Last question about an old favorite:
Elliot (Youngstown OH): Back a few years, Elvis Araujo was a promising lefthanded starter. Injury, surgery and recovery time later he put up pretty decent numbers as a reliever. Do scouts think he is a prospect?
Jim Shonerd: His physicality and arm strength keep him on the radar, but he doesn't really have an effective second pitch to go with his fastball or enough command.
That's it for this year. Will never know why Cody Anderson is better than all the above, except maybe after we read the next post.
Re: Minor Matters
412710. Cody Anderson, rhp
Born: Sept. 14, 1990. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Feather River (Calif.) JC, 2011 (14th round). Signed by: Don Lyle.
Background: Anderson didn’t begin to bear down on pitching until arriving at Feather River (Calif.) JC and finding he might not be able to make the team as an outfielder, his main position in high school. His pitching career picked up steam in 2013 when he earned high Class A Carolina League pitcher of the year honors, but his encore with Double-A Akron was disappointing.
[Disappointing?
Akron (AA) 4-11 5.44 25 GS 126 IP 141 H 17 HR 45 BB 81K .285 AVG against; I'd like to see SLG against]
Scouting Report: Even with his blemish in 2014, the Indians remain enamored of Anderson. His velocity didn’t degrade, for he still sat in the low 90s and topped out at 95 mph with life. His slider and curveball are both currently below-average, though the slider is a little further along overall. The slider is a hard, cutter-like offering, though the Indians would like him to get more depth on the pitch, while the curve is softer with more downer action. He also throws a sinking changeup but doesn’t use it often—it’s too firm at about 86-88 mph. Anderson needs to work down in the zone more consistently [perhaps that failure has a bit to do with all those home runs in a pitchers' league?] and just pitch more assertively. There were times last year when he tried to be too fine and failed to attack hitters.
The Future: Anderson appears destined for a repeat trip to Akron, though he should certainly get a crack at Triple-A Columbus if he pitches well. He has the potential to be a back-end starter, but he has many items to check off his to-do list to reach that ceiling.
Born: Sept. 14, 1990. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 220. Drafted: Feather River (Calif.) JC, 2011 (14th round). Signed by: Don Lyle.
Background: Anderson didn’t begin to bear down on pitching until arriving at Feather River (Calif.) JC and finding he might not be able to make the team as an outfielder, his main position in high school. His pitching career picked up steam in 2013 when he earned high Class A Carolina League pitcher of the year honors, but his encore with Double-A Akron was disappointing.
[Disappointing?
Akron (AA) 4-11 5.44 25 GS 126 IP 141 H 17 HR 45 BB 81K .285 AVG against; I'd like to see SLG against]
Scouting Report: Even with his blemish in 2014, the Indians remain enamored of Anderson. His velocity didn’t degrade, for he still sat in the low 90s and topped out at 95 mph with life. His slider and curveball are both currently below-average, though the slider is a little further along overall. The slider is a hard, cutter-like offering, though the Indians would like him to get more depth on the pitch, while the curve is softer with more downer action. He also throws a sinking changeup but doesn’t use it often—it’s too firm at about 86-88 mph. Anderson needs to work down in the zone more consistently [perhaps that failure has a bit to do with all those home runs in a pitchers' league?] and just pitch more assertively. There were times last year when he tried to be too fine and failed to attack hitters.
The Future: Anderson appears destined for a repeat trip to Akron, though he should certainly get a crack at Triple-A Columbus if he pitches well. He has the potential to be a back-end starter, but he has many items to check off his to-do list to reach that ceiling.
Re: Minor Matters
4128So the answer is: Anderson throws hard and his fastball moves. His command is atrocious at times. He has natural ability. He lacks a good second pitch so he sure sounds more like yet another reliever to me.
Re: Minor Matters
4129No. 9 is better looking on paper
9. Bobby Bradley, 1b
Born: May 29, 1996. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 225. Drafted: HS—Gulfport, Miss., 2014 (3rd round). Signed by: Mike Bradford.
Background: The Indians paid Bradley an over-slot $912,500 bonus as a third-round pick in 2014 to entice him to turn pro rather than go to Louisiana State, and it paid immediate dividends. Despite turning 18 a week before the draft, Bradley became the Rookie-level Arizona League’s first triple crown winner since 1989. He won league MVP honors and also led the league in slugging percentage.
