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National Media and other poster's 2023 Prospect Lists

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Jogly Garcia


MIF Francisca is doing well at the Dominican...

Other who are doing well...

Position players

MIF Yaikel Mijares



OF Jose Pirela


OF Heribert Silva

 
Pitchers

RHP Evelio Hernandez (he got promoted to ACL)


@Tondo Do you have anything on this kid? His numbers down there are legitimate. Do you know his mix of pitches? 26 SOs to 4 BBs in 22 innings total...

RHP Javier Abreu

(Couldn't find a twitter vid)
 
Alright just doing a quick reference... I am comparing MLB.com draft FVs and whatnot and placing about a rank for the new draftees if we sign them...

C/1B Ralphy Vazquez would be ranked near number 8... the MLB.com person who scouted him/covered him seemed to really like him... FV 50

LHP Alex Clemmy would fall right behind Vazquez in the rankings... So don't be surprised to see both guys get into our top 10 prospects... FV 50

SS Alex Mooney, would fall around 16 with the current setup... FV 45

RHP Andrew Walters would likely fall just behind Mooney... FV 45

OF CJ Kayfus would also go near Walters... FV 45

SS Christian Knapczyk could sneak into the top 30 with his FV of 40.. C Cooper Ingle is a long shot, but being a catcher could help his rankings some also an FV OF 40... OF Hawke and RHP Driver both has a FV of 40
 
So the state of our farm system???

Pitchers - Ranks
Have already graduated (or will soon) - Williams, Bibee, Allen, Herrin, Curry (most systems would be envious with 1/2 this in 1 year)
The next tier is the walking wounded - Espino, Campbell, Morris, Cantillo (healthiest of bunch), Hankins, Webb
Then the young and inexperienced - Clemmey, Zibin, further down -- Humphries,
Then you got the relievers (or should be relievers) - Walters, Smith, Enright, Gaddis, Battenfield, Sharpe, Thorton (M Kelly)
Then you got the 2020/21 struggling remnants - Nickhazy, Burns, Mace, Leftwitch, Dion, Stanley ....

If you look at our relievers - Clase, Stephen, Hentges, Santos, Sandlin, Morgan, Curry, Herrin and Karinchak ... (so 9), you can only really fit 1 or 2 more into this group right away for 40 man Rule 5. The choice will be Enright or Smith. Enright looks to be the choice (if he can keep his lymphoma at bay - God willing).

Per MLB pipeline he is listed at #24 (but some of it is just adding to the bottom and letting people bubble up for graduating). The write-up says a 90-91 T 94 fastball (topping now 92 with 91 Avg). Says his curve is a great combo with fastball and slider (swing and miss). He is getting lite up in AAA for us. Part of it is he is working on a change-up supposedly (from computer breakdown) and not throwing that curve. He also has work to locate the fastball (leaving a few middle of plate) and has been working on the slider that is looking better (swing and miss or just called). So hopefully, he has a better 2nd half as if things come together, he will probably be selected again in Rule 5 (and this time if selected then designated he gets to elect FA being his 2nd time through the process - not necessarily returned if we want him back).

Cade Smith - Had great numbers at AA but is struggling at AAA. He looks to sit 92-94 T95 on his fastball that he generates a lot of swings and misses with (top of zone) - locates it well. It maybe why is is struggling a bit at AAA .... needs that secondary pitch which is a slider but not swing and miss as much. So, his 2nd half is trying find that secondary stuff to work at the MLB.

Sharpe - can't do as much analysis on him due to being in AA (and not on BS). But, he is promising and showing good #s so far.

And, yes, Hickman numbers are improving but just don't see him as a bullpen guy until he finds more speed. And, there is no room to Rule 5 him this winter (as Smith is obviously ahead of him with promotion).

M Kelly - There was a reason we added him to the 40. But, was it good enough to keep him over the winter where he has just had 2 - 1 day callups? Being 30 years old, I doubt it. He started off great with identical 1.69 ERAs in April and May but those are starting to skyrocket in June and July (so far) due to his BAA increasing. He is a 94 MPH avg heater that tops at 96. He is only going 1 inning or a tad more. Thus, really won't fit into our model of multi inning guys (unless you are back end material). Works in a slider that he locates well and gets swings and misses on. So, interesting and would be picked up as a NRI by someone else (reason we probably had to roster him - opt out??).

Romero - At 28, I would have hoped for more upside than Kelly, but he hasn't had great numbers. Slider, change and fastball combo that sits around 94-95 T96 looks interesting. But, 25 walks in 40 innings says it all. Teams are just not swinging at his stuff. He does have 50ks so good ratios there ... but location/location/location. His July 1 appearance, location looked great (just nibbling the box - not getting some calls on hitting line though). Next outting, he walked no one, but leaked into the middle more and gave up 3 hits for 2 ERs in 1 inning.

