Top 25 20 and Under in 2018

[Jenkins5]

Was bored today with the cold weather and not having to teach during Winter Break. I thought I'd do through and make a list of the top players 20 and under in our system with some write ups on them. Be a nice little reference for the season. The age is what they will play this season at, team is where I guess they may start, and includes size and 2017 stats. Rankings is where I'd put them, some may different on opinion about where players fall.

 

1. Tristen Lutz, OF Age 19, 6'3 215, Wisconsin

2017: .311/.398/.559 9HR 5 2B, 4 3B. 8.5BB% to 23K%, .25 ISO, 135 wRC+

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“Lutz had a tremendous summer in the AZL and Pioneer League, slashing .311/.398/.559 across those levels. While scouts like Lutz’s well-rounded collection of tools — and I do believe his ranking on my draft board in June was a little light — remember that Lutz was a bit old for his high-school class, is already 19, and was quite physically mature for Rookie-level ball. He projects, defensively, to right field because of his arm strength. I have his bat and game power projected to average, which would make him an average regular in an outfield corner.”

 

Prospect1500

“Lutz was the 34th overall pick out of a high school in Texas. A high school bat drafted this early and likely to play a corner outfield position had better hit. And he’s tore up the Arizona and Pioneer leagues in 103 PA so far with 6 HR and 14 XBH slashing 319/392/648 with 7 BB and 24 K’s. Lutz has mostly been playing CF with some LF.”

 

Pipeline

“Lutz's calling card is his big right-handed power, the product of bat speed and strength. He might have even more pop if he had less of a crouch in his stance and got more leverage out of his 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame. More than just a slugger, he also has natural hitting ability, recognizes pitches well and uses the whole field. Though he's an average runner, Lutz gets the most out of his speed, running the bases well and showing better-than-expected range in center field. He'll almost certainly move to right field in pro ball, where his strong, accurate arm will play nicely.”

 

2. Mario Feliciano C, Age 19, 6'1 195 Wisconsin

2017: .251/.320/.331 4 HR 16 2B, 2 3B, 7.5BB% to 16K%, .08 ISO, 87 wRC+

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

Tasked with an aggressive assignment to a full-season affiliate at age 18, Feliciano kept his head above water on both sides of the ball, slashing .251/.320/.331 despite being 3.2 years younger than the average regular in the Midwest League. His carrying tool is going to be the bat. Feliciano tracks pitches very well and can guide his barrel to various parts of the strike zone and spray contact to all fields. He’s not likely to grow into big raw power but could be a 55 or 60 hitter at peak. Defensively, Feliciano is raw. His receiving is promising for his age but not currently very good, and his arm strength is fringey. If those can be remedied — and Feliciano has above-average athleticism for catcher, so scouts think they will — he could be an everyday player.

 

Prospects 1500

“Feliciano spent the season as an 18 year old in the Midwest league, over 3 years younger than the average player. He hit about as well as he did in ARIZ league last season, slashing 241/306/328 in 383 PA’s. He was not overwhelmed but it would be a stretch to think Milwaukee didn’t hope to see better results. I suspect he’ll get another season at the level and will see better numbers. Milwaukee also have him a lot of work behind the plate with 68 games at catcher and 22 at DH. Milwaukee has been very aggressive with their 2016 2nd round pick, and it has not backfired on them so far.”

 

Pipeline

“The Brewers are excited about Feliciano's potential at the plate. He has strength in his swing, with over-the-fence potential from the right side of the plate, but he's not an all-or-nothing hitter and shows a solid approach at times. Especially for a catcher, Feliciano runs well, and that athleticism translates in his efforts behind the plate. He has an above-average arm, though some worry about his overall defensive game and ability to catch long term. If he can't stay behind the plate, there's a chance Feliciano could handle left field, though that might be a stretch. Regardless of his future defensive home, Feliciano's offensive potential will be his calling card moving forward.”

 

3. Jean Carmona SS, Age 18, 6'2 190 Arizona

2017: .266/.367/.406 1HR, 10 2B, 8 3B, 10 SB, 11BB% to 20.5K% .135 ISO. Split DSL/AZ

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“Carmona began the year in the DSL, where he hit .302/.406/.447 before a brief promotion to the AZL. He turned 18 on Halloween. Carmona is physically mature for his age and body comps to Jean Segura. He made some spectacular plays at shortstop during his time in the AZL and, provided he doesn’t add too much weight into his 20s, he could be an above-average defensive shortstop at peak.

 

Carmona swings hard and his swing has some natural loft. Its length was exposed during instructional league and Carmona needs to be more selective if he’s going to hit at all, but there are considerable physical tools here. Draft-eligible shortstops with a good glove and power potential, even ones with hit-tool volatility, are typically off the board in the first two rounds of a draft.”

