by Thomas Belmont on February 5, 2012
Continuing our run through the Top 10 Lists for prospects, we find ourselves at the catchers position. A position that finds some right now players that could make a serious impact as early as the beginning of this season and down through the Top 10 into our 360 for some really young backstops that could be flying up the charts this year with the likes of Realmuto, Maron, Hernandez and Alfaro. So once again, let’s take a step back and take a broad look at the minor leagues as we go position by position and bring to you the Top Position Lists with some additional players and information.
Because as we said, we’ll be analyzing the Baseball Instinct 360° not only full circle, but 365 days a year. The deeper we get into the video and our customized Instinctools Stat System the more the view changes from the top.
So let’s get into the catchers position and give you the list and some of the current thoughts.
In the Top 100
5°. Jesus Montero, C/DH, Mariners, 11/28/1989 - Montero came in at #1 on our 2011 Top 100 List based on his advanced bat at a young age and making it all the way to Triple-A as a catcher. As we said in his Prospect Instinct, a perfect storm of events have led to him being in line for a shot at the catchers position in the Bronx. His contact ability is elite regardless of where he plays. He’ll have above average power as a 20-something and elite level power in his prime. How long he actually sticks at catcher is dependent of how well Joe Girardi and Tony Pena are able to cultivate him. But those two are the reason for my optimism of a future average regular on defense and glowing reviews on offense. ETA 2012.
Update Instinct – Well, the trade to Seattle finally happened. It looks like Seattle thinks he can handle a full catchers workload. He’s not going to be the best defender in the league, I think we all know that already. But the bat is legit and fantasy players should take note now. Real baseball? His bat will need to carry him and we think it can. [click to continue…]
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by Thomas Belmont on January 27, 2012
Dylan Bundy, RHP Baltimore Orioles
11/15/1992
Height: 6’1″ Weight: 200
Dylan Bundy was taken in the 1st round of the 2011 draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Bundy came out of Owasso High School in a very deep pitching class including Archie Bradley, Mike Fulmer and Mason Hope. Bundy is currently the best of the bunch. Out of the gate, let’s take a look at the 2011 Draft Review where Bundy was selected 4th overall despite being our #1 selection:
#1 Dylan Bundy RHP Owasso HS (OK) - This is a draft deep in pitching at the top end and there are pitchers more advanced than Bundy, but none have the ultimate upside that this kid can have. He’s a baseball rat who’s work ethic is already off the charts and he has a plus plus fastball, plus curveball and the frame to be a work horse for a long time. It’ll take a hefty bonus but he’s going to sign because the team that gets can’t afford not to sign him.
Our Instinct: The top talent in this draft and the Orioles are building a really solid big league rotation with more upcoming talent now. Great pick. Time to open the pocket-book.
And open up the pocket-book the O’s did. To the tune of a record signing bonus including a $6.225mm contract and $4mm signing bonus. Outside of dominating in High School at both Sperry and Owasso, his 2011 High School Player of Year honors saw him with an 11-0 record including a 0.20 ERA, no, not a mistake, and he hit .467.
Let’s take a look at what made Bundy our #1 Orioles prospect #9 overall in 2012 for us here at Baseball Instinct. We’ll take a look at the pitch arsenal and delve into his mechanics. [click to continue…]
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by Thomas Belmont on December 2, 2011
Welcome to another off-season look at Baseball Instinct’s Top 10 prospects from each team before opening it up to our Top 21s later in the winter. This year we’re working with some of our friends who share a more focused view of particular clubs. Today we’re “Hanging out” with Tony Pente, who founded OriolesHangout.com back in 1996, which is now getting to be older than the prospects we cover. Tony can be found on CBS-Baltimore, as well as various Maryland area radio shows and is well-respected in the Orioles community. Check-out the Hang-out for a tremendous wealth of information on the Baltimore Orioles and baseball in general. [click to continue…]
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by George Utter on November 4, 2011
The Arizona Fall League will have it’s showcase game on Saturday, November 5th 2011. It will feature 50 of the top prospects in baseball, including the top 2 prospects in baseball; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. In addition, the top 2 draft picks and the #15 draft pick from the 2011 draft will hit the mound Saturday; Gerrit Cole of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Danny Hultzen of the Seattle Mariners, and Jed Bradley of the Milwaukee Brewers. [click to continue…]
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