Misc. Offseason Brewers Prospect Rankings

[clancyphile]

Two biggest surprises for me on this list are McClahanan being on it and, given the number of older relief prospects listed, Feyereisen being left off.

 

I always wonder about him though. We've seen some dudes spring board from what seems like nowhere. Grisham and Harrison hit 21-22 and boom away they went.

 

He's that athlete at 22 where OBP outshines everything else. I don't see it happening but if you told you had a crystal ball and he blew up from A to AA this year and made himself a prospect again, well let's say it wouldn't be the most surprising possibility. HS kid in the draft paid Erceg money not your typical 11th round pick, he was expected to go to college. It's possible but it also feels like he's in that now or never year.

 

As for the RPs. I just don't like seeing RPs on top 30 lists. Rasmussen sure he could dominate, but if you've lost your starter upside before you hit the majors I'm not too fond of your system value. List me off 8 teenage DSL lottery tickets. I'm fine with that they have upside that can't be replaced by Phelps or Claudio. If I can buy your equivalent for under 2mil a year. What 3-4 mil value. Blah...

 

For me, the surprise was the omission of Cooper Hummel.

 

The guy was third in wRC+ last year - the two guys ahead of him were named Hiura and Grisham. Mostly in the outfield, but apparently did work in the infield and played a passable catcher. Yes, a lot of the international signings are exciting, but Hummel's just quietly emerged as a real prospect.

 

https://www.brewcrewball.com/2019/11/25/20982116/milwaukee-brewers-cooper-hummel-prospect-interview

[clancyphile]

Two biggest surprises for me on this list are McClahanan being on it and, given the number of older relief prospects listed, Feyereisen being left off.

 

I always wonder about him though. We've seen some dudes spring board from what seems like nowhere. Grisham and Harrison hit 21-22 and boom away they went.

 

He's that athlete at 22 where OBP outshines everything else. I don't see it happening but if you told you had a crystal ball and he blew up from A to AA this year and made himself a prospect again, well let's say it wouldn't be the most surprising possibility. HS kid in the draft paid Erceg money not your typical 11th round pick, he was expected to go to college. It's possible but it also feels like he's in that now or never year.

 

As for the RPs. I just don't like seeing RPs on top 30 lists. Rasmussen sure he could dominate, but if you've lost your starter upside before you hit the majors I'm not too fond of your system value. List me off 8 teenage DSL lottery tickets. I'm fine with that they have upside that can't be replaced by Phelps or Claudio. If I can buy your equivalent for under 2mil a year. What 3-4 mil value. Blah...

 

For me, the surprise was the omission of Cooper Hummel.

 

The guy was third in wRC+ last year - the two guys ahead of him were named Hiura and Grisham. Mostly in the outfield, but apparently did work in the infield and played a passable catcher. Yes, a lot of the international signings are exciting, but Hummel's just quietly emerged as a real prospect.

 

https://www.brewcrewball.com/2019/11/25/20982116/milwaukee-brewers-cooper-hummel-prospect-interview

[sveumrules]

For me, the surprise was the omission of Cooper Hummel.

 

The guy was third in wRC+ last year - the two guys ahead of him were named Hiura and Grisham. Mostly in the outfield, but apparently did work in the infield and played a passable catcher. Yes, a lot of the international signings are exciting, but Hummel's just quietly emerged as a real prospect.

 

https://www.brewcrewball.com/2019/11/25/20982116/milwaukee-brewers-cooper-hummel-prospect-interview

 

Hummel's results definitely deserve a closer look.

 

I'd imagine the reason he doesn't get much consideration from prospectors is because he is essentially LF only at the MLB level & if that is your defensive profile you need to be mashing, with a good scouting profile & young for your league to really get noticed.

 

Cooper has mashed, but has never had overwhelming tools & he's been right around league average age at every stop so he's going to be one of those guys like Jesus Aguilar or Garrett Cooper that has to keep proving it every step of the way.

[sveumrules]

For me, the surprise was the omission of Cooper Hummel.

 

The guy was third in wRC+ last year - the two guys ahead of him were named Hiura and Grisham. Mostly in the outfield, but apparently did work in the infield and played a passable catcher. Yes, a lot of the international signings are exciting, but Hummel's just quietly emerged as a real prospect.

 

https://www.brewcrewball.com/2019/11/25/20982116/milwaukee-brewers-cooper-hummel-prospect-interview

 

Hummel's results definitely deserve a closer look.