 

Prospects 1500

“Carmona was a top 20 ranked international free agent signed by Milwaukee for $785k last year. He made his debut in the DOSL this year slashing 302/406/447 in 192 PA. I’ve not seen reports on his defense but he has played almost every game at SS. Milwaukee must be pleased to see some success from the 17 year old.”

 

4. Caden Lemons RHP, 6'6 175, Age 19, Helena

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“Lemons’ fastball velocity fluctuated throughout the year. He was mostly 90-93 during his senior spring but was touching 97. After he signed he was 89-92 and then 86-90 during instructional league, where focus was on his mechanics rather than results. The hope is that, as his rangy, thin frame fills out, Lemons’ fastball will not only settle but that it will grow into an elite offering.

 

Hope and growth pervade the rest of Lemons’ projection. He has some slider feel — Lemons posted breaking-ball spin rates in the 2500 rpm range as an amateur — but it’s inconsistent. His changeup is even further behind. As one would expect for such a large young man, so too is his control, but Lemons is graceful and athletic for his size and should be granted lots of time to work through what will almost assuredly be a long developmental process. He is a high-upside lottery ticket.”

 

Prospects 1500

“Lemons is Milwaukee’s 2nd rounder from the 2017 FYPD. This ranking is all on potential and scouting reports as Lemons has not yet made his professional debut. He’s improved rapidly as the draft approached and recorded at 96 MPH. He will take a long time to develop but had considerable upside which gets him my 23rd spot.”

 

Pipeline

“As a regular on the showcase circuit, Lemons topped out at 91 mph with his fastball. This spring, his heater sat at 90-93 mph and climbed as high as 97. His 6-foot-6 frame and low three-quarters delivery create difficult angle and sink, increasing his fastball's effectiveness.

Lemons struggles to repeat his arm slot, which makes it difficult for him to stay on top of his breaking pitches and control his entire arsenal. His slider shows more potential than his curveball, and he'll flash a changeup as well. Packing more strength onto his slender frame would help him maintain his mechanics better while theoretically adding even more power to his fastball.”

 

2080 Baseball:

Lemons is a long, limby power arm with lots of sling to his game. The Ole Miss commit has seen a marked increase in his velocity this spring, now sitting regularly in the low 90s and reaching up into the 96/97 mph range on occasion in the early innings. Evaluators love the projection in his frame and the uncomfortable at bats he forces upon hitters thanks to his long limbs and solid extension. Lemons shows some feel for a rudimentary slider that can flash average and has worked with a fringy changeup as well, each of which show promise. He’ll break off an occasional “show me” curveball, as well, though it may lack utility at the next level. Lemons fits somewhere in the third to fifth round range, depending on your thoughts on spring velo spikes and the likelihood of long-limber prep arms growing into average control and command.

 

5. Carlos Rodriquez CF, Age 17 5'10 170, DSL

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“Listed at a minuscule 5-foot-10, 150 on the Milwaukee instructional-league roster, Rodriguez spent much of his first stateside autumn struggling to match the physicality of the other instructional-league prospects. He’s small but has a frame that promises viable big-league strength, and international scouts considered his bat to be among the class’s more advanced. Rodriguez can really fly and tracks down balls in the gaps that seem destined for extra bases. He’s a plus runner and potential plus defensive center fielder. If his glove develops as expected, he need not do much with the bat to play every day. Rodriguez ranked No. 5 overall on this year’s July 2 Sortable Board and signed for just over $1.3 million.”

 

Pipeline

“The center fielder has a chance to be a plus hitter, a plus runner and a plus defender. He has been compared to a young Ender Inciarte and a teenage Gerardo Parra with better tools at the same age. He projects to have an average arm. At the plate, Rodriguez has a nice and easy swing with good bat speed. He can drive the ball to all fields with hard contact and has shown enough pop to make some believe he will develop future power potential. He is also expected to hit for average. Evaluators like that Rodriguez is polished for his age and has a track record of success in games, a history that includes participation in national and international tournaments for Venezuela.”

 

6. Larry Ernesto, OF Age 17, 6'2 175

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“ In spite of his above-average speed, Ernesto will likely begin his career already relegated to an outfield corner due to the presence of Carlos Rodriguez at Milwaukee’s lowest levels. He might hit enough to play there, though, as his unique, long-legged frame appears projectable, and he showed promising feel for airborne contact in my looks at him this fall. Ernesto is a switch-hitter and both swings, especially his left-handed cut, have some length to them. That will need to get ironed out, and it may take a while as there are two swings to develop here. Ernesto, who is from the Dominican Republic, ranked 24th on my July 2 big board and signed for $1.7 million. I thought he was one of that class’s better power-hitting prospects.”

