Mike Newman Prospects Chat – 4/26/13

Mike Newman: Hello all. While you wait, check out my site, http://www.rotoscouting.com/, and get acquainted if you haven’t already!

JD Sussman: I’ll be joining Mike today. Try to contain your excitement.

Mike Newman: We’ll begin in about ten minutes, but let’s review the ground rules. In general, I’ll stick to players I’ve seen/spoken to contacts about. If I don’t answer your question, that’s probably the reason. I promise it’s nothing personal.

Mike Newman: Oh yeah, and JD is joining me today. Somebody had the nerve to ask for him or Marc last week like I wasn’t good enough on my own. (Just kidding of course)

Comment From Hawk Tyson
Any good under the radar prospects to put on my watch list in a deep 70 man roster league?

Mike Newman: Check my piece on Ynoa from about an hour ago. He’ll pique your interest in a league that deep. The primary focus of my newsletter is to unearth the type of player you are looking for while on the road and share it quickly with subs. You might want to check it out.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/mets-ynoa-and-lara-add-to-dominican-pitching-pipeline/

Comment From Mike
Xander Bogaerts has really left his early season troubles in the dust (astronomical BABIP FTW!), you think he’s made adjustments since your article (JD) or is it just the luck scale pendulatin’?

JD Sussman: Mike, it’s hard to say. I haven’t seen him since the piece. But, I’ll see him a few times in May and report back. To be clear, I didn’t knock his tools at all there and was very optimistic that his body looked better.

Mike Newman: Love that Bogaerts is taking more walks, but at the expense of more K’s. Hopefully JD will have a chance to continue coverage and provide an update later on.

Comment From Kevin
Were you a big ibuprofen guy when you played. Some guys I play with pop 4 a day just to be able to throw without pain.

Mike Newman: In college, I NEVER threw with the team during warmups. 30-60 minutes before first pitch, I popped 3 ibuprofen and threw 15-minutes before game time. It was the only way for me to throw down to 2B without pain during games.

Comment From zack
Have either of you seen Archie Bradley yet this season?

JD Sussman: I did, but he wasn’t throwing. Steve from BB saw him pitch and raved about his FB/CB. Still questions about the changeup.

Mike Newman: I spoke to a scout last year who could not believe Dylan Bundy had better stuff than Bradley when we compared notes. He was enamored.

Comment From JEB
With the Indians pitching woes so far this season is the likely hood of Bauer being called up for good increasing? Are we going to continue to see him struggle with command or is he going to get over it quickly?

Mike Newman: I’m not sure he wouldn’t add to their pitching woes. JD and I saw him together in Arizona and Bauer was topping at 92 with solid secondary offerings. He was OK, but nothing special.

JD Sussman: It’s hard to say because he changed his mechanics. Who knows how quickly he adjusts?

Comment From Izzy
Could Rafael Montero and Brandon Nimmo be top 100 guys next year? Could either rank particularly high?

JD Sussman: Actually, I had Montero at the end of mine last season. If Nimmo gets advanced to the FSL and rakes, he could be a Top 50. He was much more aggressive when I saw him this year than when I saw him at BK. He isn’t a CF, but his approach and power will play in RF. Montero won’t rise as much, but I’ll see him soon too.

Mike Newman: I haven’t seen Montero, but Nimmo could be. It would not surprise me to see him ranked in the 70-100 range entering 2014.

Comment From Camden
Which SS has the most fantasy upside? Quinn, Sardinas, Arcia, Tzu-Wei Lin, or Jose Peraza?

Mike Newman: Of those players, I’ve seen Quinn, Sardinas and Peraza and would want them in that order.

Comment From John
get wheeler out of the PCL!

Comment From Ricky Ledee
What’s the deal with Zach Wheeler? Just the blister or is Las Vegas going to ruin him?

JD Sussman: This comments are crazy. The run scoring environment isn’t going to hurt his development. I’d rather him in Vegas than the freezing cold Eastern League without question. He’ll be fine. It’s a SSS and his stuff has looked good.

