Prospects of the Week: June 4 – June 10

June 11, 2018 Paul Martin General, MiLB, Prospects of the Week 1

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Each week we pick the hitting and pitching prospects from each level (AAA, AA, A+, A, DSL (Rookie) and starting next week, Short Season-A) who, in our opinion, had the best week. We’re always on the lookout for candidates, so tweet us (@Prospects1500, @PaulTheMartin and @Scotty_Ballgame) when you see a great performance.

Martin picks his POTW hitters and pitchers for each level, while Greene presents other names at each level that are just as deserving of POTW honors. Enjoy, and make sure you’re keeping an eye out for these prospects in your dynasty leagues.

AAA

Hitter: Angelo Mora, 3B (Los Angeles Dodgers, N/A)

Oklahoma City Dodgers (6 GS, .560/.607/.880, 14 H, HR, 2 3B, 2B)

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have found a steal off waivers this offseason with Angelo Mora. After looks with the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles, Mora has found success as he moves up minor league levels. His worst sample was in A ball with the Phillies in 2013-14. Joe Jordan, who was the farm director during Mora’s time in the Philadelphia system, said that the utility prospect was “inconsistent” and “frustrating.” However, there is plenty of upside for an athletically built 25-year-old who is currently slashing .338/.375/.500 in AAA for his new team. This week he did nothing but help that final line by racking up 14 hits in just 6 games. The quick-footed Mora also churned out 2 triples this week and has been able to sustain that skill over a few seasons in the minors. His baserunning abilities are obvious, even though they don’t stand out in the stolen base numbers. Angelo Mora has potential to become a player in the bigs with enough injuries to the Dodgers, and he can fill in many positions to fulfill such a gig. This performance is not a one to ignore from the switch-hitter who would have more attention if he had more consistency over his career.

Greene’s AAA Hitter: Scott Heineman, OF (Texas Rangers, #22)

Round Rock Express (6 GS, .423/.531/.962, 11 H, 4 HR, 3B)

Honorable Mention: Hunter Cole, OF (Texas Rangers, #32)

Round Rock Express (5 GS, .417/.440/1.000, 10 H, 4 HR, 2 2B)


Pitcher: Freddy Peralta, RHP (Milwaukee Brewers, #14)

Colorado Springs Sky Sox (2 GS, 12.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 20:4 K:BB, 19% SwStr)

Ahh, my man Freddy Peralta is back in the minors. While it is no fun to see a clear major leaguer toiling away in AAA, we can continue to give him awards. He has throttled the PCL by allowing only 1 HR in 56 IP, with a 79:27 K:BB ratio. This week he had 2 starts on the road, including one against a Fresno Grizzlies team with Derek Fisher, Kyle Tucker, Tyler White, AJ Reed, and Garrett Stubbs. Peralta impressed, yet again, hurling 12.1 innings of 2 run ball with 20 K and a SwStr% near 20%. There is no question at this point as to where Freddy Peralta deserves to be pitching. He has only given up more than 3 ER one time this season in a poor outing against the Omaha Storm Chasers. Peralta has also put up scoreless outings in 5 of his 11 starts in the minors this season, and 1 in the bigs with 13 K in Colorado. Unfortunately, for all of us, he continues to toss gems in the PCL instead of Milwaukee. Let’s continue to monitor to shoving that is Freddy Peralta at AAA.

Greene’s AAA Pitcher: Josh James, RHP (Houston Astros, N/A)

Fresno Grizzlies (1 GS, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 13:1 K:BB, 22% SwStr%)

AA

Hitter: Isan Diaz, 2B (Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers #7)

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (7 GS, .565/.667/.739, 13 H, 3 SB, 4 2B)

Up to this point, it was more of the same for one of my favorite offseason prospect movers, Isan Diaz. Since being hit in the head with a pitch on May 16th, and returning on May 25th, Diaz has been hitting .367 with a 16:9 K:BB, 1 HR, and 4 SB. This week alone that slash line was .565/.667/.739 with 4:6 K:BB. The plate discipline is a marker of where Isan Diaz is at during the season. Right now, he is locked in as ever at AA and that 1-2 punch of Monte Harrison and Diaz can be jaw-dropping. The level of exceptional athleticism in both of these hitters cannot be explained in words. Isan Diaz showcased his “launch angle from birth” swing, as dubbed by @ProspectJesus, by hitting 4 doubles this week. A flick of the wrist with this kid ends up going for extra bases, as made evident by the slugging numbers despite no homers.

