With the MLB and minor league seasons in the rearview mirror, it’s time to reevaluate my preseason prospect rankings.
Anthony Rizzo’s 2012 MLB campaign is a sign of the Fantasy promise he’ll offer for years to come. Photo by bengrey.
It’s always difficult to find a balance between upside and probability when grading prospects, so looking back on my methods and looking to adjust heading forward is always a useful task. For readers, these will serve as a one-stop shop to catch up on how all of 2012’s prominent prospects performed and how their stock has been affected.
This is not a re-ranking of these prospects, nor is it a new prospect list. It’s simply a review of how I ranked the players before the season began, along with some analysis of what went right, what went wrong and everything in between.
In our second installment, let’s review my preseason first baseman rankings and see who lived up to the hype, who disappointed and who’s in good shape going forward. We’ll also give you an early look at some new names who should be relevant in 2013 and beyond.
(PPR = Preseason Position Ranking, Pre/Mid = Preseason/Midseason Top 100 Ranking, NR = Not rated, G = Graduated to MLB. Starred* players are no longer prospect eligible.)
|
On The Upswing |
|||
| PPR | Player, Tm |
Analysis |
Pre/Mid |
| 1. | Anthony Rizzo, CHC* | .285/.342/.463 line in 368 MLB PA is very encouraging – in top half of Fantasy 1B |
22/G |
| 3. | Jonathan Singleton, HOU | Future No. 3 hitter should get first MLB at-bats in second half of 2013 |
73/34 |
| 6. | Chris Carter, OAK* | Won’t be a star, but his power will keep him in the majors for years to come |
NR/NR |
| 9. | Tommy Joseph, PHI | Better odds of sticking at C, hitting for power with trade to Phillies |
NR/NR |
| 10. | C.J. Cron, LAA | Was expected to succeed in High-A and did. 2013 is big year for his development |
NR/NR |
| 12. | Dan Vogelbach, CHC | Should only play nose tackle or DH, but he hits – ceiling is as poor man’s Billy Butler |
NR/NR |
|
Staying Static |
|||
| PPR | Player, Tm |
Analysis |
Pre/Mid |
| 2. | Yonder Alonso, SD* | Not a sexy Fantasy option, but should hit .285 with 15 homers for the next decade |
35/G |
| 4. | Matt Davidson, ARI | Up-and-down year, too many Ks, but improved reports on 3B defense help him |
87/43 |
| 5. | Matt Adams, STL | Missed chance to cement himself as 1B of future but hit well with pop in Triple-A |
98/82 |
| 11. | Chris Parmelee, MIN* | Killed ball in Triple-A, didn’t impress in majors, classic 4-A slugger |
NR/NR |
| 14. | David Cooper, TOR* | Best case sees him emerge as second-division starter with high AVG |
NR/NR |
|
Swaying Backwards |
|||
| PPR | Player, Tm |
Analysis |
Pre/Mid |
| 7. | Taylor Green, MIL* | Disappointed he didn’t get more of a shot in 2012, but now a Fantasy non-factor |
NR/NR |
| 8. | Brett Pill, SF* | Was only ranked because of possible playing time – didn’t get it |
NR/NR |
| 13. | Neftali Soto, CIN | I’m sure the Reds will move Joey Votto to make room for him any day now … |
NR/NR |
| 15. | Chris Marrero, WAS | Injured and ineffective for almost all of 2012, Fantasy non-factor headed forward |
NR/NR |
New Names To Consider: Jesus Aguilar (CLE), Keon Barnum (CHW), Alex Dickerson (PIT), Miles Head (OAK), Ronald Guzman (TEX), Hunter Morris (MIL), Matt Olson (OAK), Mike Olt (TEX), Darin Ruf (PHI), Travis Shaw (BOS)
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