 

Pipeline

“On defense, Ernesto has the speed and instincts to play center field, but like most prospects his age, he will have to work on improving his routes and angles to fly balls. The belief is that he has the potential to become an above-average defender, and there's hope that he will develop more arm strength once his body matures. Offensively, the switch-hitting Ernesto has a good approach at the plate and likes to drive the ball into the gaps. He has a chance to hit for average and power from both sides of the plate as he develops physically, but he is considered a better left-handed hitter at the moment. Known as a speedy runner, the hope is that Ernesto will be able to use his raw speed on the bases and eventually become a basestealer.”

 

7. Gabriel Garcia, CIF Age 20, Wisconsin 6’3 185

2017:.300/.420/.498 9HR, 17 2B, 1 3B. 13.7BB% to 23K%, .197 ISO, 126 wRC+

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“A 2016 16th-rounder out of Broward Community College, Garcia has a quiet, comfortable approach to hitting and sound ball/strike and breaking-ball recognition. He’s short to the baseball but lacks premium bat speed and raw power, which makes his first-base/third-base defensive profile somewhat problematic. For now, he projects as a corner-infield bench bat, but Garcia is just 19 and beginning to build a promising statistical resume. While undoubtedly buoyed by the hitter-friendly Pioneer League, he’s a career .300/.411/.499 hitter across the two lowest levels of the minors.”

 

Prospects 1500

“Garcia spent another year in short season ball. This time getting 178 PA in Helena.. His numbers are about what they were the previous season in the ARIZ league so he’s slashed 286/398/471 as a pro. Garcia has primarily played 1B so he will certainly have to continue hitting and will get a look at full season ball to start 2018.”

 

8. Brendan Murphy, LHP 6'4 200, Age 19 Helena

2017:6.19 ERA 16IP 21H 15ER 12BB 11K .313 BAA

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“Signed for a slightly overslot $500,000 as the 114th overall pick in 2017, the 6-foot-4 Murphy isn’t as physically projectable as he is projectable because of his cold-weather, Midwestern background. The Illinois prep lefty’s fastball sits in the upper-80s but might improve if Murphy’s arm action does, and he has feel for creating movement on his changuep. As he’s bit stiff, Murphy’s command and breaking ball are both fringey and in need of development. He’s a potential back-end starter.”

 

Prospects 1500

“Murphy is the Brewer’s 4th rounder from 2017 FYPD. He is a projectable left handed high schooler from a cold weather. He’s logged just 10 IP in ARIZ league. Scouts note he’s got a smooth delivery, three pitches and advanced control and command that surpasses his stuff right now.”

 

Pipeline

“Murphy usually operates at 88-91 mph and tops out at 93 with his fastball. He commands it well, generates some armside run and should have a plus heater once his 6-foot-4 frame adds muscle. He does a good job of selling his fading changeup, which shows signs of becoming a plus pitch. Murphy exhibits much more feel for his changeup than his slurvy breaking ball. It's more of a soft curveball at this point, and he may be better off working with a harder slider in the future. More strong than athletic, he repeats his delivery and lives in the strike zone.”

 

Perfect Game

“Now working consistently in the 88-93 mph range with his fastball, Murphy creates good angles to the plate and and both his body and ease of operation lead scouts to believe that he has some projection remaining in terms of velocity. His changeup is still his out pitch, flashing plus pretty often this spring and doing enough to earn consistent 55 (on the 20-80 scale) grades from scouts. The change has late, bottom-falling-out action at the plate with good deception and velocity differential; and projects to miss bats consistently for the rest of his career. His slider still lags behind the fastball/changeup combo at this point; but has flashed enough sharpness and spin this spring to earn some average projections from scouts. With a good body, projection remaining, and potentially three average-or-better pitches; Murphy is a bit of wildcard in the Midwest. Some scouts believe he could come off the board as early as the top of the 3rd round.”

 

9. Ernesto Martinez, Jr., 1B, 6’6 225, Age 18, Arizona

2017: .232/.383/.368 3HR, 10 2B, 1 3B, 18BB% to 25% K, .13 ISO, split DSL/AZ

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“ Martinez’s father still plays Division I baseball in France, at age 44. Ernesto, Sr. played pro ball in Cuba until 2006, then left for France’s Templiers de Sénart, where he still catches. Ernesto Jr. moved from Cuba to France shortly after a strong showing in a U-15 World Championship tournament that also featured Royce Lewis. He played with his father on France’s 2017 WBC qualifier team then signed with Milwaukee in May.

 

He’s massive (listed at 6-foot-6, 225 on the instructional-league roster), well built, and very explosive for his size. He has a plus arm but does not yet have full control of his body on the baseball field, and his defensive footwork and feel for hitting are both very raw. He’s already got plus-plus raw power and has top-of-the-scale raw power projection, but you really have to dream on the bat to see him hitting at all, let alone to get to all that power. But he can do stuff like this and like this. Ooh la la, indeed. Let’s keep an eye on this young man.”