This is why I think they took Walters to shore up someone to come up quickly to start replacing guys in 2 years when Santos and Karinchak are going on 4-5 years of service.

Will write more on starters later....
 
As promised, the starters .....

This has become depleted but good thing is that we don't need much that quickly anymore.

Starters going forward - McK, Williams, Bibee, ______, Allen. Allen will be a very good 5th starter. And, it is not like Williams, Bibee and Allen were given time to be a complete prospect before being called up. It is a work in progress. Of course McK's injury is a big red flag ... same as Espino. So that ____ filler is a big issue.

Civale/Quantrill (more Civale) is the filler for now. But, look out for this Cantillo kid. Sitting around 94-95 topping at 97-98. He is showing durability this season with 5 outtings now going 89+ pitches. Thus, they are not babying him. I would say that the biggest thing that he need to work on is developing his 4th pitch the curve and pitching his FB to BOTH sides of the plate. Yet, when you look at his location, it is not like he is all over the place. He just looks like he is trying to get to the inside of righties first and has a tight grouping there. These are from his last 2 outings where he had 3 and 4 walks. I think as Bimbo said, he is just trying to locate things based on limited innings and increase speed. He is not to far off. And, this looks on purpose, as two previous outtings, he was pitching all over (left, right, middle) ... and now the groupings are tighter to one side ... maybe in few outting it is other side... we will see.

e289c449-06b2-42ce-89db-f3b755ce41ee.jpg

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Continued Starters ... (sorry going off the national pundit list of prospects format ... but showing the lack of depth isn't the issue as we have too much)

Okay -- our top 3 are Espino, Cantillo and Campbell who are all question marks. Yet, Cantillo should be able to be a 4th starter next year (not really though with Allen as 5th and both lefties) - Espino the year after if healthy. All have huge upside and can fill in the starting pitching staff around Williams, Bibee and Allen (and McK/Civale). I don't think this is the concern.

The concern is 6th, 7th and 8th filler roles to step up. We have enough question marks if they are 4th/5th starters in some order of Battenfield, Gaddis, Burns, Nikhazy, Carver, little Kershaw (Dion), Stanley .... that this is not even that much of a concern. I think with taking Clemmey and not many more "starters" this year that it was not a FO concern either. Plus with whatever trades we do make, there will be more people coming in.

I don't think they will trade much at deadline (but should be 1 of Bieber, Civale or Quantrill) due to being in the Central chase but not much more (not legit shot at long playoff run to WS) - even though I don't agree with the strategy (set up for 24/25).

Must have on 40 (7) - McK, Williams, Bibee, Allen, Cantillo, Espino (too much upside), Morris (with enough relievers and 2 option years remaining, we got time to lengthen him in Sept/Oct and next year)
Others starters who could be traded (3)- Bieber, Quantrill and Civale
Fillers (2) for AAA - Gaddis, Battenfield
Other Rule 5 adds - Burns, Hankins(but hasn't shown anything) (as the 13th/14th guy(s) -- with 9 relievers plus Enright and Smith, something has to give and why at least 1 trade in July and maybe another pre-Rule 5 which is rare given timing)

But, my pitching rank list -- Tier 1 - Espino, Cantillo, Tier 2 - Campbell, Clemmey, Morris, Tier 4 (nothing between in Tier 3) - Battenfield, Zibin, Burns, Gaddis, Walters, Enright, Messick, Nikhazy, Dion (bit high on him), Hankins, Carver, Sharpe, Webb, Stanley, Mace as he maybe turning the corner (this is 20 or so guys -- not bad as Thorton, Delucia, Humphries, Aldeano, Hernandez, and others helium guys haven't gotten on yet
 
So, even with the disappointment with the upper tier hitters, the hitters are probably the strongest in the middle of our prospect pool (outside upper pitching tier of Espino and Cantillo). And, the black holes in the system are clear -- upper level catching and 1B power (guess OF as well) in general - till we see what develops.

Recent or soon to be graduates - Arias, Freeman, Fry, Naylor, Brennan (some were late last year) -- but still a solid group that many systems would be envious of. So don't be concerned with a huge drop in our Farm System ranking when MLB redoes it.

Top - 15 talent (10 with Espino, Cantillo, Clemmey, Morris and Campbell) -

Rocchio - People are going to point to his bad June of .174/.564 as reason to drop him down the rankings. But, it also coincides with his 3rd call up (so it plays with guys heads -- so close but yet so far). Thus, I rather these guys learn the issues with pressing now than later. 8 games in July .382/1.017 when all AAA guys were hot (so was it the pitching)?? But, he is our starting SS next year and why Rosario probably sticks around unfortunately.

