John Sickels Top 20 Prospects for 2015

[John Smith]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2015/2/16/8047917/los-angeles-angels-top-20-prospects-for-2015

 

1) Andrew Heaney, LHP, Grade B+/Borderline A-:
2) Sean Newcomb, LHP, Grade B/Borderline B+:

3) Nick Tropeano, RHP, Grade B-/Borderline B:
4) Roberto Baldoquin, INF, Grade B-:
5) Kyle Kubitza, 3B, Grade B-:
6) Joe Gatto, RHP, Grade B-/Borderline C+:

7) Cam Bedrosian, RHP, Grade C+/Borderline B-:
8) Chris Ellis, RHP, Grade C+/Borderline B-:
9) Trevor Gott, RHP, Grade C+/Borderline B-:
10) Victor Alcantara, RHP, Grade C+:
11) Hunter Green, LHP, Grade C+:
12) Kyle McGowin, RHP, Grade C+:.
13) Jeremy Rhoades, RHP, Grade C+:
14) Taylor Featherston, INF, Grade C/Borderline C+:
15) Nate Smith, LHP, Grade C/Borderline C+:
16) Natanael Delgado, OF, Grade C
17) Kaleb Cowart, 3B, Grade C:
18) Andrew Daniel, 2B, Grade C:
19) Tyler DeLoach, LHP, Grade C:
20) Drew Rucinski, RHP, Grade C:

 

 

[wopphil]

Goes to show you what a great job Dipoto is doing with the farm. 8 of the top 9 guys weren't even with the organization nine months ago.

[Angelsjunky]

I came to the forum to post this. Overall its an excellent list and makes me feel a bit more optimistic.

[Angel Oracle]

Still say that Sherman Johnson could be the position player equivalent to Shoe, later developer.

[Angelsjunky]

I badgered John Sickels about Alex Yarbrough, who he mistakenly excluded. He added him in - he's a C+ between Rhoades and Featherston.

[UndertheHalo]

it is pretty impressive how the farm has taken such a positive turn so quickly.  That said, it is disappointing to see Cowarts continued struggles that have seen him tumble all the way towards the bottom of these lists. I was hoping that he may finally be that elusive 3b for us.  Seems unlikely now.

[Second Base]

Great work from Sickels as always. He doesn't suck nearly as bad as MLB and fangraphs. Sad to see him low on Yarbrough, but I think his take on Baldoquin and Kubitza is spot on.

[Chuck]

Sherman Johnson is going to surprise many. He's in the mold of Kole Calhoun. 

[Docwaukee]

I like Johnson, but I feel like he's a much different hitter than Kole.  

[Angelsjunky]

I agree with you both, Chuck and Doc. I think Sherman Johnson will surprise many by being a very useful UT player, but I don't think he'll be a borderline star like Calhoun is becoming.

[Butcher'd]

Cautiously optimistic about Johnson at this point. I want to see him get on base in AA before I declare him a ML utility option but so far I like what I see 

[Second Base]

I just don't see it. It's uplifting to see so many rally around one prospect and gets me excited that people are taking an interest in the future. But with Johnson, looking at his splits it's clear the Cal League artificially inflated them. He was simply marginal at home.

I like that he can do a bit of everything and play 2B/3B. But in a utility role is he more valuable than someone like Stamets or Featherston, who are both faster and better defenders?

I'm excited to see what Johnson and Hinshaw do in AA.

[Docwaukee]

I just don't see it. It's uplifting to see so many rally around one prospect and gets me excited that people are taking an interest in the future. But with Johnson, looking at his splits it's clear the Cal League artificially inflated them. He was simply marginal at home.

I like that he can do a bit of everything and play 2B/3B. But in a utility role is he more valuable than someone like Stamets or Featherston, who are both faster and better defenders?

I'm excited to see what Johnson and Hinshaw do in AA.

 

the hit tool seems to be the toughest to change your fate with.  

[ettin]

the hit tool seems to be the toughest to change your fate with.

And the hit tool is also the most indicative of MLB success (there are many factors but hit tool leads them slightly).

[Tyler]

So the Cal league inflated his SLG, he's still a good fielder at a number of positions, has speed, and a great approach at the plate as evidenced by his 14% BB to 16.6% K ratio.

[Angel Oracle]

He may not be a power hitter, but for Johnson to still hit 15 road HRs means he isn't a Punch and Judy hitter either.

[ELEVEN]

Sickels, where's my book?

[Angelsjunky]

He's got some weird chronic illness so give the guy a break.

[ELEVEN]

He's got some weird chronic illness so give the guy a break.

Sorry, I didn't know he was sick.