With the MLB and minor league seasons in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to re-evaluate my preseason prospect rankings.
Manny Machado is still several seasons away from his prime, but he could be a first round Fantasy pick when he gets there. Photo by Keith Allison.
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 fifth installment, let’s review my preseason shortstop 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. | Manny Machado, BAL* | Move to 3B hurts a bit, but could be Top 15 at his position as a 20 year old in MLB |
10/7 |
| 2. | Jurickson Profar, TEX | Better MLB prospect than Fantasy one: still elite Fantasy prospect. Possible 2013 2B? |
15/3 |
| 3. | Billy Hamilton, CIN | We’ve seen the OF move coming for a while; a legit 80-plus SB a year threat |
41/9 |
| 6. | Francisco Lindor, CLE | Defense is his greatest asset, but should hit enough to be Top 10 Fantasy SS as well |
57/35 |
| 8. | Xander Bogaerts, BOS | Few prospects took a bigger leap forward in 2012 – potential future Top 5 Fantasy SS |
76/16 |
| 11. | Jean Segura, MIL* | Pedestrian numbers in 166 MLB AB, but should enter 2013 as starting SS for MIL |
NR/72 |
| 13. | Joe Panik, SF | Not a star in the making, but has upside as a Fantasy MI during his peak years |
NR/NR |
|
Staying Static |
|||
| PPR | Player, Tm |
Analysis |
Pre/Mid |
| 5. | Nick Franklin, SEA | Move to 2B and lack of HRs hurt his stock. Could use another half season in Triple-A |
55/31 |
| 7. | Zack Cozart, CIN* | Solid deep league MI option for 2013, expect the average to creep up to .270 or so |
70/G |
| 10. | Steve Lombardozzi, WAS* | Headed for a long career as a utility player, occasional second division starter |
99/G |
| 14. | Jonathan Villar, HOU | Like him more than most: see a viable MLB SS who could nab 25 SB with frequency |
NR/NR |
|
Swaying Backwards |
|||
| PPR | Player, Tm |
Analysis |
Pre/Mid |
| 4. | Hak-Ju Lee, TB | Plays great D and has wheels, but only the former matters in Fantasy – can he hit? |
51/94 |
| 9. | Tyler Pastornicky, ATL* | Usurped by Andrelton Simmons, will be a super utility type unless traded |
83/G |
| 12. | Brian Dozier, MIN* | We knew he wasn’t toolsy, and the majors exposed that. Could get another shot |
NR/NR |
| 15. | Jose Iglesias, BOS* | If he ever hits over .260 or swipes more than 15 bags, I’ll be shocked – stay away |
NR/NR |
New Names To Consider: Javier Baez (CHC), Orlando Calixte (KC), Carlos Correa (HOU), Didi Gregorius (CIN), Alen Hanson (PIT), Junior Lake (CHC), Deven Marrero (BOS), Brad Miller (SEA), Adalberto Modesi (KC), Chris Owings (ARI), Dorssys Paulino (CLE), Jace Pederson (SD), Jorge Polanco (MIN), Roman Quinn (PHI), Ronny Rodriguez (CLE), Addison Russell (OAK), Luis Sardinas (TEX), Trevor Story (COL), Eugenio Suarez (DET)
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