Valera - People will want to drop him like Jones but he has had some injury issues that he needs to work out (along with a suspension). Like other Clippers, he had a great few games in July .316/.856 before his suspension. Doubt we see him this year but as Bimbo say, guys like him need time anyways to gain power. But, with 1 option left after this year, he has to be in the plan next year.

DeLauter - Not going to buy into a few game hot streak, yet but 8-games at A+ with .469/1.250 is a great start. Should see AA at some point this year.

Martinez - He has been struggling at AA so far this year without a blip of improvement as of yet but still young. So far .233/.658 but some of that was a disastrous April but still .250 since.

Brito - .289/.808 in AA is off to a good start. He is 4 month older than Martinez, so also a bit young too.

Churio - A bit of a helium watch due to name and but .352/.957 in first 71 ABs at Arz is a good start to add to .280/.848 last year in DSL.

Valezquez - I probably wouldn't put someone questionable at staying at catcher here if that is the main tool. Thus, it is a question if they saw enough of improvement in the last year if they can continue it or if he is just another 1st round bust.

Genao - Is struggling this year, but is getting pushed up the system and just turned 19 at low A

Fransisca - again just helium with 91 ABs but .341 and 1.016 in DSL but has a good scouting history

Halpin - probably pushing my personal favorite kid so maybe biased but like Brito and Martinez is young (4 month younger than Angel and 8 months than Brito). That says alot on how Guard FO push their favorite. Some of the video(s) of him layout at the wall and dives is incredible (may not be best CF but gives effort). He is struggling at .253/.685 but again he is young and being pushed.

Others
Noel - He will be out of options next year. Thus, will replace Bell when he leave as at least a power righty bat to platoon with Naylor

Fox - For me he is flying under the radar was he hasn't put up great stats. But, at 20, he is 9 months younger than Halpin and at LC (A+) and his BA stats are improving each month. Someone that can surprise people

Lopez - High Bonus IFA in Jan 21 (like Genao) -- has hit .262/.780 this year so maybe coming on strong.

Mejias - also signed in Jan 21 but broke out before Lopez for A- assignment before breaking his hand. People like him... He is a year older than

Valezquez ... so keep that in mind if Valezquez gets an A- assignment right out of the bat next year. Assume Valezquez goes to rookie ball at some point for a few weeks this year.

Lavastida - If you look at his last 90 days, he is hitting .299/.828. He is coming back from the prospect grave yard. With Naylor having a hold on the main spot, we only need him for lefties (.368/1.056 this year, .197/.747 last year which least had some power and .327/.954 year before). Thus, he is that righty bat that we can use (probably deserves this backup shot slightly more than Fry). If he comes back from the dead, the dearth in upper level catching is kind of mute (other than a AAA back-up which is Fry/Collins type for me).

Tena - He had a rough start this year due to death in immediate family. Yet, he is .286/.771 in June and .306/.794 so far in July.

Then you have the Collado, Benjamin, Antunez and other young DSL guys and of course last year's guys in Lampe and Furman. So we do have depth...

In my not dead yet pile --- kind of like Pries and J Rodriquez

Tolentino - He has struggle this year as someone predicted (BABip came back to earth). But, in last 28 days, .328/.874.

Devers - another highly paid IFA - .305/.836 in last 28 days,
 
So, even with the disappointment with the upper tier hitters, the hitters are probably the strongest in the middle of our prospect pool (outside upper pitching tier of Espino and Cantillo). And, the black holes in the system are clear -- upper level catching and 1B power (guess OF as well) in general - till we see what develops.

Recent or soon to be graduates - Arias, Freeman, Fry, Naylor, Brennan (some were late last year) -- but still a solid group that many systems would be envious of. So don't be concerned with a huge drop in our Farm System ranking when MLB redoes it.

Top - 15 talent (10 with Espino, Cantillo, Clemmey, Morris and Campbell) -

Rocchio - People are going to point to his bad June of .174/.564 as reason to drop him down the rankings. But, it also coincides with his 3rd call up (so it plays with guys heads -- so close but yet so far). Thus, I rather these guys learn the issues with pressing now than later. 8 games in July .382/1.017 when all AAA guys were hot (so was it the pitching)?? But, he is our starting SS next year and why Rosario probably sticks around unfortunately.

Valera - People will want to drop him like Jones but he has had some injury issues that he needs to work out (along with a suspension). Like other Clippers, he had a great few games in July .316/.856 before his suspension. Doubt we see him this year but as Bimbo say, guys like him need time anyways to gain power. But, with 1 option left after this year, he has to be in the plan next year.

DeLauter - Not going to buy into a few game hot streak, yet but 8-games at A+ with .469/1.250 is a great start. Should see AA at some point this year.

