Part four of my AFL Prospect Preview takes us to the Peoria Javalinas. In case you're wondering, a Javalina is a skunk pig. I can't say that I've ever seen a Javalina outside of Wikipedia, but something tells me it would make a lousy pet.
The Peoria Javelinas are comprised of players from the Brewers, Cardinals, Mariners, Mets, and Padres.
Seattle LHP: Danny Hultzen
Danny Hultzen was taken with the #3 pick in the 2011 amateur draft by the Seattle Mariners. He possess a 91-94MHP fast ball with a good slider and change-up. The thing that sets Hultzen apart is his excellent command and polished approach to pitching. While his ceiling might not be as high as some of other standout pitchers in the 2011 draft, he should quickly work through the system with a 2012 major league appearance in the cards.
Milwaukee LHP: Jed Bradley
Taken with the #15 pick in the 2011 amateur draft, Bradley is a power lefty with a major league frame at 6-4 and 225 lbs. His fastball sits at 88-94MPH with sink; which is a broad range and therefore shows some inconsistencies. He also has a plus slider and his change-up is decent for a college pitcher, but will need to improve. Scouts love his makeup and believe he will quickly advance through the system.
St. Louis 1B: Matt Adams
Matt Adams is a large human listed at 6-3 and 230 lbs but could easily weigh 260-270 or more. Drafted in the 23rd round in the 2009 draft, Adams has exceeded expectations by hitting for power in both Single-A (22 home runs) and Double-A (32 home runs). The hit tool is also surprising with an 81% contact rate and 8.5% walk rate. If Pujols moves on, St. Louis could look to the lefty slugger as a solution.
Seattle SS: Nick Franklin
Big things were expected from Nick Franklin as he joined the hitter friendly California league after a 23 home run campaign in the Low-A Midwest league in 2010. However, Franklin disappointed and only hit 5 home runs but had a nice contact and walk rate. Similar results remained as he moved to Double-A. Scouts are still bullish on the potential and at 21 years-old, there’s still a lot of development left.
San Diego 3B: Jedd Gyorko
Short and squat at 5-10 and 195 lbs, Jedd Gyorko posses a great hit tool with nice bat speed and above average power potential. In 2011, he had an excellent 80% contact rate and 11% walk rate. Based on his lack of athleticism, Gyorko may eventually move to a corner outfield spot. While he demonstrated power in the hitter friendly CAL league, the home runs didn't follow him to Double-A. Gyorko is really raking in the AFL, batting .388 with 3 home runs and 1.106 OPS.
Cardinals OF: Oscar Taveras(Pronounced Oh-scar)
One of the youngest players at 19 years-old in the AFL, Taveras has a great lefty hit-tool with a quick level swing that barrels the ball. While he has a very aggressive swing, he doesn't strike-out a lot. He currently has gap to gap power that should translate into 15-20 home run power at full development. The open question for the young Taveras…will a .300 average with 20 home run potential be enough to stick at a corner outfield or does this profile as a fourth outfielder? He is currently batting .283 in 46 at-bats in the AFL.
No comments:
Post a Comment