Mike Newman: I was on XM yesterday discussing this with Cliff Floyd and Steve Phillips. The Mets could not have a worse situation for upper level pitching prospects than April in Bingy or Vegas. I’d like to see them promote Wheeler to NY for his own good.

Comment From @dcholcomb
Are there any old man baseball leagues in the Atlanta area? If I move out there, I want in. It’s a lot easier to rake when the guys are throwing 78 mph and there’s zero pressure of the play-to-hit/hit-to-play paradox I felt in college.

Mike Newman: I have no idea. There’s a huge softball league near my house, but I haven’t played in years. It’s something I’ll be getting back into soon.

Comment From Guest
Royals fans seem disappointed with their recent prospect class, but there are talented guys in the pipeline again. We know your thoughts on Mondesi, but what about Bonifacio? Have you seen him?

JD Sussman: I saw Boni the other day and will many more times this year. Will write him up soon. Surprisingly good athlete with a bad body.

Mike Newman: I’ll be getting Lexington too. Fellow prospect guy Mark Smith wrote them up recently.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/tales-of-the-lexington-legends/

Comment From JEB
What are the chances we see Tyler Naquin this year in Cleveland? Or is he more of a 2014 guy? Also with Swisher/Bourn/Stubbs/Brantley what are the chances the team tries to move him to an infield position?

Mike Newman: JD will definitely have things to add on Naquin, but he won’t move from A+ to MLB this season. As of now, he’s probably more of a late 2014/2015 guy for me.

JD Sussman: Naquin is too advanced for that league and he’s blocked by Bourn. He’s a gap to gap guy not enough pop for a corner. Moving from OF to INF? I’d really doubt that. Totally different skill set.

JD Sussman: The Carolina League, that is.

Comment From Guest
ETA on Myers?

JD Sussman: Still a $ question, right? I’ve said from the beginning they should have called him up to start the year. The OF is 26th in wRC+

Comment From Tyler
Gary Sanchez has been hitting very well (sss obviously) and his defense has been pretty good thus far with great improvement every year (although he set the bar pretty low in his first season). Top 10-20 MLB prospect potential?

Mike Newman: Sanchez is continuing to develop and the numbers aren’t BABIP driven. I liked, but did not love Sanchez last season citing too much swing-and-miss, along with stiffness behind the plate. However, top prospects do develop at different rates. It’s quite possible he took a huge step forward and deserves an equally big boost to his prospect ranking.

Comment From JP
Nick Franklin has to be a better option than Andino. May call up coming?

Comment From Mark in Arkansas
Do the Mariners have the balls to pull up Zunino even if they aren’t winning? Or are they committed to letting him develop on more full year?

JD Sussman: Why would the Ms, who won’t win more than 45% of their games, start the clock on Zunino and Franklin? I’m not a NF supporter, but his upside is far better than Andino. After July? Sure. Call them up.

Mike Newman: Franklin isn’t a long term answer at SS for me. He belongs at 2B. As for Zunino, it’s just a matter of time. Remember, Zunino moving this quickly through the system is extremely rare. Most players require more time.

Comment From Ben
Hi Mike – Love your work. Are you worried about Profar’s early struggles in AAA? His walk-to-K ratio is great, but his BA is down. Is this something that shouldn’t come as a surprise since he is the youngest person at the AAA level?

Mike Newman: No worries for me. He’s just plugging along and biding his time. No matter how WBC folks try to spin it, I still believe the tournament affected timetables — Especially in the case of the Netherlands players. Bogaerts, Profar, Simmons and Schoop are all off to slow starts.

Comment From Travis
Just scouting the stat line, but Addison Russell not doing anything but walking and striking out so far. Thoughts?

JD Sussman: When I saw him last year he had problems with breaking stuff, especially away. I’m confident he’ll get it together. He’s one of the best I’ve seen, without question.

