Fantasy Baseball: Minor League Scouting Report
by Michael Pichan (@FantasyNomad)
Orioles 2012 1st Rd pick Kevin Gausman to make major league debut[/caption]Orioles RHP Kevin Gausman
By now you have heard that the Orioles have called up Kevin Gausman from Double-A Bowie to make his major league debut on the road Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays. This news comes at somewhat of a surprise, in that Gausman was just selected by the Orioles in last year's June Draft (4th overall). The O's are able to fast-track the 22-year old Gausman because he was a college draftee and has shown, in his short time in the minors that there is very little left for him to work on at the lower levels. Unlike many young pitchers, Gausman has not had much trouble controlling his pitches as he is striking out over nine batters per walk at the Double-A level 49 K/5 BB in 46.1 IP). Gausman's fastball is in the low to mid-90's and can touch 97. He relies on his slider more than his curveball, but both are above average pitches, and has a great change-up. He has the arsenal, control, and physical tools to make an immediate impact at the major league level, but as always, temper your expectations when dealing with a rookie, especially one with so little minor league experience, yet he is still worth an add in most all formats for this start and beyond. I would recommend Gausman over the next prospect I will highlight, Jake Odorizzi, in larger part because Odorizzi's time in the majors is likely limited to the time that David Price remains sidelined with a tricep strain.
Rays RHP Jake OdorizziÂ
Looks like the Rays are a little anxious to see what they have in Jake Odorizzi, who was one of the prospects that came over in the James Shields deal. The decision to bring up Odorizzi is a little surprising to me, although his overall numbers the last calendar year have been solid, he has struggled of late, having allowed three or more earned runs in four of his last seven starts, including nine runs in his last two starts (10.2 innings). In his 2013 debut, Odorizzi struggled early allowing three runs in the first two innings Monday, but showed great composure and maturity shutting out the Blue Jays in his next three innings. Odorizzi final stat line: 5 IP, 3 R, 1 BB, and 6 K.  Odorizzi was originally scheduled to pitch this coming Sunday against the American League East leading New York Yankees, but the Rays decided to give him an extra day of rest which is great news for Fantasy owners as he will now face the floundering Marlins at home instead of the American League East leading New York Yankees making him a worthy streaming option next week.
Twins RHP Kyle Gibson Triple-A Rochester
Twins number two pitching prospect, Kyle Gibson, pitched a complete game, 3-hit shutout Sunday, his second 9-inning shutout in his last 3 starts. Gibson continues to rebound from his 2011 Tommy John surgery, and is doing it in fantastic fashion. It would not be a surprise to see Gibson up with the Twins sooner than later, making him worth a stash in AL-only leagues, just do not expect a lot of strikeouts as he is more of a pitch to contact type pitcher.
Red Sox 3B Garin Cecchini High-A Salem
Garin Cecchini went hitless in his first two games of the season, but has hit .403 (50-for-124) in his last 34 games and has reached base in 24 of his last 25 games (as of Sunday night May 19th). Cecchini leads the Carolina League (High-A) in batting average (.372), on-base percentage (.472), slugging (.642), and extra-base hits (23) as of the end of May 22nd. And according to milb.com, Cecchini’s on-base percentage, since April 18th, is the best in all of minor league baseball. It’s safe to say that the 22-year old lefty is exceeding expectations, and is showing some signs that he may develop some power as he has five home runs in 134 at-bats this season after hitting just four in 455 at-bats last season in the SAL (Low A). Cecchini’s stock is rising, and if his power continues to improve he could really shoot up the prospect rankings.
Astros SS Carlos Correa Class-A Quad Cities
Last season's Number One overall pick in the June MLB Draft, SS Carlos Correa Astros saw his 10 game hitting streak come to an end Monday and is now hitting .272 with three home runs in 114 at-bats in his first full season in the minors at Class-A Quad Cities of the Midwest League. To put Correa’s stats into perspective, consider that Correa is just 18-year olds, (won’t turn 19 until the end of September), and is playing in a Midwest League where the average age is about 22-years old. It is early in his career, but all signs are showing that Correa is a shortstop that could hit for decent average with some pop, you will just have to be patient in your Dynasty Leagues due to his young age.
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