Greene’s AA Hitter: Brennon Lund, OF (Los Angeles Angels, #20)

Mobile BayBears (7 GS, .438/.486/.688, 14 H, 5 SB, HR, 3 2B, 3B)


Pitcher: Justin Dunn, RHP (New York Mets, #5)

Binghamton Rumble Ponies/St. Lucie Mets (2 GS, 1-0, 14 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 19:5 K:BB, 13% SwStr%)

Jason Woodell, a frequent contributor to Prospects 1500 and fantastic scout, was able to catch a ridiculously amazing video of New York Mets pitching prospect Justin Dunn. Regardless of Jason being one of the best Twitter follows for prospect information, he also caught this film of batters flailing and slamming bats versus the nasty right-hander. It is very telling of the talent that is currently cruising through the Mets system this season. This skill could not be more evident by the promotion to AA this week in which Dunn was able to impress yet again. Trenton could not compete with the 2016 first rounder as Dunn delivered 7 scoreless innings of 2 hit ball. His award had to come from the higher level where he showed just as much success against a Thunder team that is 11 games above .500. He ran through the Florida State League much easier this season (including a 7 IP, 0 ER, 10 K performance on June 4th), and he proves to be ready for the AA scene by his performance this week.

Greene’s AA Pitcher: Jefry Rodriguez, RHP (Washington Nationals, #32)

Harrisburg Senators (1 GS, 5 IP, H, 0 ER, 6:1 K:BB, 29% SwStr%)

A+

Hitter: Khalil Lee, OF (Kansas City Royals, #1)

Wilmington Blue Rocks (7 GS, .391/.481/.826, 9 H, 2 HR, 2 SB, 2 2B, 3B)

All of the talk about Seuly Matias and his Lexington Legends teammates this season has quieted the hype on Khalil Lee. This uber-athletic outfielder has all the tools to represent his name at the top of the Kansas City Royals top prospect list. He can keep his name at the top of that list with performances that he had this week. Lee displayed one of his best tools this week with his plate discipline. The 19-year-old was able to take 4 walks to 2 strikeouts as he improves upon his 17.5% BB% to start the year. This patience is impressive for his age and level, but also for the other assets that brought to the table with 12 SB and 4 HR on the season. Names like MJ Melendez, Nick Pratto, and Matias may be stealing a bit of shine from Lee, but he showcased everything this week. If this performance tells us anything, it’s that friends don’t let friends forget about Khalil Lee.

Greene’s A+ Hitter: Johan Mieses, OF (St. Louis Cardinals, N/A)

Palm Beach Cardinals (7 GS, .429/.467/.714, 12 H, 2 HR, 2 SB, 2 2B)


Pitcher: Chris Paddack, RHP (San Diego Padres, #22)

Lake Elsinore Storm (1 GS, 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 10:0 K:BB, 22% SwStr%)

Paddack has been incredible to start the season. After coming back from Tommy John, Paddack has been flying a bit under the radar until recently. His numbers have gotten much too extreme to ignore. On the season, he has a ridiculous 61:2 K:BB. This excellent command was on display again this week with numbers like 10 K, 0 BB, and 22% SwStr%. The fastball/changeup dominant starter is tearing through the High-A ranks. There’s no reason to think he stays at this level much longer, as he does not have much more to prove. It is becoming an every week consideration with Paddack and this week he shut down an Inland Empire lineup that includes Jo Adell, Brandon Marsh, and Jahmai Jones. Getting by these names is hard enough, but Paddack was able to utterly dominate these top prospects on his way to another double-digit strikeout total. These numbers are a staple for him everytime he goes more than 5 innings. Prepare to watch Chris Paddack bring that changeup through the system very quickly now that he is fully recovered from surgery and showing it on the mound.

Greene’s A+ Pitcher: Sean Isaac, RHP (Los Angeles Angels, N/A)

Inland Empire 66ers (1 GS, 5 IP, 2 H, 11:3 K:BB, 27% SwStr%)

Honorable Mention: Michel Baez, RHP (San Diego Padres, #7)

Lake Elsinore Storm (1 GS, 6 IP, H, 8:0 K:BB, 15% SwStr%)

A

Hitter: Jhailyn Ortiz, RF (Philadelphia Phillies, #7)

Lakewood BlueClaws (6 GS, .425/.458/.826, 10 H, 2 HR, SB, 3 2B)

Ortiz is one of the purest hitting prospects you will ever see. His bat is way beyond any other part of his game, and that was on display this week. The Philadelphia Phillies ‘thicc boi’ was able to blast 2 HR and steal a base this week en route to a .425/.458/.826 slash line. His bat-to-ball skills are what impresses the most. Ortiz is perplexing due to his BB% below double-digits, K% around 30%, yet his ability to carry a high batting average. He truly mashes the baseball with natural loft and backspin everytime due to his swing mechanics. Stat-scouting this raw outfielder would bring different results than watching his at-bats. As he rises up the ranks it will be interesting to see how opinions shift with more highlights circulating Twitter. This prospect can gain some serious helium with his massive power trending in the fantasy baseball Twitterverse. He is currently one prospect that can start to shoot up midseason ranks with performances similar to this one.