Comment From Trey
Heck of a night your STS ottoneu guys had last night.

Mike Newman: The norm, not the exception. LOL.

Comment From RDW
I know errors dont directly translate to defensive ability, but Alen Hanson has committed a LOT of errors so far in high A. Should I be concerned with him sticking at SS or is the bat too good to move him to 2nd where it wont be as valuable?

JD Sussman: Yes, I’ve heard from several sources he isn’t likely an SS long term and probably an OF

Comment From Guest
Without getting too specific, how do you get paid by fangraphs? Is it per piece you write, yearly, based on page views, other?

JD Sussman: For me, it’s hugs and kisses from the Dark Overlord

Mike Newman: I receive “X” amount per month for 2 pieces and a chat per week.

Comment From Travis
Is command the most underrated pitching skill for prospects? If so what’s the best way to identify it? More scouting or getting more pitch/fx data from minor league stadiums?

JD Sussman: It’s not underrated, at all. But it’s the hard to project accurately whether a player’s command will improve. For me, I look at their athleticism and ability to repeat the delivery.

Mike Newman: Command is difficult to scout because it requires multiple looks across a period of time. Scouts will follow a team for five days to see every starter once and the full bullpen (at least once). For me, a repeatable delivery, minimal effort when pitching, and athleticism speak to a pitcher with the ability to add or have command.

JD Sussman: Twins!

Comment From David
I get the feeling this is a tired question, but do you think the Cardinals don’t plan on calling up Taveras before Sept unless there is an unforeseen problem such as an injury, etc.?

Mike Newman: I think Matt Adams has thrown a wrench into the Cardinals plans for Tavares. If Beltran goes down, why call up Taveras when Craig can shift to the OF with Adams hitting well?

Comment From Zane Grey
Now that super2 has passed, who are the next 5 prospects to be called up next in the NL.

JD Sussman: Super two hasn’t passed. It will pass in mid June. The 20 day track back period has passed, which means a player who is called up within the first 20 days will be considered on the team from the start of the year and isn’t super two eligible because he’ll be a FA a year earlier.

Comment From Izzy
Thoughts on Jayce Boyd? How highly could he rank in the Mets system?

Mike Newman: He’s not really a prospect for me. Off to a great start though.. I’ll give him that.

JD Sussman: I’ve seen Boyd a ton, and he isn’t a nonprospect. But, he’s a 1B or COF and he doesn’t have enough bat for either, frankly. Here is to hoping he proves me wrong! Not a top 30 guy in the system

Comment From Izzy
Rank the following pitchers: Harvey, Fernandez, Bundy, Walker, Wheeler, Miller, Cole.

JD Sussman: Harvey, Bundy, Wheeler, Walker, Cole, Miller, Fernandez. In other words, no change from the start of the year. Well, I would have had Harvey second to start the season.

Comment From zack
How funny were Dale Sveums threats to demote Rizzo and especially Castro?

Mike Newman: Castro isn’t happening, but I don’t think Rizzo is in that class of player. His year is shaping up a bit like Ike Davis’ did last season.

Comment From Brian
It seems as if Teheran has almost abandoned his change. I saw most of this start against the Nationals, I believe, and it was straight fastball and below average curve. I haven’t seen pitch % stats to confirm, but I just don’t understand why he would stop throwing his most effective pitch, especially when it might help his straight plane FB play up a bit.

JD Sussman: I’ve heard someone agrees with you…. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/julio-teheran-scouting-report/

Comment From The Oberamtmann
Is Cito Culver finally showing some talent? Is Bichette bbbbbbbusted?

Mike Newman: Culver? Talent? Those two words don’t really compute well for me. To be honesty, my look last season was bad enough to where I couldn’t consider him a real prospect if he was batting .500/.800/1.200

As for Bichette, his demeanor rubbed me the wrong way when I scouted him in Rome. He hit Tim Hudson well on a rehab stint, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Comment From DeepLeaguer
Wait, how can you rank Miller below 4 guys who have barely seen the majors? Isn’t there a saying about birds and busch stadium?

