 SP prospect, in your view?

: He was 14th overall on my mid-season Top 50 prospects list

Comment From Maxamuz
Is Xander a Lucas Duda type player? By that I mean, out of this world good?

: heh.

Comment From Prospector
Has Fangraphs elected to scrap the “Who will be next year’s #1 prospect” series now that the previous author of this series has departed? I enjoyed seeing the updates on how the cream of the crop are graded relative to each other.

: That was Mike’s thing, so yeah.

Comment From MsFan
Brad Miller, Chris Taylor or somebody else is starting SS for the M’s in 2015?

: I’ll go with Nick Franklin or Brad Miller…

Comment From LJ Hoes
Could I ever be a capable starting OF in the majors?

: Probably not, more fourth outfielder.

Comment From Carl
IF Wheeler didn’t get called up a few days before where would he have been ranked in the midseason top 50?

: Top 10

Comment From MT
Jason parks recently said that he has 8 cubs in the top 101. Any guess who they all are?

: Here is eight possible names: Bryant, Baez, Almora, Soler, Vogelbach, Johnson, Alcantara, Olt

: But Jason can certainly answer that better than I can, obviously…

Comment From DBacks
Why is no one talking about Matt Davidson? Only Eric Chavez stands in his way, and he’s shown he can mash.

: I think the feeling is that the organization isn’t super high on him.

Comment From Brian M
From what Jarred Cosart has shown us so far is he another matt harvey?

: No, the command is not going to be there long term but he’s been fun to watch.

Comment From Prospector
Who do you see as the #1 prospect for 2014 at this point? Buxton? Bogaerts? Other? Reasoning?

: Buxton was my No. 1 guy when my Top 50 list came out less than a month ago, so…..

Comment From Ian
Twins would be in contention for a top 5 system, right?

: Yup

Comment From Aaron
Clayton Blackburn was perfect through 7 last night; does he have good stuff, or is he more of a control and deception guy?

: plus control, good command, average-ish stuff.

Comment From MsFan
How much higher do you rate d’Arnaud over Zunino? Zunino has looked great behind the plate but bat is not ready.

: I’d rank Zunino above d’Arnaud if they were both in the minors and under 130 big league ABs.

Comment From Jason
Does Archie Bradley see MLB this year?

: I hope not, no need to rush him.

Comment From Julian
IS Kaleb Cowart still the Angels top prospect?

: not likely… but there isn’t much in that system.

Comment From Gila Monster
What do you think for the future of 3rd and SS on the Red Sox? We got Boegarts,Cecchini,Middlebrooks, and Iglesias. They should probably deal Middlebrooks correct?

: Probably Bogaerts but if he sticks at SS (or somewhere else on the field) then Cecchini.

Comment From HTD
Is Sonny Gray’s performance in AAA this year a legit breakout? What’s his ceiling now?

: I believe so… I was told that he was working on things last year and not really taking a typical approach, which is what caused his numbers to look blah.

Comment From Don
Stroman’s size is concerning at 5 ft 9, but he also has great stuff, his repertoire is undeniable. He has a good future, no?

: Yes, he has a great future… as a high leverage reliever.

Comment From Jason
Tyrone Taylor seems to be a guy getting some more pub.. Thoughts?

: Potential Top 3 guy in the system.

Comment From Mitch
DJ Peterson – more Yonder Alonso or Freddie Freeman?

: Possibly better than both of those guys.

Comment From Dan
Luiz Gohara, 2014 top 100 prospect?

: He’s zooming up the depth charts. Nice arm.

Comment From Guest
re: Sean Nolin callup. Do you think the additional innings in AA make him that much more ready for the Majors than he was in the spring?

: I saw him pitch shortly before he was called up the first time and he didn’t look ready… I haven’t seen him lately though to really be able to comment…. but I would imagine he’s made some strides considering his solid results.

Comment From Dan
Can Chris Owings be an impact major league SS? He looked smooth defensively in person at the Future’s Game, and yes its the PCL, but he has been very good in Triple A at 21

: He’s not an impact big leaguer for me unless he can improve his approach/discipline at the plate.

Comment From Guest
will aaron judge be a legit big league power hitter?

: He definitely has the potential to be a monster.

Comment From Maxamuz

Best Team ever assembled?

: The X-men are better.

Comment From Dave
Do you like Nick Kingham or Tyler Glasnow more?

: Glasnow, as per my Top 50 ranking.

Comment From Guest
Will we ever see Mike Newman on fangraphs again?