 

Prospects 1500

“Milwaukee signed the 6’6” 225lb left handed Cuban Ernesto last June. He played 38 games in the DOSL slashing 257/419/434. Ernesto was just sent to the ARIZ league introducing himself with 2 walks, a single and a double in 4 PA’s. Ernesto is surely a power prospect but has shown a good eye so far with 32 BB to 31 K’s. Ernesto was the 26th ranked international player in the class and signed for $1.7 million, some of which was obtained from the Baltimore Orioles in the Damien Magnifico trade. So far so good.”

 

10. Carlos Herrera, RHP, 6’2 150, Age 20, Wisconsin

2017: 3.97 ERA 59IP 40H 26ER 22BB 52K 1.00 WHIP,

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

Herrera came over from Seattle with Freddy Peralta in the Adam Lind trade. He’s a skinny, 20-year-old, low-slot righty whose brand of funk was too much for the Pioneer League to handle. He struck out 30% of hitters he faced there, utilizing a three-pitch mix (low-90s, changeup, curveball), and that rate was halved after his promotion to Low-A in July. He has a chance to have multiple average pitches (and I think the curveball could be better than that), but he probably profiles in relief because of the arm slot.”

 

Pipeline

“Herrera has added strength to his wiry frame since signing, but it's his remaining physical projection which has the Brewers excited. His fastball has ticked up into the low 90s consistently, and he continues to show good feel for spinning a breaking ball while also making strides with a changeup. Herrera has average control of his entire arsenal, though he'll need to learn to pitch down in the zone with more consistency to be successful at higher levels. Herrera joined the Brewers in the same deal that netted the organization fellow right-hander Freddy Peralta. While Peralta has made a rise through Milwaukee's system this year, Herrera, with added strength and better stuff, could take a similar path.”

 

11. Je’Von Ward, OF, 6’5 190, Age 19, Helena

2017: .276/.326/.325 0HR, 6 2B, 0 3B, 7BB% to 29K% 2 SB

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“At 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, Ward has a Division I wide receiver’s measureables and body comps to Domonic Brown. While broad-shouldered, the rest of his frame is slight and difficult to project, but he’s almost certainly going to add lots of weight as he matures. He’s an above-average runner underway but takes time to reach top speed and Ward will likely occupy a corner-outfield spot as his frame begins adding some unknown quantity of mass. With that mass should come considerable raw power. Whether or not he can tap into it is up for serious debate, but the industry was skeptical enough about Ward’s bat that he fell all the way to round 12, where got got an overslot $400,000. He’s a malleable physical-projection lottery ticket for Milwaukee’s staff to assist in developing.”

 

Pipeline

“Ward's best now tool is his speed and he's been recorded with 4.1-second times out of the left-handed batter's box to first base this spring. That speed should allow him to be a threat on the bases as well as cover a ground in the outfield. He has some skills at the plate and makes hard contact when he stays behind the ball. There is a ton of left-handed raw power which shows up in BP, but not yet consistently in games. With enough arm and instincts, Ward has the chance to stay in center long-term, unless he fills out his 6-foot-5 frame too much, in which case he could fit a corner outfield profile from a power perspective just fine. While opinions of Ward varied, there are some who feel he's the type of player who could exceed projections.”

 

12.Payton Henry C, 6’2 215, Age 20 (until late June), Wisconsin

2017: .242/.344/.435 7HR, 17 2B, 1 3B, .193 ISO, 12.5BB% to 28.5K%

 

Fangraphs 2018 Top 30

“A bat-first catching prospect, Henry’s thick frame and fringe arm already have many scouts projecting him out from behind the plate and over to first base, where his issues with contact become more worrisome. He has plus raw power though, and if he can stay behind the plate he could be an everyday big leaguer.”

 

Fangraph 2017 Top 25

“A big-bodied catching prospect who has some skill projection because he played prep ball in Utah, Henry has above-average bat speed and is a strong, physical 19-year-old. He tracks pitches pretty well, and I think he has a chance to hit if some of the noise in his swing is quieted. If he can stay behind the plate (there’s a marginal chance), the bat will profile. A move to first base is a non-starter.”

 

13.Gilbert Lara, SS, 6’4 200, Age 20, Wisconsin

2017: .193/.226/.269 3HR, 6 2B, 1 3B, 4BB% to 34K% .076 ISO

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“It was another fruitless year for Lara, who got $3.1 million on the international market in 2014 and looked incredible during his first stateside instructional league. He hasn’t hit in three full pro seasons now. He still has big raw power and arm strength, though.”

 

Prospects 1500

“Lara struggled mightily in his Midwest league debut slashing 193/226/269 in 234 PA’s. He split time with 50 games at SS and 17 at 3B, the most he’s played 3B as a pro so that shift is coming already. But the bat has just been tough to bear, to the point of having just recently sent him back to the Pioneer league. Lara hit 3 HR this seaon and just 10 XBH with a 33.8% strikeout rate. It would be nice to see some success with the bat at any level at this point.”