JD Sussman: By that logic I should rank Tony Cingrani high too? I’m a big believer in that saying, but none of those guys are from from debuting. There are guys with more upside who I’d take Miller before because he’s more proven.

Comment From Guest
Should we be trying to sell Bundy for anything of value in a dynasty league? I am really concerned… May have overpaid for him in the auction draft, but cmae with the expectation he will be a top 20 SP as soon as next year….

Mike Newman: Not sure I understand your concern. He’s a phenomenal talent. Worst case he needs TJ and misses a year. it’s a dynasty league. He’ll still be up and healthy by 22.

Comment From James
How excited should I be for Rafael Montero? Does he have adequate breaking pitches to become a MOR pitcher?

JD Sussman: James, you are the most reasonable Mets fan/Fantasy owner in the world if you’ve got Montero pegged as a MOR guy. I don’t love his secondaries, but that’s where I have him too. But, I’ll get a chance to report more soon.

Comment From Guest
I hear “old for his level” and “young for his level” all the time. What are the normal age ranges for AAA and AA and A+ and A where a player would not either be young or old for each level? Or can you point me to an article that breaks this down? I’m kinda new to the prospect thing.

Mike Newman: For hitters, I break it down like this when at the park. If a player is up by 24, solid chance he becomes an average regular or better which is a pretty good sweet spot to be in.

20 – Full Season-A
21 – Advanced-A
22 – Double-A
23 – Triple-A
24 – MLB

For pitchers, I’ll add a bit more time for development.

Comment From OJones
Slow starts for a few interesting shortstops at new levels. Russell was injured briefly, so gets a pass for a while, but how long do we give Roman Quinn to figure it out before worrying?

JD Sussman: I saw Quinn last week and will again may times this year. Mike is a bigger fan than I. I don’t dislike him, but I don’t buy speed guys taking advantage of dreck minor league fielding. Though, he isn’t only a bunt and run player, he can swing it a little. He’ll get a lengthy review from me in early June.

Comment From Ryan
Would you target Dylan Bundy in dynasty trades at this time with the uncertainty of his health?

Mike Newman: 100% YES!

Comment From C
What the heck is a MOR guy?

JD Sussman: I’m sorry! Middle of the rotation.

Comment From Ben
Does the “old for level” standard relax some for catchers? Seems like the bat doesn’t really to develop until the mid or late 20s even for the best guys.

Mike Newman: Yes, because catching is so hard. One thing to understand about catching is the position demands a great deal of selflessness. Before worrying about your own hitting, you have to learn to manage a pitching staff and catch well. This may be why offense develops later in catchers.

Comment From Django
Who has been your favorite player to scout?

JD Sussman: Position player was Addison Russell. He’s electric. Pitcher probably Taillon. I know Mike doesn’t love him, but he was ridiculous when I caught him.

Mike Newman: Dylan Bundy and Giancarlo Stanton for me. Bryce Harper is up there too. I think JD needs to get out of the house more!

Mike Newman: Or, maybe I’m just getting old.

Comment From Dionysus
What do you see Allen Websters ceiling as being? He’s having a good start to the minor league season and looked good in his spot start in the Majors

Mike Newman: I saw him as a #3 with the potential to close IF he didn’t add durability. By all accounts, his stuff is better than when I saw him a couple of times. Let’s call him a 2/3 for now.

Comment From Tony
What do you guys think of Addison Russell? Reports seem to range from fringe-top 50 guy to potential #1 prospect of 2014. 60/60 hitter? Biggest gripe seems to be whether or not he will be good or adequate at SS – any opinions of him?

JD Sussman: It’s the Addison Russell chat! The gripe against his defense is outdated. He got the arm and the athleticism, just needs reps.