 

I'd imagine the reason he doesn't get much consideration from prospectors is because he is essentially LF only at the MLB level & if that is your defensive profile you need to be mashing, with a good scouting profile & young for your league to really get noticed.

 

Cooper has mashed, but has never had overwhelming tools & he's been right around league average age at every stop so he's going to be one of those guys like Jesus Aguilar or Garrett Cooper that has to keep proving it every step of the way.

[ARobsBrewCrew]

For anyone interested in following along closely with Brewers prospect rankings, transactions, stats, and awards give BrewersFarm a follow on instagram. There will be posts regarding Brewers prospects past and present, such as the recent Taylor Jungmann signing, from the DSL all the way up to Milwaukee. We already have 15+ Brewers prospects themselves following the account as I have reached out and spoke with a number of individuals including Payton Henry, Andre Nnebe, and former farmhand Dillon Thomas. Each and every follow is greatly appreciated and the Top 100 Brewers Prospects countdown begins on Friday!!!

[ARobsBrewCrew]

For anyone interested in following along closely with Brewers prospect rankings, transactions, stats, and awards give BrewersFarm a follow on instagram. There will be posts regarding Brewers prospects past and present, such as the recent Taylor Jungmann signing, from the DSL all the way up to Milwaukee. We already have 15+ Brewers prospects themselves following the account as I have reached out and spoke with a number of individuals including Payton Henry, Andre Nnebe, and former farmhand Dillon Thomas. Each and every follow is greatly appreciated and the Top 100 Brewers Prospects countdown begins on Friday!!!

[clancyphile]

For me, the surprise was the omission of Cooper Hummel.

 

The guy was third in wRC+ last year - the two guys ahead of him were named Hiura and Grisham. Mostly in the outfield, but apparently did work in the infield and played a passable catcher. Yes, a lot of the international signings are exciting, but Hummel's just quietly emerged as a real prospect.

 

https://www.brewcrewball.com/2019/11/25/20982116/milwaukee-brewers-cooper-hummel-prospect-interview

 

Hummel's results definitely deserve a closer look.

 

I'd imagine the reason he doesn't get much consideration from prospectors is because he is essentially LF only at the MLB level & if that is your defensive profile you need to be mashing, with a good scouting profile & young for your league to really get noticed.

 

Cooper has mashed, but has never had overwhelming tools & he's been right around league average age at every stop so he's going to be one of those guys like Jesus Aguilar or Garrett Cooper that has to keep proving it every step of the way.

 

Cooper also has played some right field, per Baseball-Reference (https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hummel000coo). What is interesting is that he's played right field about 25% as often as he played left field, but he's racked up 55.5% of the assists.

 

He also started and played one game at third. I think he may be more versatile - and may also be able to handle first base. He's not played much catcher in the last two seasons, but I see a Mickey Tettleton type of player. Lots of walks, power, but Hummel seems to also have a very good baseball mind. 2019 was a semi-Grisham moment for him... but I think he could really make things interesting in 2020.

[clancyphile]

For me, the surprise was the omission of Cooper Hummel.

 

The guy was third in wRC+ last year - the two guys ahead of him were named Hiura and Grisham. Mostly in the outfield, but apparently did work in the infield and played a passable catcher. Yes, a lot of the international signings are exciting, but Hummel's just quietly emerged as a real prospect.

 

https://www.brewcrewball.com/2019/11/25/20982116/milwaukee-brewers-cooper-hummel-prospect-interview

 

Hummel's results definitely deserve a closer look.

 

I'd imagine the reason he doesn't get much consideration from prospectors is because he is essentially LF only at the MLB level & if that is your defensive profile you need to be mashing, with a good scouting profile & young for your league to really get noticed.

 

Cooper has mashed, but has never had overwhelming tools & he's been right around league average age at every stop so he's going to be one of those guys like Jesus Aguilar or Garrett Cooper that has to keep proving it every step of the way.

 

Cooper also has played some right field, per Baseball-Reference (https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hummel000coo). What is interesting is that he's played right field about 25% as often as he played left field, but he's racked up 55.5% of the assists.

 

He also started and played one game at third. I think he may be more versatile - and may also be able to handle first base. He's not played much catcher in the last two seasons, but I see a Mickey Tettleton type of player. Lots of walks, power, but Hummel seems to also have a very good baseball mind. 2019 was a semi-Grisham moment for him... but I think he could really make things interesting in 2020.