Greene’s A Hitter: Ryan Noda, OF (Toronto Blue Jays, #26)

Lansing Lugnuts (5 GS, .500/.632/1.429, 7 H, 4 HR, 2B)

Honorable Mention: Chad Spanberger, 1B (Colorado Rockies, #20)

Ashville Tourists (8 GS, .321/.387/.714, 9 H, 2 HR, SB, 5 2B)


Pitcher: Huascar Ynoa, RHP (Atlanta Braves, #30)

Rome Braves (1 GS, 1-0, 6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 11:2 K:BB, 20% SwStr%)

A relatively unknown name before moving to the Atlanta Braves in the Jaime Garcia trade, Ynoa has made quite the name for himself to start 2018. The 19-year-old project arm brings a decent fastball of 90-94 MPH with a curve that can be devastating. The Braves have a knack for creating pitching prospects to fuel their ridiculous depth within their system. It is always going to turn heads when someone can generate a strike on 20% of their swings in a given start. That is what the young right-hander did this week striking out 11 Ashville Tourists after previously striking out 9 in his last start against them on May 30th. This time on the road he impressed even more and was able to take the award home above a no hitter by Paul Balestrieri. Truthfully, I wanted to dig more into this interesting name that was desired by one of the best pitching development systems in the MLB.

Greene’s A Pitcher: Paul Balestrieri, RHP (St. Louis Cardinals, N/A)

Peoria Chiefs (1 GS, 1-0, 9 IP, NO HITTER (1 error shy of a perfect game), 6:0 K:BB, 10% SwStr%)

Honorable Mention: Denyi Reyes, RHP (Boston Red Sox, N/A)

Greenville Drive (1 GS, 7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 6:1 K:BB, 9% SwStr%)

Honorable Mention: Jhonathan Diaz, LHP (Boston Red Sox, N/A)

Greenville Drive (1 GS, 7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 5:0 K:BB, 14% SwStr%)


DSL

Hitter: Julio Pablo Martinez, OF (Texas Rangers, N/A)

DSL Rangers 1 (5 GS, .533/.708/.933, 8 H, HR, 2 SB, 2B, 3B)

Martinez is easily the top international prospect from the past year of signings. This Cuban import is stocky, patient, and powerful. The plate discipline is on display already against younger competition. The 22-year-old Martinez took 4 BB in a game and 8 BB on the entire week while mashing 8 H, including 3 for extra bases. He wasted no time getting used to being in a professional system by getting on base over 70% of the time in his first week of the sample. Martinez is going to be on everyone’s radar this season, and he is proving why already.

Greene’s DSL Pick: Yowelfy Rosario, 3B (St. Louis Cardinals, N/A)

DSL Cardinals Blue (6 GS, .500/.571/1.000, 2 SB, 4 2B, 4 3B)

Honorable Mention: Miguel Hiraldo, 3B (Toronto Blue Jays, #43)

DSL Blue Jays (6 GS, .481/.517/.926, 13 H, 4 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI)

 

Pitcher: Deivi Diaz (New York Yankees, N/A)

DSL Yankees (2 G [1 GS], 6.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 14:4 K:BB)

This slight-of-build, New York Yankees lefty flew through lineup this week during his third time in the DSL. The young Deivi Diaz is still only 19-years-old after being in the Yankees system since 2016, so age is still not a concern. Whatever he found this offseason is working as he fanned 9 batters in just 3.2 innings of work during his first start. His next outing was a measly 2.2 innings of relief in which he struck out 5 batters, giving him a total of 14 over 6.1 scoreless IP. It will take some digging to discover more on this kid, but it may be worth the effort as New York has a habit of taking these international pitchers and turning them into something exciting.

Greene’s DSL Pitcher: Ludwin Jimenez, RHP (St. Louis Cardinals, N/A) – Am I allowed to pick a 16-year-old?

DSL Cardinals Red (2 GS, 9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 15:2 K:BB)

 

Featured image of Justin Dunn – via Bryan Green on Flickr

Paul Martin

Paul Martin graduated from the University of Connecticut with a double degree in Political Science and American Studies. After college the drive to become a baseball writer became real when Lenny Melnick asked for a podcast substitute. Ever since late-2017, Paul has been providing content for LennyMelnickFantasySports.com, Razzball, Pitcher List, and now Prospects1500. Living in the Connecticut area there are plenty of options for minor league coverage with the closest team being the Hartford Yard Goats. This die-hard Yankees fan has transitioned into a well-rounded cover of all things fantasy baseball and prospects.

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