Martinez - He has been struggling at AA so far this year without a blip of improvement as of yet but still young. So far .233/.658 but some of that was a disastrous April but still .250 since.

Brito - .289/.808 in AA is off to a good start. He is 4 month older than Martinez, so also a bit young too.

Churio - A bit of a helium watch due to name and but .352/.957 in first 71 ABs at Arz is a good start to add to .280/.848 last year in DSL.

Valezquez - I probably wouldn't put someone questionable at staying at catcher here if that is the main tool. Thus, it is a question if they saw enough of improvement in the last year if they can continue it or if he is just another 1st round bust.

Genao - Is struggling this year, but is getting pushed up the system and just turned 19 at low A

Fransisca - again just helium with 91 ABs but .341 and 1.016 in DSL but has a good scouting history

Halpin - probably pushing my personal favorite kid so maybe biased but like Brito and Martinez is young (4 month younger than Angel and 8 months than Brito). That says alot on how Guard FO push their favorite. Some of the video(s) of him layout at the wall and dives is incredible (may not be best CF but gives effort). He is struggling at .253/.685 but again he is young and being pushed.

Others
Noel - He will be out of options next year. Thus, will replace Bell when he leave as at least a power righty bat to platoon with Naylor

Fox - For me he is flying under the radar was he hasn't put up great stats. But, at 20, he is 9 months younger than Halpin and at LC (A+) and his BA stats are improving each month. Someone that can surprise people

Lopez - High Bonus IFA in Jan 21 (like Genao) -- has hit .262/.780 this year so maybe coming on strong.

Mejias - also signed in Jan 21 but broke out before Lopez for A- assignment before breaking his hand. People like him... He is a year older than

Valezquez ... so keep that in mind if Valezquez gets an A- assignment right out of the bat next year. Assume Valezquez goes to rookie ball at some point for a few weeks this year.

Lavastida - If you look at his last 90 days, he is hitting .299/.828. He is coming back from the prospect grave yard. With Naylor having a hold on the main spot, we only need him for lefties (.368/1.056 this year, .197/.747 last year which least had some power and .327/.954 year before). Thus, he is that righty bat that we can use (probably deserves this backup shot slightly more than Fry). If he comes back from the dead, the dearth in upper level catching is kind of mute (other than a AAA back-up which is Fry/Collins type for me).

Tena - He had a rough start this year due to death in immediate family. Yet, he is .286/.771 in June and .306/.794 so far in July.

Then you have the Collado, Benjamin, Antunez and other young DSL guys and of course last year's guys in Lampe and Furman. So we do have depth...

In my not dead yet pile --- kind of like Pries and J Rodriquez

Tolentino - He has struggle this year as someone predicted (BABip came back to earth). But, in last 28 days, .328/.874.

Devers - another highly paid IFA - .305/.836 in last 28 days,
Good stuff Pete.

Lavastida maybe hitting better, but if he sticks at a catcher I'd be shocked.

In 41 games he has 11 errors, 4 passed balls and has caught a whopping 12% of base stealers...
 
Good stuff Pete.

Lavastida maybe hitting better, but if he sticks at a catcher I'd be shocked.

In 41 games he has 11 errors, 4 passed balls and has caught a whopping 12% of base stealers...
Hey, Zunino stuck at catcher, why not Lavastida? lol!
 
Keith Law out with a new top 60. One Guardian on the list with one honorable mention (Valera).

8. Brayan Rocchio, SS, Cleveland Guardians

Previous ranking: No. 22

Rocchio made his major-league debut this year, but just briefly. Around his stints with the Guardians, he’s hit .294/.382/.419 as a 22-year-old in Triple A, posting his lowest strikeout rate since rookie ball at just 12.6 percent with less over-the-fence power than he showed last year (2 homers in 2023 after he hit 18 in 2022). He’s a true switch-hitter who could always run but had a terrible track record as a base stealer, with a 64 precent career success rate, which he’s boosted this year by going 18 for 21 on the bases (86 percent). Rocchio is an above-average shortstop with excellent hands and good instincts, which makes it all the more baffling that the Guardians, who’ve gotten nothing from shortstop this year, haven’t called him up and given him a shot at the job.


So with the graduations of Gavin Williams, Bibee, Allen, Freeman, and Bo Naylor we're down to one guy in the top 60. Some of them were never top 100 prospects, or they just were moved up to the varsity so fast they never were at AA or AAA long enough to get on the list. We also graduated Brennan, Fry, Arias, and maybe Herrin this year along with Kwan and Sandlin last year (did I miss anybody?) so this farm system has been incredibly productive in the last two years and we still have Rocchio, Cantillo, Valera, and possibly Oscar Gonzalez either banging on the door or ready by next spring.
 

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