[CheeseheadInQC]

I always wonder about him though. We've seen some dudes spring board from what seems like nowhere. Grisham and Harrison hit 21-22 and boom away they went.

 

He's that athlete at 22 where OBP outshines everything else. I don't see it happening but if you told you had a crystal ball and he blew up from A to AA this year and made himself a prospect again, well let's say it wouldn't be the most surprising possibility. HS kid in the draft paid Erceg money not your typical 11th round pick, he was expected to go to college. It's possible but it also feels like he's in that now or never year.

 

As for the RPs. I just don't like seeing RPs on top 30 lists. Rasmussen sure he could dominate, but if you've lost your starter upside before you hit the majors I'm not too fond of your system value. List me off 8 teenage DSL lottery tickets. I'm fine with that they have upside that can't be replaced by Phelps or Claudio. If I can buy your equivalent for under 2mil a year. What 3-4 mil value. Blah...

 

I wasn't so much advocating for Feyereisen as saying I thought he'd fit well on the list given the number of relief arms on it (although I guess Perdomo isn't on it either).

 

On McClanahan, I don't necessarily disagree with you. There were just other guys who also have upside who have been pushed more than McClanahan has on that Wisconsin roster who aren't on this list, like Abreu and Ward. If there is a breakout from the disappointments on that team, I think they are more likely.

 

On the Hummel debate, he's shown up in a few lists lately, and he was legitimately one of the best hitters in the Southern League last year. The issue is, he is likely stuck as a corner outfielder, and is probably just about maximizing his skill set. To have much value he is probably going to have to keep at least 90% of his AA production on the Major League level, and that is easier said than done.

 

I will say, there are some guys you champion who I don't understand the affinity Clancy, but Hummel isn't one of them. Even if I'm still a bit skeptical, the power surge last year gives him a shot.

[CheeseheadInQC]

I always wonder about him though. We've seen some dudes spring board from what seems like nowhere. Grisham and Harrison hit 21-22 and boom away they went.

 

He's that athlete at 22 where OBP outshines everything else. I don't see it happening but if you told you had a crystal ball and he blew up from A to AA this year and made himself a prospect again, well let's say it wouldn't be the most surprising possibility. HS kid in the draft paid Erceg money not your typical 11th round pick, he was expected to go to college. It's possible but it also feels like he's in that now or never year.

 

As for the RPs. I just don't like seeing RPs on top 30 lists. Rasmussen sure he could dominate, but if you've lost your starter upside before you hit the majors I'm not too fond of your system value. List me off 8 teenage DSL lottery tickets. I'm fine with that they have upside that can't be replaced by Phelps or Claudio. If I can buy your equivalent for under 2mil a year. What 3-4 mil value. Blah...

 

I wasn't so much advocating for Feyereisen as saying I thought he'd fit well on the list given the number of relief arms on it (although I guess Perdomo isn't on it either).

 

On McClanahan, I don't necessarily disagree with you. There were just other guys who also have upside who have been pushed more than McClanahan has on that Wisconsin roster who aren't on this list, like Abreu and Ward. If there is a breakout from the disappointments on that team, I think they are more likely.

 

On the Hummel debate, he's shown up in a few lists lately, and he was legitimately one of the best hitters in the Southern League last year. The issue is, he is likely stuck as a corner outfielder, and is probably just about maximizing his skill set. To have much value he is probably going to have to keep at least 90% of his AA production on the Major League level, and that is easier said than done.

 

I will say, there are some guys you champion who I don't understand the affinity Clancy, but Hummel isn't one of them. Even if I'm still a bit skeptical, the power surge last year gives him a shot.

[sveumrules]

Cooper also has played some right field, per Baseball-Reference (https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hummel000coo). What is interesting is that he's played right field about 25% as often as he played left field, but he's racked up 55.5% of the assists.

 

He also started and played one game at third. I think he may be more versatile - and may also be able to handle first base. He's not played much catcher in the last two seasons, but I see a Mickey Tettleton type of player. Lots of walks, power, but Hummel seems to also have a very good baseball mind. 2019 was a semi-Grisham moment for him... but I think he could really make things interesting in 2020.

 

2019: 611 innings in LF, 27 innings in RF at AA.

2018: 228 innings in LF, 197 innings in RF, 64 innings at C in A+.

2017: 385 innings at C in A+.

2016: 227 innings at C, 9 innings at 3B in RK.