 

Pipeline

“Lara stands out most for his offensive potential. He combines physical strength and bat speed to generate plus raw power from the right side of the plate, though his swing does involve considerable effort, and he tends to get too stiff when he tries to juice the ball. The Brewers want him to isolate and get better use of his hands, which they believe will be the key to unlocking his natural hitting ability and power. With enough contact, he should clear plenty of fences in his pro career. Defensively, Lara impressed the Brewers with his glove, range and arm strength at shortstop in his pro debut. However, most evaluators expect that he'll have to move off the position as he grows into his impressive 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame, with third base, where he saw time during instructional league last fall, representing his likely long-term defensive home. Lara may need many years to develop his game in the Minors, but there's no question among scouts that he has the raw tools to become a successful big leaguer.”

 

14. Michele Vassalotti, RHP 6’2 180, Age 17, Arizona

2017:1.63 ERA 38.2 IP, 23H, 7ER, 8BB, 32K 22K% to 5.5BB%, .173 BAA

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

A 17-year-old Italian righty who posted a 1.63 ERA as a 16-year-old in the DSL, Vassalotti sits 90-93 and throws strikes with three pitches. He’s physically mature for a teenager, and his lower arm slot might cause platoon issues down the road. Let’s hope he’s a sign that baseball is growing in Italy, where there is currently too much relaxing and enjoyment of fine foods.

 

15. Chad McClanahan, 1B, 6’5 200, Age 20, Wisconsin

2017: .234/.339/.315 3HR, 8 2B, 1 3B, .08 ISO, 14BB% to 27K%

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“Signed away from a commitment to Arizona State with a $1.2 million bonus, McClanahan is a huge target at first base (he played third base in high school), and his frame has significant projection. His swing is very long and, even if more power comes, that might need to be remedied for him to clear the high offensive bar at first base.”

 

Prospects 1500

“McClanahan was a bonus baby for $1.2M in the 2016 draft. He had a reputation as a hit first guy but the bat hasn’t developed so far. In 348 pro PA’s he’s slashed 204/296/306 with 18 XBH. Milwaukee’s in no rush to develop the 19 year old. The Brewers have been able to keep him at 3B the vast majority of the time but he has started to see some 1B in Helena.”

 

Pipeline

“The 6-foot-5 left-handed hitter has a ton of offensive projection and already has a good feel to hit with knowledge of where the barrel of the bat needs to be. He showed in-game power during his senior year, and there should be more as he fills out his frame and adds strength. A good athlete who also played football, McClanahan has a solid arm at third, though most see a move to first base in his future. He might be athletic enough to handle left field. Regardless, it's McClanahan's offensive upside that has the Brewers excited.”

 

16. Yeison Coca, SS, 5’10 155, Age 19, Helena

2017: .238/.281/.262 0HR, 3 2B, 0 3B, 6BB% to 26.7K% 6 SB

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

Acquired as the Player to be Named Later from Boston in the Tyler Thornburg deal, Coca spent 2017 in the AZL slashing .238/.281/.262. He’s much more comfortable as a right-handed hitter, where his hands are more explosive and his weight transfer and timing (though still mediocre) are better than his lefty swing, which also has excessive length. He’s a capable defensive middle infielder with a lot of work to do on the bat. There’s some feel to hit here, and I think Coca will improve, but his 5-foot-10, 155-pound frame might mean he only maxes out in a utility role.

 

17. Pablo Abreu OF, 6’0 170, Age 18, Arizona

2017: .261/.348/.365 2 HR, 13 2B, 2 3B, .11 ISO, 9BB% to 23K% 8 SB

 

Pipeline

“Abreu has the right combination of tools to make a solid package. He's not known for his raw power, but he's an aggressive hitter with a knack for making contact in games and driving the ball into the gaps. He has shown the ability to turn on pitches and there's the belief that he will develop more power with maturity. On defense, Abreu has a solid arm and the defensive actions to stay in center field. That said, he's versatile enough to change positions if needed and there's a thought that he ends up as a corner outfielder.”

 

18. Jesus Lujano, OF, 5’10 160, Age 19, Helena

2017: .255/.321/.324 1hr, 6 2b, 3 3b, 8.5 bb% to 16k%, .07 ISO, 27SB

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

Lujano, who turns 19 in February, is a speedy, compact little outfielder with above-average bat speed and hand-eye coordination. Lujano’s swing is a little long, but it doesn’t play as such because of his size. His physical projection is limited, as is the projction on his power, but he runs well enough to get reps in center field and, realistically, projects as a bench outfielder.

