Prospect Proclamations

For those of you looking to jump on the next big thing promoted to the show, here are a few names to keep an eye on as we move into the beginning of the promotion season.  Remember, Evan Longoria didn't spend more than a couple of weeks in the minors in 2008 before making the jump.  If you recall, I wrote here about ten guys to keep an eye on this year as afr as prospects go.  I'll touch on a few of those guys today and a few who didn't make the list.

Your early home run leader in the minor leagues?  Carlos Santana.  He's hitting .438 and has four jacks in 16 ABs.  He's on the come, it's a matter of when.  If Lou Marson has anything to say about it, Santana will be here tomorrow.

Pedro Alvarez is tied for second in homers with three, but he has only three hits in 17 ABs.  Yep, all the hits are homers. Alvarez is still a June/July guy.

Justin Smoak and Mike Stanton each have two homers and are off to good starts.  Some people jumped off the Smoak bandwagon late in 2009 when his power dropped after a slight injury.  Time to jump back on...

For those of you who are curious about last year's draft, Dustin Ackley is running early in the year, as he's stolen two bases.  He's hitting just .111, but I like that he's running.

Stephen Strasburg and Aroldis Chapman both showed their stuff in their first outings of spring.  For Starsburg, by all accounts, he could do more than hold his own at the major league level right now.  He has struck out 11 in 7+ innings in his (two) starts (one was rain shortened) and allowed just six hits and one earned run.  The plan is late May, early June, with a promotion to AAA in early May.  Chapman whiffed nine (and walked just one) in four and two-thirds in his first start.  He could get the call before Stras, but isn't as sure of a bet early, though I'd still plug and play him right away.

Michael Taylor and Chris Carter are in the A's system and are only seeing their chances increase for summer promotion as the team plays well, in my view.  Both these guys can make the team better, and the team may push for a playoff spot in a weak AL West.  Carter has two homers and a .974 OPS in 28 at bats this year.

Desmond Jennings suffered a wrist injury in the spring and is unlikely to p[lay before May.  You know, Jennings is piling up an injury history in his minor league career.

Cheers,
TFAM