: Mike has moved on to other things but never say never…

Comment From JP
Was Sean Nolin’s tragic appearance in the bigs enough to not bring him up again until next year possibly?

: You can’t fault him for the first appearance. He was rushed.

Comment From Yan
Asher Wojciechowski or Cody Martin

: Asher.

Comment From Dr. Met
Is Chris Young a good comp for Marisnick? Similar athletic profile and huge contact and bb issues?

: Not really, no. Young has more raw power.

Comment From Dan
Best bet to be the starting 3B for the Cubs, for the next 2-3 years: Olt, Villanueva, Vitters, other (besides Baez)?

: Bryant, maybe?

Comment From Dustin
How quickly ought the Reds get Stephenson out of California and up to Pensacola?

: To begin 2014?

Comment From Steve
Heaney has now gone 21 innings without allowing a run, with a 0.97 ERA on the season. Is he the next Brian Matusz? A polished college lefty who outclasses minor league hitters but will be exposed for a limited arsenal in the majors?

: I like Heaney’s potential. I have high hopes, but his ceiling is possibly a mid-rotation guy as opposed to an ace.

Comment From Fonz
Can Tim Beckham be a regular MLB SS? Will he?

: I don’t think so, no.

Comment From Fonz
Is Taylor Lindsey the Angels’ best prospect?

: No.

Comment From Aaron
Is Mac Williamson turning into a real prospect?

: He’s certainly a prospect, yes. He’s a top 15 guy in the Giants system.

Comment From Cody
How many of those 8 Cubs prospects do you view as top 100 type prospects?

: Certainly four, maybe five.

Comment From Dan
Can you explain the difference command and control for a pitcher?

: command=ability to make pitch do what you want it to; control=throwing strikes

Comment From Fonz
Matt Adams more or less = Josh Willingham’s career?

: Willingham had/s a little more defensive value, Adams possibly has a little more bat.

Comment From Tony
Your thoughts on Anthony Ranaudo? Has he reestablished himself as a potential #3 starter?

: Yes

Comment From Keeper? I hardly know her
Is it a good idea to resend questions to the queue if we wait awhile? On that note who has a higher ceiling Zimmer or Stephenson? Is it close?

: Probably not… I get to them when I can and try to answer most of them. I would give both similar ceilings… very high.

Comment From Jeff
What should Astros fans expect form Jonathan Villar for the rest of the season?

: Up and down performance with flashes of brilliance and then a few “What is he doing in the minors?” moments.

Comment From kramer
no alcantara in the top 101?

: Up in the air for me at this point.

Comment From Kerry Ligtenberg
If we were ranking sideburns, I’d be #1 all-time, no?

: Quite possibly.

Comment From Johnny
Thoughts on Jesse Winker’s return to earth? Just growing pains?

: A prospect’s season is a marathon not a sprint. Everyone is going to get shin splints at some point along the way… you just hope it’s for a short period of time.

Comment From Forsyth
What are your thoughts on Henry Owens?

: Lots of potential. Taller guys take a little longer to smooth out and repeat their delivery. Once he does that, he could be a No. 2 or 3 starter.

Comment From Johnny
Have you scouted Seth Mejias-Brean at all? He’s outhitting Jesse Winker on that Dayton Dragons team, with solid 3B defense.

: I had him listed on my 2013 Sleepers list at the beginning of the year. The Reds see potential in him.

Comment From Rear Naked Choke
Why do scouts continue to talk about a pitchers height when there’s never been data to show a correlation between height and durability?

: It’s not just durability… it’s also the pitch plane, perhaps more importantly.

Comment From Rob
What is C.J. Cron’s ceiling? LAA’s top prospect?

: He might be the top guy but I’m concerned by his 0% defensive value and the lack of homers this year.

Comment From Dan
Is Eddie Butler a potential frontline starter or late inning relief arm for you?

: I’m not sold on his future role yet. He’s more likely to stick as a starter now but I’m not fully convinced.

Comment From Dan
Is Lewis Brinson the top Rangers prospect going into 2014?

: No but he’s a solid prospect

Comment From Fonz
Is Rafael Montero’s stuff good enough to be a 3 in MLB, or is he more of a command/control guy at the back of a rotation?

: I think he could be a No. 3/4

Comment From Parneli
Mike O’Neill? A clone of Adam Eaton for 2014-15?

: Not really… O’Neill is an usual player but when I saw him play I found it hard to envision him playing every day. He could perhaps be a solid bat off the bench.

: Sorry all… have to cut it off here… as always, though, feel free to hit me up on Twitter with your questions: @marchulet