 

You are right he did start one game at 3B, in rookie ball four years ago. If he ever sees 3B at the MLB level many things likely will have gone terribly wrong.

 

If the Brewers believed he was potentially viable in RF at the MLB level they probably would have given him more than 27 innings there in AA last year. Looks to me like after 2018 they decided he was essentially LF only.

 

I do agree that he may be able to handle 1B, but at a listed 5'10" & with no professional experience there I wouldn't expect much.

[sveumrules]

Cooper also has played some right field, per Baseball-Reference (https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hummel000coo). What is interesting is that he's played right field about 25% as often as he played left field, but he's racked up 55.5% of the assists.

 

He also started and played one game at third. I think he may be more versatile - and may also be able to handle first base. He's not played much catcher in the last two seasons, but I see a Mickey Tettleton type of player. Lots of walks, power, but Hummel seems to also have a very good baseball mind. 2019 was a semi-Grisham moment for him... but I think he could really make things interesting in 2020.

 

2019: 611 innings in LF, 27 innings in RF at AA.

2018: 228 innings in LF, 197 innings in RF, 64 innings at C in A+.

2017: 385 innings at C in A+.

2016: 227 innings at C, 9 innings at 3B in RK.

 

You are right he did start one game at 3B, in rookie ball four years ago. If he ever sees 3B at the MLB level many things likely will have gone terribly wrong.

 

If the Brewers believed he was potentially viable in RF at the MLB level they probably would have given him more than 27 innings there in AA last year. Looks to me like after 2018 they decided he was essentially LF only.

 

I do agree that he may be able to handle 1B, but at a listed 5'10" & with no professional experience there I wouldn't expect much.

[CheeseheadInQC]

Not quite sure where to put this, but the minor league spring training roster was tweeted out. I'll caution I might have missed someone.

 

Last year's DSL players in camp:

Eduardo Garcia, Eduarqui Fernandez, Jesus Parra, Jhonnys Cabrera, Alejandro Marte, Carlos Roa

 

This year's July 2 signings brought over:

Hedbert Perez, Luis Medina, Jeferson Quero, Jose Caballero, Jamal Zalm

[CheeseheadInQC]

Not quite sure where to put this, but the minor league spring training roster was tweeted out. I'll caution I might have missed someone.

 

Last year's DSL players in camp:

Eduardo Garcia, Eduarqui Fernandez, Jesus Parra, Jhonnys Cabrera, Alejandro Marte, Carlos Roa

 

This year's July 2 signings brought over:

Hedbert Perez, Luis Medina, Jeferson Quero, Jose Caballero, Jamal Zalm

[TJseven7]

 

On McClanahan, I don't necessarily disagree with you. There were just other guys who also have upside who have been pushed more than McClanahan has on that Wisconsin roster who aren't on this list, like Abreu and Ward. If there is a breakout from the disappointments on that team, I think they are more likely.

 

 

I'm not going to bat for McClanahan. It just wouldn't be stunning if this was his year. It also won't be stunning if this isn't his year and if it isn't he's on that lost cause list. Ward is certainly a very interesting guy. He's got 2 years in my opinion to put something together though. That what I believe gets overlooked in this system. There are a lot of guys who have no reason to be rated on anyone's top 30 list, who 1 year later could fly up everyone's top 30 list.

 

Lots of athletes. Lots of true lottery tickets.

[nate82]

Podcast Discussion

 

https://brewcrewreview.podbean.com/e/brew-crew-review-podcast-101-our-top-30-brewer-prospect-rankings/

 

I just can't take this list seriously with Erceg at #24.

 

Players I would put ahead of Erceg are Feyereisen, Taylor, Ward, Bello, Medina, File, Dillard, Bennett, Cipion, Eduarqui Fernandez, Ernesto Martinez, Coca, Pablo Abreu, Zhao, Larry Ernesto and Segovia.

[brewcrewdue80]

So, with 8 international signings showing up in our BA Top 30 prospect list - it has me wondering: is this a sign that we are doing a much better job in the international market now? Or, is this just more of a sign that we haven't drafted as well in the June Amateur draft in recent years? Or, is it combination of both? I've wanted us to get more active in the international market for years now, so I'm excited to see us getting more top guys down there. But, I also realize that there is probably even a higher miss % on these guys since teams are signing them so early in their development. And, that's saying something - because the miss % is high enough as it is with the June draft.