Comment From @dcholcomb
For an inconspicuous but luxurious decade-long MLB career– backup catcher or a left-handed reliever?

Mike Newman: Darren Oliver has forever poisoned this question for me. I thought he’d be out of baseball as a Texas Rangers player. Now, I wonder if he’ll pitch forever.

Comment From Brian
If you put Bubba in the majors, what would his K% be? 80%? That is a laughable % for Low A for a guy already approaching old for his level.

Mike Newman: Yes, JD! You take the Starling comment this week. I’m Bubba’d out for awhile.

JD Sussman: I’m petitioning Moore as we speak. Would be fun to watch. Well, fun for us to watch. I’m guessing Royals fans and Bubba would be unhappy

Comment From Orange
Do you think in order to be an effective scout you had to have played baseball at an advanced level (at least minor leagues)?

Mike Newman: Does it help? Absolutely, but one doesn’t have to be. Most of the scouts I speak with played in college, independents, or not at all.

Comment From Questions (of the Clown Variety)
Kevin Gausman: any updated thoughts on him now that he’s through 21ip at AA w/ 21K and 1BB? Can he be up in 2013 to stay?

JD Sussman: Updated thoughts? No. He’s a beast. People who knocked the opinion that he could be better than Bundy clearly haven’t seen Gausman pitch.

Mike Newman: The Better than Bundy thing is difficult for me. Gausman is older and has three years of college under his belt. Might he be more prepared for Baltimore now? Sure, but he has way more experience than does Bundy.

Comment From The Oberamtmann
I have to admit, I’m tired of the whole “old for his level” thing. We should discount Pat Venditte’s numbers because he throws slop and is “old for his level.” Well, righties and lefties often succeed in the majors throwing slop against same-siders. Also, if “old for his level” is a reason to discount his performance, then how about playing him (or any prospect) against his “proper age level”?

Mike Newman: You can be tired of it until the cows come home, but this doesn’t mean it’s not true. Do players like Jose Bautista have stellar careers as late bloomers? Sure, but far more star level players are up by 22 or younger. One misnomer of scouting is that scouts are only looking for the next stud. In actuality, scouts are constantly trying to find that one under-the-radar guy who can help a big league ball club. Often, those guys are the ones considered old for the level, have bad bodies, or are “shorties”

Comment From Milby
To be considered an elite prospect, it seems like most have an elite level tool. I ask, because Profar seems to break this mold, having a set of great, but no elite skill. Does this strike you as abnormal for a concensus top prospect?

JD Sussman: Define elite. Profar can play an above average or better shortstop, that’s an elite defender, right? I disagree with your premise too. Truly elite tools are hard to come by. Remember tools are graded in the context of Major League talent. Heyward was a top prospect, he didn’t have an elite tool. Very well rounded too.

Comment From gouis
Kind of hard to judge a guy for his ‘demeanor’ after seeing him on one day. Perhaps his dog died or something.

Mike Newman: Actually, it was a couple of days including warm ups, BP, defensive drills, and game action. By being observant, one can learn quite a bit.

JD Sussman: Depends if you’re talking about his everyday demeanor or his demeanor during a specific instance. When possible you ask scouts too.

Comment From Ryan
Any word on how Robert Stephenson looks this year?

JD Sussman: A word? How about lots of words! http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/nl-pitching-prospects-debut-stepheson-fried-et-al/

Comment From Ray
Safe to say Taijuan Walker is over the late-season struggles he had last year? I haven’t seen him at all, who would you say is the most comparable pitcher in the game to Walker?

Mike Newman: I saw Walker in his final start of 2012 and he was up to 96 with a solid CB and CH. I’m not sure why he struggled, but he dominated at a time when most pitchers would be on fumes.

Comment From Jeff
I know JD is a Mets and Mariners fans, can you talk about Brandon Nimmo? All-star level player?

JD Sussman: I am actually a Mets and Astros fan. Always have been. Just talked about Nimmo. I see an upside of corner outfielder with 20+ HR power, great walk rate, average hit tool. That isn’t an all-star, but it’s an above average player.