 

19. Antonio Pinero, SS, 6’1 155, Age 19, Helena

2017:.236/.258/.269 1HR, 4 2B, 0 3B, 3BB% 20K%, 7 SB

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

This 18-year-old Venezuelan shortstop was one of the prospects with whom Boston was forced to part after MLB revealed improprieties in the club’s international-market dealings in in 2016. Pinero signed with Milwaukee for $375,000 later that year. He has terrific defensive hands and actions, average range and arm, and is adept at reigning in errant throws and applying acrobatic tags on would-be base-stealers. Scouts like his chances of staying at shortstop despite middling range and arm strength, and some think he’ll become more explosive as he matures and have his glove projected to plus. A switch-hitter, Pinero is stronger with the bat from the right side of the plate but lacks any modicum of raw power and might not hit enough to be more than a fringe big leaguer. His physical development, and how it aids his hitting, is key.

 

20. Karlos Morales, LHP 6’3 180 Age 18, Arizona

2017: 8.38 ERA 9.2IP, 13H, 9ER, 4BB, 9K, 18K% 8.5BB%, .302 BAA

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

A 25th-round pick out of South Hills High School in California, Morales impressed scouts in his brief pro stint after signing. His frame is mature and Morales sits at only 88-92 — and even lower, 87-90, during instructional league — but the pitch has natural cut and Morales has command of it to both sides of the plate, as well as a potential above-average curveball. His changeup is below average. He profiles as a lefty reliever.

 

Perfect Game

Morales has spent much of his high school career as a primary outfielder, although scouts have always been intrigued by his loose and very athletic build and potential on the mound. But Morales only threw two innings during his junior season, so there wasn't much track record to go by. That changed this spring as Morales got stronger and worked hard on improving his pitching during the off season and started the year reportedly topping out at 93 mph from a long and loose 3/4's arm action. He went 6-2, 1.50 in 42 innings during the spring, although he relied heavily on his fastball and still needs plenty of work on his secondary pitches.

 

 

21. Nick Egnatuk 3B, 6’2 185, Age 19, Helena

2017: .224/.362/.267 0HR, 5 2B, 0 3B, .043 ISO, 14BB% to 23.5K%

 

MLB Pipeline:

“A high school infielder, Egnatuk wows scouts in batting practice with 60-grade raw power, but he hits a lot of ground balls during games. He's struggled against good pitching, and a bulky body might require him to move to left field at the next level. But the potential to put the ball out of the ballpark is there.”

 

Perfect Game:

“Egnatuk wasn't on most scout's radars before last August but was very impressive, especially offensively, in the East Coast Pro Showcase and the Area Code Games that month to establish himself as perhaps a late rising Northeast hitting prospect. Egnatuk's best tool is unquestionably his right handed bat. He has a crisp and strong swing that is high on line drive contact and enough strength to drive the gaps. He also runs from 4.2 to 4.3 from the right side and will be able to beat out some infield hits and stretch some singles into doubles. Defensively, Egnatuk has shown the ability to make the athletic play, especially with his athletic quickness, but will need more repetitions to get consistent on the routine plays. His arm has big league average strength but his lower release slot tends to make some throws tail.”

 

22. Max Lazar RHP, 6’3 170, Age 19, Helena

2017:5.93 ERA 13.2IP, 16H, 9ER, 1BB, 14K 4.23 FIP 25K% to 2BB%

 

Prep Baseball Report:

“The FAU commit has been on the rise throughout the spring, not only continuing to showcase his ability to pound the strike zone, but do it with a 90-91 mph fastball that holds up over seven innings. He has a high front side and clean, high 3/4 slot that produces quality tilt on the fastball with late life. The off speed offerings will need to improve, but he has shown the ability to throw strikes with quality stuff and projectability.”

 

23. Justin Bullock RHP, 6’2 195, Age 19, Helena

2017: 3.06 ERA 11.2IP, 13H, 4ER, 3BB, 11K 3.09 FIP, .283 BAA

Perfect Game

“Bullock will be a primary pitcher at the next level, although the possibility of his playing two-ways at North Carolina State certainly exists. He throws from a complex, multi-part arm action and delivery that has plenty of energy in it but his athleticism enables him to hold those mechanics together well. Bullock's fastball generally works in the 89-91 mph range and will top out at 93, while he does a good job throwing strikes with a big breaking mid-70's curveball and fairly advanced changeup.”

 

24. Francisco Thomas, SS 6’2 195, Age 19, Helena

2017: .200/.333/.218 0HR, 12B, 03B, 16.5BB% to 27K% 2SB

 

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

A prominent amateur shortstop from Puerto Rico, Thomas participated in some of the more prominent high-school showcases in the country during his draft year. He has prominent plate discipline and defensive ability but is missing the physicality he showed pre-draft and packs little punch with the bat.

