On the farm.

Future Cy Young?

I was thinking about all of the recent prospect call ups and wanted to discuss guys I think may be called up this season and the impact they could make. These guys are all on all if not most top 100 Prospects Lists. This also goes to all of you in dynasty and keeper leagues, since you ask me all the time what prospects you should pick up.

Tommy Hanson- In AAA so far, the 22 year-old Hanson has a 3-3 record with a 1.48 ERA. In his 60 IP, Hanson has 17 BB, 82 K’s and a .86 whip. Hanson will surely be up this season and very well could make a good impact. I had him pegged as the NL rookie of the year. When Tom Glavine forgets to take his Oscal, expect Hanson to get the call.

Neftali Feliz- 34 IP, 36 K, 21 BB,  3.93 ERA, 1.51. The Rangers have been riding some good starts this month but you’ve gotta think the pitching will not hold up and they will eventually give Neftali the call to see how he does. I think he’s still too young, but I do think he will get the call this season at some point.

Alcides Escobar- Hitting .291 in 196 ABs with 2 HR and 21 SBs. There are rumblings that the Mariners will deal Erik Bedard and the Brewers are in dire need of pitching, while the Mariners are in need of a defensive SS and have had scouts watching Escobar lately. Even if he’s not traded, keep an eye out on him moving to second base to cover for Weeks. He’s not the best option, but he’ll give you runs and stolen bases.

Gordon Beckham- Recently promoted to AAA and will begin playing third base. This is a huge sign that Ozzie Guillen is fed up with Josh Fields’ lack of production. Don’t be surprised at all to see Beckham in the majors soon. We know what Beckham is capable of. At age 21 in college, Beckham slugged 28 hr with 17 SBs while hitting .411. Sure, college is a big difference from the majors but not many guys have that kind of numbers in college at age 21.

Chris Tillman- As a Mariner fan, it breaks my heart to see Adam Jones being successful and Tillman becoming an even better prospect than when he was traded. The Orioles recently called up prospect David Hernandez and Chris Tillman has a 2.13 ERA in AAA with 38 IP, 13 BB and 44 K. If Tillman is called up anytime soon, he may be fairly successful and up to stay.

Wade Davis- With Scott Kazmir being in sucksville, the Rays are in need of an arm. Whether it be via trade or a Davis call up. The Rays may decide to trade for a more experienced starter and Davis would probably be a name mentioned to be leaving Tampa for said starter. In that case, he’d most likely be starting for someone. So far, he’s got a 2.66 ERA with 30 Ks in 47 IP. Not totally overpowering at the AAA level but has the K upside.

Andrew McCutchen- I’ve never been a big fan of him, but he’s putting up some pretty decent numbers in the minors. For a guy with not a ton of power, he’s got a pretty solid OPS of .840. Now I’m not sure where that translates in the majors or even if he’d be worth owning this season, but in keeper and dynasty leagues, he’s someone to watch.

Brett Wallace- The Cardinals are in pretty heavy need of a consistent 3B and have Wallace in AAA. Now, the Cardinals may have a need for a starter come trade deadline and Wallace could be a name used in trade talks. He’s not put up very impressive numbers in AAA, but it’s still a small sample size. It’s situation I’d keep an eye on.

Carlos Carrasco- Current AAA Line: 48 IP, 13 BB, 52 K, 57 H, 5.81 ERA, 1.46 whip. The Phillies have mentioned needing a starter for the playoffs and Brett Myers’ new hip injury (not hip as in cool) may sideline him for the remainder of the season. Either way, Carrasco could be called up to replace him or he could be on the move. My money is on the latter.

Aaron Poreda- Currently sporting the highest K/9 of his career (9.5)  and was recently mentioned in a Jake Peavy deal that was eventually shot down by Peavy himself. Don’t be surprised to see Poreda dealt or called up as he’s putting up a line of 46.1 IP, 49 K, 24 BB and a 1.19 whip.

Michael Saunders- In 91 ABs, Saunders has 5 HR while hitting .352 with an OPS of 1.00. The Seattle OF is fairly crowded in the minors but Endy Chavez could be on the move this season and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Saunders. It may be September before he is called up though. Just keep an eye on him.

That’s all for now. Just keeping you updated on the farm systems. We’ll surely keep you updated.