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Baseball Prospectus Top 10 Angels Prospects


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The Top Ten

  1. LHP Andrew Heaney
  2. LHP Sean Newcomb
  3. RHP Joe Gatto
  4. RHP Chris Ellis
  5. RHP Nick Tropeano
  6. 3B Kyle Kubitza
  7. RHP Cam Bedrosian
  8. 2B Taylor Featherston
  9. SS Roberto Baldoquin
  10. RHP Trevor Gott

 

They also list RHP Victor Alcantara, RHP Jeremy Rhoades, and LHP Greg Mahle as prospects on the rise and have C Carlos Perez, LHP Nate Smith, and 2B Alex Yarbrough as 3 prospects who could contribute to the MLB team this season

 

A Parting Thought: There’s no sugarcoating the lack of depth in the system, or the limited impact presently populating the upper minors, but a solid crop of 2014 draftees and an intriguing collection of international signees making their way to the low minors give some hope that a restocking of the system is already underway.

Edited by bloodbrother
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It's totally justifiable to rank Featherston that high (though admittedly I disagree).

1. Featherston is a good defender at 2B, and can also play a solid SS and 3B.

2. Very solid power numbers and can't steal bases as well.

3. He gets on base at a good clip.

4. Had a very good showing in the AFL.

5. Is very likely to be a major leaguer this year.

Add it all up and Featherston looks like a pretty solid prospect.

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If that is all true about Featherston, how was he left unprotected for the Rule 5 draft?

The Rockies had a roster crunch similar to what the Astros and Mets had to deal with. In particular I think the Rockies had too many INF's to keep on their 40-man.

Dipoto grabbed him because he is so toolsy and his projections show him adding some defensive value which could allow him to stick as the utility man.

Jerry seems really adept at cherry picking useful MLB players off of other teams rosters. It is a very easy way to augment a Major or Minor League roster and he should really be applauded for his management prowess.

For instance the acquisitions of Marte and Kieschnick brought in two cheap power hitters. Who knows if they truly pan out but the fact that he found easy HR sources without spending a dime could add an incremental value at some future point.

Its these simple moves that can turn the most value in a season or seasons.

Sorry AO that was more of a response than I intended.

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Roster crunch indeed.  The Rockies infield is set in stone as Arenado has turned into a solid above average 3B, Tulo's the best in the game at shortstop and LeMaheui, while unspectacular is adequate as a 2B.  They also have 3 different guys on the major league roster serving as utility infielders right now.  In the minors, they have Ryan McMahon who is mostly a 3B but could move to 2B, Forrest Wall, who they just drafted and is a middle infielder with upside, Trevor Story who will be ready in two years to play 3B/SS/2B, Christhian Adames as a defensive specialist and Emmerson Jimenez in the lower ranks.  

 

It doesn't mean that Featherston isn't good.  He's really good.  He'll be a sure-fire major leaguer.  The Rockies just have those in spades.  They need pitching.  They couldn't trade him for the pitching they want and need, so he was made available in the Rule 5 draft and the Angels were smart enough to scoop him up.  

 

Just comparing him to others, he's the best defensive 2B on the roster.  He's the second bast defensive SS on the roster and likely the second best third baseman as well.  He's the fastest of all the utility infielder options, has the best plate discipline and the most pop.  

 

It's extremely likely he's the Angels utility infielder to start the season and likely going forward until Eric Stamets forces their hand.  There's even a decent chance he's the starting 2B.  

 

Just about the only negative thing I can say about him is that he simply won't hit for average the way Rutledge, Green and Giavotella will.  That can be problematic in a full time role if he's only hitting .260, but that's not what you're looking for in a utility infielder. 

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It would then seem that he wasn't good enough to get that needed pitcher for the Rocks, but is good enough to be potentially a decent to solid MLB INF?

One other thing to consider AO is that other teams have already made projections, before the Rule V Draft, on which players any particular team will be forced to not protect before the Rule V.

Because the Rockies had too many players that either had surpassed their Minor League service time or were already on the 40-man roster they were forced to choose one or more players to expose to the Rule V.

Other teams know this and use that knowledge to purposely NOT trade with the Rockies because they realize they have a XX% chance of seeing the player left unprotected anyway and can get them for free.

I think the Rockies felt that Featherston had the least chance of being picked up out of the players that they were considering leaving unprotected and took the chance that he might be passed up.

This is another fascinating decision making process (for me anyway) that MLB teams have to make on a regular basis.

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It would then seem that he wasn't good enough to get that needed pitcher for the Rocks, but is good enough to be potentially a decent to solid MLB INF

teams know the roster deadlines.  they know what other teams have.  it's someone's job to track it.  why would you give up considerable value for a guy that may go unprotected?  

 

Featherston is the second or third guy in a deadline deal.  Not the headliner, but not the throw in.  

 

He's also a 5th rounder so not as much on the national radar, but the teams know who he is.  

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teams know the roster deadlines.  they know what other teams have.  it's someone's job to track it.  why would you give up considerable value for a guy that may go unprotected?  

 

Featherston is the second or third guy in a deadline deal.  Not the headliner, but not the throw in.  

 

He's also a 5th rounder so not as much on the national radar, but the teams know who he is. 

 

I'd rather give Featherston a shot than Rutledge.

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I'd rather it be an open competition but let's be honest, it isn't really. Rutledge was traded for and has experience, which Scioscia loves. Green, he's good but Scioscia's shown zero willingness to work him into the lineup. Giavotella comes in as almost and after though just in case. Featherston is viewed more as a utility option than starting 2B. And they've already decided Yarbrough will be in AAA.

It isn't an open competition at all. We know Rutledge will be handed the job. But I'd really enjoy it if it were. I think either Green, Giavotella or Featherston could beat out Rutledge in a fair circumstance.

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Is there any scenario in which Green and Featherston both make the team? Doesn't seem possible.

And if not possible, does Featherston have the leg up because Green can be sent to AAA? (And I agree, Yarbrough, and the Italian guy from K.C. have no chance of making the 25-man)

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Interestingly enough, the Angels actually have substantial infield depth. While I agree with Scotty's assessment that Rutledge and Featherston are the two guys most likely to get spots on the 25-man roster of the five, it is nice to have Green, Giovatella and Yarbrough waiting in the wings.

 

Now here's a question: Can any of these guys play SS? I'm just wondering who plays SS if Aybar goes down and/or needs a day off. Featherston?

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Interestingly enough, the Angels actually have substantial infield depth. While I agree with Scotty's assessment that Rutledge and Featherston are the two guys most likely to get spots on the 25-man roster of the five, it is nice to have Green, Giovatella and Yarbrough waiting in the wings.

 

Now here's a question: Can any of these guys play SS? I'm just wondering who plays SS if Aybar goes down and/or needs a day off. Featherston?

Remember before the 2013 season we had SP depth?  It all sucked.   :)

 

Featherston is apparently a good glove and can play SS.  That's why he seems like the logical choice to make it.  

 

I disagree with that fact that it's Rutledge's job to lose.  I think he and Green will both get a fair shake.  Yet the deciding factor probably won't just be the stats they put up.   And if featherston doesn't impress, they'll just send him back and let green backup Aybar at SS.  

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