 

Here's my guess a little on the situation. 1st/2nd picks since 2014 have either graduated, used in a trade, not reached their potential(Ray)

 

The International market is what? 2 years in to their newer format? Is has there been 3 already? Where The smaller markets are rewarded with higher signing money pools. Pools that not to long ago are far higher than money they spent on internationals yearly. So having 8 in top 30 is only bound to happen, especially since they begin so young.

[trwi7]

Turang was the only Brewer on Keith Law’s list coming in at #81.

[RollieTime]

https://www.mlb.com/news/ethan-small-develops-new-pitch

 

Sounds like Small is working on developing a slider to add to his mix of pitches. If he can learn to throw even an average slider, he could really blossom as a starting pitcher. He already has 3 pretty good offerings.

[KeithStone53151]

https://www.mlb.com/news/ethan-small-develops-new-pitch

 

Sounds like Small is working on developing a slider to add to his mix of pitches. If he can learn to throw even an average slider, he could really blossom as a starting pitcher. He already has 3 pretty good offerings.

 

Yeah I saw this too and agree. He seems like a pretty sharp guy, that type that's able to get the most out of his stuff. A lefty that can mix in 4 pitches and get the best out of them can be a very solid mid rotation guy even if he's only topping out in the 92-94 range.

[clancyphile]

https://www.mlb.com/news/ethan-small-develops-new-pitch

 

Sounds like Small is working on developing a slider to add to his mix of pitches. If he can learn to throw even an average slider, he could really blossom as a starting pitcher. He already has 3 pretty good offerings.

 

Yeah I saw this too and agree. He seems like a pretty sharp guy, that type that's able to get the most out of his stuff. A lefty that can mix in 4 pitches and get the best out of them can be a very solid mid rotation guy even if he's only topping out in the 92-94 range.

 

If he mixes four, I think he's beyond mid-rotation and could top out as a TOR starter. Developments this season could be interesting. Right now he's #9 on my ballot.

 

At this point, I see Max Lazar as a potential TOR arm, with File a #2 starter. Small could go right into that same level.

[KeithStone53151]

https://www.mlb.com/news/ethan-small-develops-new-pitch

 

Sounds like Small is working on developing a slider to add to his mix of pitches. If he can learn to throw even an average slider, he could really blossom as a starting pitcher. He already has 3 pretty good offerings.

 

Yeah I saw this too and agree. He seems like a pretty sharp guy, that type that's able to get the most out of his stuff. A lefty that can mix in 4 pitches and get the best out of them can be a very solid mid rotation guy even if he's only topping out in the 92-94 range.

 

If he mixes four, I think he's beyond mid-rotation and could top out as a TOR starter. Developments this season could be interesting. Right now he's #9 on my ballot.

 

At this point, I see Max Lazar as a potential TOR arm, with File a #2 starter. Small could go right into that same level.

 

Noted above, Small has 3 pretty good offerings. None of his offerings have much plus potential except maybe the changeup. The type of comp you're looking at is Marco Gonzalez. Small might throw a bit harder, but I don't think his changeup will be as good. Regardless, there's no arguing that Gonzalez is TOR. He would fit in great as the 3rd or 4th starter on a contender or 2nd starter on a second division team, but not TOR.

 

I need to learn more about what Lazar throws, but I'm not going to get excited about a guy that throws upper 80s and is getting 20-22 year olds out in A ball. At the lower levels, stuff matters to me much more than results. If he's posting the eye popping k/9 and bb/9 numbers in AA, I'll start believing in him a bit more. Until then, or until I hear that he throws a knuckleball or at least one true plus secondary offering...he's not top 30 for me, not even close.

[jjgott]

DFL in Keith Law's Farm System Rankings: https://theathletic.com/1641139/2020/03/02/keith-laws-farm-system-rankings-for-all-30-mlb-teams/

[MadThinker88]

Among the free content items, the MiLB website has started posted is combined organization rankings.

 

https://www.milb.com/news/minor-league-baseball-farm-system-rankings-overall-30-21-312914490

 

Unlike other farm ranking sources, this group (Sam Dykstra & Co.) will also show breakdown of system strength relative to pitching prospects & position prospects.

 

Unfortunately in their opinion, the Brewers have a long way to go on each side as well as overall.

[KeithStone53151]

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/2020/brewers/

 

Pipeline posted their top 30. Biggest surprise to me is Feliciano coming in at number 3.