 

Perfect Game

“Thomas is from Carolina, Puerto Rico and his parents still live on the island but Thomas has played in the summers with FTB Tucci in Central Florida and attended Osceola High School in that part of the state this year. He has some middle infield athleticism, including a very strong throwing arm, but will likely play third base at the next level, where he will be a solid defender. Thomas is a switch-hitter with very good raw bat speed and power potential from the left side and a shorter, more line drive approach righthanded. He was one of four Puerto Ricans that participated in last summer’s Perfect Game All-American Classic along with Luis Curbelo, Mario Feliciano and Alexis Torres.”

 

25. Cam Robinson RHP, 5’11 190, Age 18, Helena

2017: 12.58 ERA, 7.2IP, 14H, 11ER, 3BB, 9K, 23K% to 7.7BB%, FIP 4.73

 

Perfect Game:

“Cameron Robinson is a 2017 RHP/OF with a 6-0 175 lb. frame from Deltona, FL who attends University HS. Medium athletic build, has some developing strength. High 3/4's to over the top arm slot with a balanced pause over the rubber, will drift to the plate early at times creating command/consistency issues, arm is fast and loose coming through. Fastball up to 91 mph, velocity comes easy and is consistent, fastball mostly straight. Hard slurve type breaking ball, is tight and sharp when he stays behind it and his arm is on time. Did not observe a change up. Has two very good pitches if he can develop consistency in his mechanics; he is athletic enough to do so. Ran a 6.93 in the sixty and showed his arm strength and athleticism from the outfield. Good student, verbal commitment to North Florida.”

 

Others to watch

L.G. Castillo OF, 6’2 215, Age 18 (until July), Arizona

Aaron Familia 6’2 170, 19 yo, Arizona

Francis Florentino OF 6’1 180 18 yo, DSL/Arizona

Alex Hall C 5’8 160, 18 yo, Arizona

Jesse Williams SS 6’4 190, 19 yo, Arizona

Jose Sibrian C 5’11 170, Arizona

Blake Lillis, LHP 6’3 180, 20 yo, Helena

Michael Gonzales RHP, 6’1 190, 20 yo Helena

Brayan Salaya RHP 6’1 180, 18 yo, DSL

[Eye Black]

7. Gabriel Garcia, CIF Age 20, Wisconsin 6’3 185

2017:.300/.420/.498 9HR, 17 2B, 1 3B. 13.7BB% to 23K%, .197 ISO, 126 wRC+

Fangraphs Top 30 Article

“A 2016 16th-rounder out of Broward Community College, Garcia has a quiet, comfortable approach to hitting and sound ball/strike and breaking-ball recognition. He’s short to the baseball but lacks premium bat speed and raw power, which makes his first-base/third-base defensive profile somewhat problematic. For now, he projects as a corner-infield bench bat, but Garcia is just 19 and beginning to build a promising statistical resume. While undoubtedly buoyed by the hitter-friendly Pioneer League, he’s a career .300/.411/.499 hitter across the two lowest levels of the minors.”

 

Prospects 1500

“Garcia spent another year in short season ball. This time getting 178 PA in Helena.. His numbers are about what they were the previous season in the ARIZ league so he’s slashed 286/398/471 as a pro. Garcia has primarily played 1B so he will certainly have to continue hitting and will get a look at full season ball to start 2018.”

Thanks for putting together the collection of information on prospects under 20. That has to be the most impressive group of prospects under 20 years old that the Brewers have had in their system in a long time.

 

Regarding the Gabriel Garcia information from Prospects 1500, he actually had 285 plate appearances in Helena this year, and after two seasons his pro slash line is .300/.420/.498. Among teenagers playing in the Pioneer League this past season he ranked third in OPS (.918), second in wOBA (.413), and second in wRC+ (126).

[Jenkins5]

Yeah I noticed that as well. Garcia is one of my personal favorites going into 2018! Can’t wait to see how he fairs in Wisconsin.

 

One of my other favorites out of Wisconsin is if this is the year the 20 year old Lara & McClanahan put things together. Tough to say it for 20 year olds but this is there make or break year I think for their status as prospects. Most have gave up on Lara but I still hold out hope. They don’t need to star but need to show good growth.

[82brewcrew82]

Great work first of all. I know there are those on this board that rely on nothing but a stat line to evaluate a prospect but this shows there is so much more data out there if your willing to look. I would have some quibbles with the rankings but that is strictly a product of my personal opinion and I understand that ranking folks under 20 years of age is a difficult task.

 

I would say that while the luster is fading on guys like Lara and McClanahan, I think we are far from make or break on those guys. I would think both will have at least a couple of years of rope yet. I also think that what Feliciano did last year is far more impressive than folks are giving him credit for. At that age, and it's not like he DH'd ever other game, he more than hung with the competition. He'd be a clear number one for me all things considered.

[LouisEly]

Yes, and some of the scouting reports that people reference for these guys are pre-draft scouting reports that are now two years old for some players. Also, I question scouting reports that say Jean Carmona has a body comp to Jean Segura when Carmona is listed as 6'2", 190 - in no way is that a body comp to Segura.