Mike Newman: I’m feeling a bit like chopped liver today. I wrote about Nimmo a week or so ago.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/brandon-nimmo-stands-out-for-savannah/

Comment From The other Kyle
Any chance Matt Davidson becomes a solid regular?

Mike Newman: Yes, I just don’t think it will be with the DBacks.

JD Sussman: There’s always a chance. But he isn’t a 3B.

Comment From Jeff
Who has higher ceiling, Alex Meyer or Rafael Montero? Brandon Nimmo or Byron Buxton?

JD Sussman: Twins

Comment From Guest
What do you think of Henry Owens?

Mike Newman: I wrote about Owens in the off-season. Definitely a lefty with plenty of upside.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/henry-owens-stat-line-with-silver-linings/

Comment From C
Re:T. Walker – His bb/9 is at 5.59, not exactly what you want to see from a guy with ace potential

JD Sussman: I don’t even look at statistics during the season unless someone points them out to me. Couldn’t care less about his walk rate. FANTASTIC athlete. Strong kid. So strong. I could gush about his legs all day. He’ll figure it out.

Comment From Questions (of the Clown Variety)
Has Didi Gregorius improved his contact ability and added enough pop to be an adequate to decent offensive SS?

Mike Newman: For me, the Gregorius can’t hit chatter was overblown. I’ve always thought the utility of his bat was better than given credit for. One of my favorite pieces from the past year was discussing Gregorius vs. Bauer in terms of value.

JD Sussman: I really liked what I briefly saw of his swing in AZ

Comment From Brian
What is Kyle Zimmer’s upside? Is he dominating because he is advanced for his level or because he is nasty, or both?

JD Sussman: His numbers are sick because he’s too good for Wilimington, which means he may be gone before I can see him, sadly. It’s got nothing to do with being advanced, IIRC he’s rather new to pitching for a college guy.

Comment From Guest
Thoughts on Mike Olt and his horrid start…SSS magic or should I be concerned (as a fantasy owner) that the bat isn’t quite as good as expected?

Mike Newman: You should be concerned. He has always been a guy who was older for the level of competition.

Comment From Guest
Is Cingrani the real deal?

JD Sussman: He’s a real living breathing person, yes. Is he going to keep this up? Not without a second pitch. I wrote about him before his debut. Now that you’ve all seen him what are your thoughts? http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/reds-tony-cingrani-scouting-report/

Mike Newman: I’ve written about Cingrani too.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/reds-tony-cingrani-sails-to-cincy/

Comment From 20longyears
What do you think of Stetson Allie’s power in West Virginia? What are the odds he makes to the majors as a slugging first basemen?

Mike Newman: Look for a piece on Stetson Allie for Monday. I recently scouted and interviewed him in Asheville/Greenville. I’ve also spoken with their Director of Player Development about him. it will be a big piece for me, I think.

Comment From Guest
Wait, there are two of you answer questions? Who picks which questions to answer (i.e., who do I blame if my question isn’t picked)?

JD Sussman: Yes, we each choose our questions. Fact: If you mention my name, or something I wrote there is a 95% chance I’ll take it.

Mike Newman: JD is high maintenance like that.

JD Sussman: JD is high ego like that

Comment From Mike
JD – by caught Taillon you mean saw, correct? Not geared up and caught a pen from a top prospect, because that would be really cool.

Mike Newman: JD was a tennis player. He’s about 140 soaking wet. He couldn’t handle the rigors of catching.

JD Sussman: LOL. Could you imagine if I got a chance to do that? AWESOME. I’m 5’10” 155 thanks and, just like Mike, in impeccable shape.

Mike Newman: I’m definitely NOT in impeccable shape.

Comment From Orange
We’ve all been conditioned on the ‘sss’ factor. So how many times do Scouts need to see a player before they can even have an opinion on the player? It’s reasonable to believe that the 5 times you’ve seen a player has been in a terrible slump, right?

