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,