September Call Ups – NL West
With the summer ending and the calender flipping to September, it’s time for some of the leagues prospects to get a shot at the majors as rosters expand before the playoffs. So we’re going to take a look around the league at some of the most recent call ups continuing with the NL West.
Arizona Diamondbacks – The Dbacks have already called up Paul Goldschmidt and Wade Miley. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them call up Trevor Bauer and/or Jarrod Parker before it’s all said and done. Both could see time in the bullpen for a team in a playoff run and both could be dominant in short stints.
Goldschmidt came in at #36 on our Preseason Top 100 List and is mashing and whiffing at high rates. Check out the Prospect Instinct for him.
Wade Miley is a #5 type who’s taken a jump in velocity from last season and made a name for himself.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Tim Federowicz is the catcher the Dodgers had to have in the trade that sent Trayvon Robinson to the Mariners. He’s an excellent catch and throw backstop. His bat is questionable though.
They also recalled Jerry Sands who was with the big team earlier in the year. He blasted Triple-A pitching with legit power. He should be able to take the 1B job next season and is a 30 HR type. Whether it comes with a .240 average or the projected .280 average is still up for debate outside of Instinct. Here’s what we had to say preseason in our Top List:
39. Jerry Sands - Sands is one of those players that although he should be falling behind the competition because of a lack of any elite tools. But I don’t think he really cares. That’s all he’s ever done is hit and hit for power at every level of his development. LA is week in the OF and Sands could be the 2011 answer. He could prove to be a solid regular with 25-30 HR power in his prime.
San Diego Padres – Earlier in the season Anthony Rizzo was tearing a gaping whole through the PCL when the PAdres gave him the call. He struggled in San Diego in his first taste of the big leagues and was sent back to Tuscon, where he proceeded to rip the PCL again. He has a bright future and came in at #46 on our Top 100 Prospects List.
James Darnell has had a great minor league season, coming all the way back from his slow start to 2010. He still ranked in our Top 100 despite the off year:
87. James Darnell 3B SD – After a stellar 2009, Darnell scuffled through most of 2010, but once again lit it up at the end of the year flashing his big bat and plus eye. He should hit for above average power and solid on base skills. He may not stick at 3B but could handle the position if needed.
Check out Darnell’s Prospect Instinct here.
Erik Hamren is a right handed relief pitcher. He played across three levels this year and has almost a K per inning. How well he does in the majors is still to be seen and he’s more of a bullpen arm than a potential starter.
San Francisco Giants – The Giants have made the most moves recently calling up one of their top pitching prospects, Eric Surkamp. The 6’4″ lefty has taken big strides this year, adding some velocity to his fastball to compliment is above average off speed pitches. He now profiles a back end of the rotation starter.
The also recalled LHP Dan Runzler, another big lefty. Runzler has always averaged more than a K/IP during his career, but a lack of command has held him back. He profiles well out of the bullpen though.
Justin Christian is a 31 year old journeyman OF. He’s had a heck of season though, batting .338 with 10 HR and 36 SB. Nice story.
Darren Ford OF, has been a top prospect, minor league all star and now a suspect. He’s a little too old to ever fulfill what were high expectations.
3B Conor Gillaspie was a top draft choice for the Giants back in 2008. He’s been consistent at every level, but he’s never over-achieved. So he profiles best as a utility IF/OF. He’ll hit for a little power with decent contact and on base skills. So I think he has a future in the majors. But it’s not high end talent.
Colorado Rockies – The Rockies have already called up Alex White. You can check out his Prospect Instinct for full details.
The biggest call up for them is Wilin Rosario. He’s one of the top catching prospects in all of baseball. He has a plus arm and is still growing as a game caller. He could have 30 HR power in time. He was a top 25 in our preseason list.
Check back soon as we profile many more Top MLB Prospects and also get our baseball geek on and take a look at some of the later draft picks from the 2011 draft that we think could be big names on the prospect radars in the near future. Anyone can tell you that Mike Trout is going to be a stud now, but who told you that when he was drafted? So take a look at our Touch’em All | GCL Hitters and be a step ahead of the game. Thanks for checking Baseball Instinct. We’re working hard to bring you the best of the minor leagues and make the site the best experience it can be. So don’t hesitate to tell us what you would like to read about. Email us now at Tom@baseballinstinct.com.