JD Sussman: Tango had a great point about this. In my opinion, it varies depending on what you see. I can see someone once and get a great idea of their body, power, swing plane, arm strength, speed. Approach, ability to hit breaking balls needs more time. That’s why, when I saw Nimmo this past week, I was sad that he didn’t face great breaking balls. He struggled with them in 2012, but I also saw him a billizion times

Mike Newman: There are both easy and hard scouts. it all depends. JD summed it up well.

JD Sussman: SORRY EVERYONE! I can’t add bullpen ace to Cingrani’s poll. My bad.

Comment From Kankles
Just received an offer for Will Middlebrooks in a keeper league. Thinking about pulling the trigger. I’ll receive Jordanny Valdespin and Evan Gattis. Thoughts?

Mike Newman: Wow. the luster has worn off already? It sounds relatively even to me, although I think you are buying high on both Gattis AND Valdespin.

Comment From Questions (of the Clown Variety)
WMB for Jordany and Gattis? Can I get into that league?

JD Sussman: My thoughts exactly.

Comment From Brian
JD and Mike: can you please discuss Tyler Skaggs relative to Eno’s comment from yesterday’s chat? “Eno Sarris:
The fastball is like 90 now. And he’s all curve otherwise. And the command comes and goes. It’s like early Giants Zito.”

JD Sussman: The fastball has good armside run and matches his CH well. For a lefty, 90 is average. I think he could still become a 3

Mike Newman: I scouted Skaggs last season and liked him a lot less than I thought I would.

Comment From Eric
Is it worth stashing guys like Robbie Grossman and George Springer in HOU? Are they actually upgrades over Carter, Ankiel, Maxwell?

Mike Newman: In deeper leagues, absolutely. Carter will receive his PT, but the other two are replaceable. A big part of fantasy value is opportunity. No prospects have more opportunity than Houston prospects right now.

Comment From Kevin
I don’t care if it’s too early. I don’t care if I get disappointed. I’m going to go ahead and get wet thinking about Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton.

JD Sussman: I’ll allow it. Buxton won’t disappoint. I’m more concerned with Sano’s ability to his off speed, but I’ve heard great things from ST.

Comment From ncb
Any fantasy MI help going to come up soon? Stuck with Gyoroko for now and worried he may not get to 15 HRs.

Mike Newman: 15? I’d be worried about 5+ right now.

JD Sussman: This is why you don’t trust stats by the way. There was no scouting report that had him as a power guy.

Comment From zack
Billy Hamilton is struggling. SSS or a real problem?

JD Sussman: Mike and I are both on the record as skeptics.
http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/deep-impact-billy-hamilton/

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/billy-hamilton-cincinnati-reds-shortstop-prospect-fangraphs-scouting-report-video/

Mike Newman: If Hamilton’s walks have dried up, it’s definitely a problem.

Comment From David
James Paxton… time to sell?

Mike Newman: Yes. His stuff was down in ST.

JD Sussman: I spoke to someone who had him touching 97 in a recent start, but inconsistent curve. I wouldn’t… but I guess it depends on what you’re selling him for.

Comment From Too Many Joes
Is Anthony Gose going to get on base enough to steal 30-40 bags in the big leagues? The speed seems legit…

Mike Newman: Yes, it wasn’t a huge sample size, but his walk totals were impressive in MLB.

Comment From Ben
Who is a nice Comp for Zack Wheeler currently (or formerly) pitching in MLB?

JD Sussman: Mid to high 90s heat, tight slider (slutter), big over hand curve, changeup. You tell me? Harvey? His development comes down to command. His stuff is nasty.

Mike Newman: Alright all, that’s all the time we have for today. Don’t forget to check out my newsletter project at http://www.rotoscouting.com/. Also, be sure to keep up with http://bullpenbanter.com/, JD’s baby. Let’s do this again next week.