Minor League Scouting Report

Minor League Scouting Report

by Michael Pichan (@FantasyNomad)

Future Game MVP & Triple-A Home Run Derby Champ Matt Davidson

Matt Davidson-3B Diamondbacks Triple-A Reno

The D-backs' top hitting prospect, third baseman Matt Davidson, slugged a two-run homer Sunday en route to being named MVP of the Futures Game. Davidson followed up his MVP performance by winning the Triple-A Home Run Derby Monday night. Davidson's power is legit as he is on pace to hit 20 or more home runs for the third consecutive season, but he strikes out a ton and the walks are far and in-between. 126 strikeouts to 69 walks (486 at-bats) in Double-A last season and already 100 strikeouts to just 32 walks (344 at-bats) this season at Triple-A. Thus, it appears that your best bet is to try and trade Davidson in your Dynasty Leagues while his value is likely at it's highest after bringing home these two well publicized awards in the Future's Game MVP and the Triple-A Home Run Derby Title.

Oscar Taveras-OF Cardinals Triple-A Memphis

Cardinals' prospect Oscar Taveras (ankle) was 1-for-1 with a double and a walk in his first rehab appearance for the Cardinals Rookie-level team Monday. Taveras is one of, if not "the" top hitting prospect in the minor leagues, but he has had somewhat of a frustrating year. From a statistical standpoint there is little to be frustrated about as his slash line illustrates .306/.341/.462 in 46 games for Triple-A Memphis, but he has battled ankle injuries on and off for most of the season and now is facing a lawsuit by the parents of a young pregnant woman who says Oscar Taveras is the father of the child and are seeking him to cover the cost of the child's birth and other expenses. Neither of these issues should have any long-term effect on Taveras future, but would explain any recent struggles, shall they occur.

Francisco Lindor-SS Indians Double-A Akron

Cleveland Indians promote top prospect shortstop Francisco Lindor to Double-A Akron. Lindor was hoping to debut with the Aeros on Monday, but that did happen most likely due to him having to travel from New York after Sunday's Futures game to Akron. Lindor posted a slash line of .306/.373/.410 with one home run, 20 stolen bases (5 CS),  and an impressive 35 walks to 39 strikeouts in 83 games for High-A Carolina. Lindor was one of the youngest players at High-A at the age of 19.8-years old, and thus will be asked to face even older competition at the Double-A level. In terms of Fantasy, Lindor will likely be a player that will eventually be able to hit for a very good average from the shortstop position and steal plenty of bases, but will unlikely hit for much power, at least early on, as is still growing into his young frame.

Kyle Zimmer-P Royals Double-A Northwest Arkansas

Royals 2012 1st round pick pitcher Kyle Zimmer has been promoted to Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Zimmer's overall numbers at High-A do not look worthy of someone who should get promoted: 4.82 ERA in 89.2 innings pitched, but according to  FirstInning.com Zimmer's FIP is 3.56, so some of his poor stats can be a direct result of low minor's defense. But if you look beyond Zimmer's overall stats you find that he has been dominant over his last four outings where he has allowed just five runs over 25 innings pitched while striking out 36 batters and walking just three for a phenomenal WHIP of 0.68. Prior to this four game stretch of greatness it was reported that Zimmer had made some small adjustments. Zimmer said. “I was starting with my hands set upright around the chest area and made the adjustment to sort of start my hands out of the stretch down by my waist like I do out of the wind-up. It just allowed me to be a little more comfortable and not tense up my shoulders when I was coming set and help my mechanics as far as staying in line and not yanking my front side as much out of the stretch." "A little more comfortable," may be an understatement based on his last four outings, which the Royals organization believed was enough to promote him. Also, consider that after just nine starts last summer, Zimmer had surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow, so there may have been some early rust and lack of confidence that may have been affecting his early season performances.

Update: Kyle Zimmer was name Carolina Pitcher of the Week for July 8-14.

Jarred Cosart-P Astros

This is what I wrote in last week's article on Cosart. "He is a heralded prospect in the Astros' system, but is unlikely to be one for Fantasy owners as he is unlikely to be a strikeout pitcher and has had issues with control for the majority of his time in the minors. Let someone else roll the dice with him. After all, he does pitch for the Astros of all teams."

Some of  you may be sharing in this ladies opinion after seeing Cosart's great debut of eight shut-out innings allowing just two hits, three walks, and struck out three Rays...

Well first of all, I do not go around saying I am an "expert," I think we can all agree that the term "expert" is not the best label for those of us in the Fantasy business, but that is an argument for a different time (I just thought the MeMe was funny and fitting). Secondly, I am sticking to my guns and saying that Cosart's performance will be an outlier and your best bet, if you do own Cosart in any format, is to try and sell him high.

Update: After a great MLB Debut last week, Astros prospect pitcher Jarred Cosart was greeted with a shellacking by the International League All-Stars. Cosart, who started for the IL team, allowed four runs on three hits, one home run, two walks, and struck out one over 1.2 innings in the loss. 

I am open for discussion/debate on any of the topics/players all you have to do is post it in the comments section. Look forward to reading your thoughts and be sure to follow me on twitter (@FantasyNomad) for more Fantasy Sports insight and analysis.

Michael Pichan is the host of multiple RotoInfo.com Radio Network Shows, frequent guest on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports channel, contributor of written Fantasy advice and insight for Rotoinfo.com, and FSWA member. If you have any questions or comments feel free to post in comment section and/or e-mail him at thefantasynomad@gmail.com. Also follow him on Twitter @FantasyNomad for up-to-date Q&A and fantasy information. And check out my New Live Daily League Show: Daily Fantasy Happy Hour with BeerMakersFan and Fantasy Nomadevery M, T, and F 4-5pm.

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