Minor League Scouting Report

by Michael Pichan (@FantasyNomad)

             Mike Zunino Era Begins in Seattle.

Mike Zunino-C Mariners

 

Mariners catching prospect Mike Zunino has been called up to the majors. Zunino possesses an elite hit level skill set as is highlighted by his 11 home runs and 43 RBI in just 47 games at Triple-A. Zunino is worth adding based on his extra-base hit potential in all formats, but especially in two catcher leagues.

Bruce Rondon-P Tigers - Triple-A Toldeo

 

Tigers closer prospect Bruce Rondon has been very consistent in his time at Triple-A Toledo. In 24 appearances, Rondon has an 0.74 ERA and an opposing batting average of just .114. Now is the time to stash Rondon in your re-draft leagues as it appears he may soon get another opportunity with the big league club.

Nick Castellanos-OF Tigers - Triple-A Toledo

 

In his last ten games from June 4th-June 14th at Triple-A Toledo, Tigers top prospect, outfielder Nick Castellanos, has a slash line of .472/.545/.806 with three home runs and seven walks to just two strikeouts. Unfortunately, Dynasty owners you will have to have patience as it will not be until possibly 2014, if not later, that Castellanos will see everyday playing time at the Major League level.

Joey Gallo-3B Rangers - Class-A Hickory

 

Rangers 2012 1st Rd pick (39th overall) 19-year old third baseman Joey Gallo (Class-A Hickory) homered three times in game one of Tuesday's double-header. Gallo is tied for the Minor League lead in home runs with 18 (in just 62 games). As impressive as Gallo's raw power is, he also leads the South Atlantic League in strike outs with 100 in just 230 at-bats. Again, he is only 19-years old, so he has a lot of time to improve his plate discipline, but that seems like a very steep challenge, so shopping him in Dynasty formats may be ideal avenue for you to explore.

Javier Baez-SS Cubs - Class-A Daytona

 

Cubs top prospect shortstop Javier Baez went yard four times for Class-A Daytona Monday June 10th. The 20-year old Javier Baez, as of the beginning of the week had  34 extra-base hits in 57 games at High-A Daytona of the Florida State League, which equaled the number of extra-base hits by Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera in 62 games.

MLB Draft: Fantasy Insight

Mark Appel-P Astros

 

Astros selected RHP Mark Appel with the first pick in the 2013 MLB draft. Mark Appel is as polished as the come at this point and it would not be a surprise if he was up with the big league club at some point this season.

 

Kris Bryant-3B Cubs

 

The Cubs selected 3B Kris Bryant with the second pick in the 2013 MLB Draft. The 6'5" 21-year old Kris Bryant was the NCAA leader in home runs this season with 31 in just 228 at-bats. His power projects to the next level and showed he can hit for average to batting .329 for the University of San Diego. Bryant is being compared to Jayson Werth and Troy Glaus. There are questions if he will stick at third base, or move to the outfield.

 

Jonathan Gray-P Rockies

 

The Rockies selected P Jonathan Gray with the third pick in the 2013 MLB Draft. Jonathan Gray is a 6'4" 245 pound hard throwing righty that I have my reservations about, and even more so now that he may one day call Coors his home. Gray has touched 100 mph on the radar gun, but from my limited amount of research on him via video I found that he often pitched high in the strike zone. Gray has a very high ceiling and combined with the high heater he posses a change-up and slider that both project to be plus pitches, but landing with the Rockies drops Gray down a few spots in my Rookie Draft Rankings.