Earlier this week we listed the top prospects getting cut from the Rays, Indians, Pirates, Nationals, Rockies, Rangers, Red Sox, Twins, Angels, and Orioles. We’ve listed below a handful of prospects who have been cut since then.
Toronto beat writer Jordan Bastian answered questions about the Jays’ prospects in his most recent MLB mailbag. He notes that the Jays have decided to convert 2007 sandwich pick Brett Cecil from a relief role to a starter. This is an interesting move, because Cecil was definitely on the fast track to the big show as a powerful setup man or big league closer. It’s tough to say that about many 21 year olds, but that’s how impressive Cecil has been. Of course a reliable SP is more valuable than a reliable reliever, so we’ll have to monitor Cecil’s development in Single- or Double-A this season to see how this move pans out.
Discussed in the same chat, Bastian thinks that top prospect Travis Snider will also have his big league call-up delayed. Bastian sees Snider starting in Double-A. While there is some potential for him to get the September call, it doesn’t sound like Snider will be fantasy relevant for another year or even two. Also, as Lisa Winston of MLB.com reports, Toronto Director of Player Development Dick Scott thought that Snider was robbed of the Midwest League MVP.
Here is the latest on a few prospects from around the league:
As of Thursday Colby Rasmus, the Cardinals’ top prospect, was 3-for-3 with 3 walks and four runs scored in his 6 plate appearances so far this spring. For anyone who can’t do math, that gives him an on base percentage of 1.000.
With Scott Spiezio about to be hauled off to jail and Albert Pujols’ elbow always a concern, Cards’ Manager Tony LaRussa is looking for a backup at first base, and may have found one in 25 year old prospect Joe Mather. Mather had was trying to make it as an outfielder after playing first and third in the minors where he hit 31 HRs in 2007.
In the batting cages Thursday morning, Reds’ Manager Dusty Baker challenged top prospects Jay Bruce and Joey Votto to “see how many hits” they could get. Bruce went 3-5 with a HR and Votto was 2-5.
Jay’s LHP prospect David Purcey could be one of the “first players considered for promotion” if the starting rotation has injury problems. The 6-foot-5, 16th overall First-Year Player Draft pick in 2004 could also help out in the bullpen.
Jay’s top OF prospect Travis Snider made his Grapefruit League debut Thursday and received praise from Manager John Gibbons for his great approach at the plate and hitting ability. Serving as DH and batting 9th, the 20 year old Snider walked in his first at bat against Detroit’s Matt Mantei, and grounded out in his second at bat.