 

Curious as to why Garcia predominantly plays 1B. At 6'3", 185, it seems like he would be athletic enough to play 3B (I thought he was drafted as a catcher) or somewhere else. Just about everyone is going to be better defensively at 1B than 3B, so that's not the answer. I don't know if he has the raw power to stay at 1B, so why not let him try to get better at 3B?

[clancyphile]

Yes, and some of the scouting reports that people reference for these guys are pre-draft scouting reports that are now two years old for some players. Also, I question scouting reports that say Jean Carmona has a body comp to Jean Segura when Carmona is listed as 6'2", 190 - in no way is that a body comp to Segura.

 

Curious as to why Garcia predominantly plays 1B. At 6'3", 185, it seems like he would be athletic enough to play 3B (I thought he was drafted as a catcher) or somewhere else. Just about everyone is going to be better defensively at 1B than 3B, so that's not the answer. I don't know if he has the raw power to stay at 1B, so why not let him try to get better at 3B?

 

I'd like him to catch a bit. I think his offense looks to be close to Lucroy's was, and that's always a plus.

[Jenkins5]

Yes, and some of the scouting reports that people reference for these guys are pre-draft scouting reports that are now two years old for some players. Also, I question scouting reports that say Jean Carmona has a body comp to Jean Segura when Carmona is listed as 6'2", 190 - in no way is that a body comp to Segura.

 

Curious as to why Garcia predominantly plays 1B. At 6'3", 185, it seems like he would be athletic enough to play 3B (I thought he was drafted as a catcher) or somewhere else. Just about everyone is going to be better defensively at 1B than 3B, so that's not the answer. I don't know if he has the raw power to stay at 1B, so why not let him try to get better at 3B?

 

Yeah I wondered the same. He actually played SS until he was drafted. With him and McClanahan on same team every year, it must have just been a choice that they preferred to groom Chad there more. On one of the sites (think it is linked in the instructional forum), there is a good article about the two of them.

 

Yeah make or break is strong words for any 20 year old. Again, don't need to star by any means just need to show growth. McClanahan and Lara both need to flash some power than neither really has. K% needs to reduce for for both. Just better overall at plate. McClanahan grew in 2nd half last season....Think Lara would have excelled in Helena if he had not got hurt after a 2 for 4 start in his first game.

 

What really is nice about these kids, is most of the hitters take walks! That is one of the hardest skills for a batter to learn. If you have good plate discipline and recognition, that makes hitting a lot easier. 7 of the hitters on the list were at 10%BB or higher. One just outside and Lutz was over in Helena.

 

BB%

Martinez Jr. 18% (20% in DSL)

F. Thomas 16.5%

Egnatuk 14%

McClanahan 14%

Garcia 13.5%

Henry 12.5%

Carmona 11%

Abreu 9.5 (AZ & DSL)

Lutz 8.5% (11% in Helena)

 

 

Only Feliciano (7.5%), Ward (6.8%), Coca (6%) Lara (4%), Pinero (3%) on the list did not impress too much in that area. Feliciano did however increase his BB% by 2 this year and I was very happy to see Ward around 7%

 

They are young kids adjusting to pro ball against often older competition but will be interesting to see if Brewers can tap into the power of some of these kids. When you look at guys who were signed or drafted with raw power potential many did not show much at all. Lara, Feliciano, McClanahan, Egnatuk, Ward, and F. Thomas are all guys who have real power potential and great frames but all slugged less than .331! That is not pretty. Again, young, adjusting, and older comp are all major factors. Some are simply overmatched right now but it will be interesting to see if some of these guys can get into the .400 range you'd expect them to be in.

 

Slugging: Felciano .331, Ward .325, McClanahan .315, Lara .267, Egnatuk .267, F. Thomas .218

[homer]

Threads like this are why I love this site. Thanks for putting this together!

[TooLiveBrew]

Agreed, great work!

[clancyphile]

As folks graduate from the Brewerfan 25, I may look at some of these players. I've like Martinez's walk rate - and 14 of 36 hits went for extra bases. I think Garcia's a good option for catcher if you want a bat-first guy there. Lutz looks very impressive as well, but I'd liek to see how he does at Wisconsin before I shoot him high.

[packer822]

what a great post....I love it and look forward to watching a few play their games in appleton

[Kelbysdaddy]

Great job! I may be jumping the gun a bit, but I fully expect to see a huge year from Lutz. Don’t be surprised to see him all over top 100 lists this time next year.

[FVBrewerFan]

I will add my thanks to YG also, thanks for putting in the time!

 

Quick thought on Feliciano. What really impressed me is he started off the season red-hot, then really tanked. A young guy like that, would have been easy to stay down. But he came back pretty strong at the end of the year. That got my attention.