Post by ex-Pittsburgh Pirates on Jan 24, 2014 11:19:26 GMT -5
First blind bids will be opened on Sunday.
Also, don't forget to make some offers on these sizzling prospects:
Sean Manaea - KC Royals
Manaea's fantasy upside is intense and higher than any of the other arms on this list. The raw tools are there for him to be a full four-category contributor and top-20 fantasy starter. He's a great chance to take in dynasty drafts if you're looking for a potentially fast riser in value--just don't ignore the risks. If healthy, Manaea is a monster, a left-handed power arm with easy plus velocity, good movement, sharp slider, and the foundation of a very good changeup. Add athleticism and pitchability into the mix, and you can see why several teams had Manaea ranked as the top arm in the 2013 class.
Maikel Franco — Philadelphia Phillies
The first of many to make the transition from minor-league third baseman to major-league first baseman, Franco will reportedly make the position switch in time for the 2014 season. While he won’t begin the season there, the big leagues are certainly within Franco’s grasp. While scouting stat lines can be dangerous, it’s hard to overlook Franco’s impressive .339/.363/.563 slash line in 292 plate appearances upon being promoted to Double-A Reading in 2013, along with his 70 (!) extra-base hits across two levels. So let’s not stat scout—Franco has excellent hand-eye coordination that allows him to overcome some noise and length in his load and swing. His bat speed is impressive and enables him to not only make contact, but hard contact. Franco is likely to begin the season at Triple-A and any extended absence from Ryan Howard could prompt his call up.
Miguel Almonte - KC Royals
Another pitcher who could put up strong strikeout numbers, Almonte also could be a very strong contributor in WHIP. From June 1st to the end of the season, he had 90 strikeouts versus just 16 walks in 86 1/3 innings—and limiting walks like that will also net him more wins, as he’ll be able to pitch deeper into games at the major-league level. Almonte is going to move onto the pitcher-friendly confines of High-A Wilmington, and he’s probably going to shove it with excellent results. His fastball is a plus offering, his changeup is well above average, and his ability to throw strikes should allow him to produce statistical results that will elevate his prospect status.
Francisco Mejia - Indians
If you like to bet on raw tools, Mejia is certainly someone to target. In fact, outside of Jorge Alfaro, there may not be a catcher in the minor leagues with more fantasy upside than him. This kid has monster potential, with the type of bat speed you can’t teach and a rocket arm from a premium defensive position. He will play the entire 2014 season as an 18-year-old, so there is no reason to rush him; I expect him to start in extended spring training before moving on to the New York-Penn League. Outside of Lindor and Frazier, Mejia has the highest ceiling on the farm, and even though he comes with a tremendous risk, the payoff could be enormous.
Adalberto Mondesi - KC Royals
Mondesi is a special talent, a gifted defender at a premium position with speed and a quick stroke to the ball from both sides of the plate. He is unrefined and eager in his game, but he has a chance to develop into an impact talent at the highest level. The developmental process will present setbacks and failures along the way, and 2014 might look similar to 2013 on the stat sheet, but Mondesi’s ceiling is worth the patience.
Also, don't forget to make some offers on these sizzling prospects:
Sean Manaea - KC Royals
Manaea's fantasy upside is intense and higher than any of the other arms on this list. The raw tools are there for him to be a full four-category contributor and top-20 fantasy starter. He's a great chance to take in dynasty drafts if you're looking for a potentially fast riser in value--just don't ignore the risks. If healthy, Manaea is a monster, a left-handed power arm with easy plus velocity, good movement, sharp slider, and the foundation of a very good changeup. Add athleticism and pitchability into the mix, and you can see why several teams had Manaea ranked as the top arm in the 2013 class.
Maikel Franco — Philadelphia Phillies
The first of many to make the transition from minor-league third baseman to major-league first baseman, Franco will reportedly make the position switch in time for the 2014 season. While he won’t begin the season there, the big leagues are certainly within Franco’s grasp. While scouting stat lines can be dangerous, it’s hard to overlook Franco’s impressive .339/.363/.563 slash line in 292 plate appearances upon being promoted to Double-A Reading in 2013, along with his 70 (!) extra-base hits across two levels. So let’s not stat scout—Franco has excellent hand-eye coordination that allows him to overcome some noise and length in his load and swing. His bat speed is impressive and enables him to not only make contact, but hard contact. Franco is likely to begin the season at Triple-A and any extended absence from Ryan Howard could prompt his call up.
Miguel Almonte - KC Royals
Another pitcher who could put up strong strikeout numbers, Almonte also could be a very strong contributor in WHIP. From June 1st to the end of the season, he had 90 strikeouts versus just 16 walks in 86 1/3 innings—and limiting walks like that will also net him more wins, as he’ll be able to pitch deeper into games at the major-league level. Almonte is going to move onto the pitcher-friendly confines of High-A Wilmington, and he’s probably going to shove it with excellent results. His fastball is a plus offering, his changeup is well above average, and his ability to throw strikes should allow him to produce statistical results that will elevate his prospect status.
Francisco Mejia - Indians
If you like to bet on raw tools, Mejia is certainly someone to target. In fact, outside of Jorge Alfaro, there may not be a catcher in the minor leagues with more fantasy upside than him. This kid has monster potential, with the type of bat speed you can’t teach and a rocket arm from a premium defensive position. He will play the entire 2014 season as an 18-year-old, so there is no reason to rush him; I expect him to start in extended spring training before moving on to the New York-Penn League. Outside of Lindor and Frazier, Mejia has the highest ceiling on the farm, and even though he comes with a tremendous risk, the payoff could be enormous.
Adalberto Mondesi - KC Royals
Mondesi is a special talent, a gifted defender at a premium position with speed and a quick stroke to the ball from both sides of the plate. He is unrefined and eager in his game, but he has a chance to develop into an impact talent at the highest level. The developmental process will present setbacks and failures along the way, and 2014 might look similar to 2013 on the stat sheet, but Mondesi’s ceiling is worth the patience.