Scouting Report: Scouts typically view high school first basemen with heavy skepticism, but Bradley has the tools to overcome the bias. He has plenty of bat speed and impressive raw power from the left side. He knows the strike zone and hits with controlled aggression. His swing is balanced, and he keeps the bat in the hitting zone a long time, while showing a feel for taking balls the other way. Bradley improved his physique between his junior and senior years of high school, and the Indians believe he still can add more strength. He tried his hand at catching as a senior, but the Indians will develop him at first base, though he needs work there as well. He runs well for a first baseman, at least for now.
The Future: Bradley could be an impact bat down the road, though he’ll need time, like all high school players. Provided he keeps up with his conditioning and hits well enough in spring training, he should open his first full season at low Class A Lake County.
9. Bobby Bradley, 1b
Born: May 29, 1996. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 225. Drafted: HS—Gulfport, Miss., 2014 (3rd round). Signed by: Mike Bradford.
Background: The Indians paid Bradley an over-slot $912,500 bonus as a third-round pick in 2014 to entice him to turn pro rather than go to Louisiana State, and it paid immediate dividends. Despite turning 18 a week before the draft, Bradley became the Rookie-level Arizona League’s first triple crown winner since 1989. He won league MVP honors and also led the league in slugging percentage.
Scouting Report: Scouts typically view high school first basemen with heavy skepticism, but Bradley has the tools to overcome the bias. He has plenty of bat speed and impressive raw power from the left side. He knows the strike zone and hits with controlled aggression. His swing is balanced, and he keeps the bat in the hitting zone a long time, while showing a feel for taking balls the other way. Bradley improved his physique between his junior and senior years of high school, and the Indians believe he still can add more strength. He tried his hand at catching as a senior, but the Indians will develop him at first base, though he needs work there as well. He runs well for a first baseman, at least for now.
The Future: Bradley could be an impact bat down the road, though he’ll need time, like all high school players. Provided he keeps up with his conditioning and hits well enough in spring training, he should open his first full season at low Class A Lake County.
Re: Minor Matters
4130Deep IF depth
8. Erik Gonzalez, ss
Born: Aug. 31, 1991. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 175. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2008. Signed by: Andres Garcia.
Background: Francisco Lindor isn’t the only shortstop prospect for whom the Indians harbor high hopes. Gonzalez enjoyed a huge winter in the Dominican League and used it as a springboard into 2014. Just a .264 career hitter entering the year, Gonzalez hit a combined .309/.353/.428 at high Class A Carolina and Double-A Akron, where he moved when Lindor moved up to Triple-A.
Scouting Report: Gonzalez has been noted more for his defensive prowess in the past, but his bat has begun to catch up. He began incorporating a high leg kick two years ago and has gotten more comfortable with it and improved his timing. He generates good bat speed and has wiry strength, though his approach isn’t geared for power. His plate discipline made progress in 2014 but remains his biggest area for improvement. He has an athletic frame—tall with long, lanky levers—and a strong arm. He makes plays look easy, ranging well to both sides. He also began putting his above-average speed to better use on the bases, reaching the 20-steal mark for the first time.
The Future: The Indians want to keep Gonzalez at shortstop as long as possible, which will require staying a level behind Lindor. If Gonzalez eventually does have to move, his strong arm would allow him to handle either second or third base.
[despite all these good comments, he didn't crack the top 20 in a small Carolina League. Managers don't know nothing.]
8. Erik Gonzalez, ss
Born: Aug. 31, 1991. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 175. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2008. Signed by: Andres Garcia.
Background: Francisco Lindor isn’t the only shortstop prospect for whom the Indians harbor high hopes. Gonzalez enjoyed a huge winter in the Dominican League and used it as a springboard into 2014. Just a .264 career hitter entering the year, Gonzalez hit a combined .309/.353/.428 at high Class A Carolina and Double-A Akron, where he moved when Lindor moved up to Triple-A.
Scouting Report: Gonzalez has been noted more for his defensive prowess in the past, but his bat has begun to catch up. He began incorporating a high leg kick two years ago and has gotten more comfortable with it and improved his timing. He generates good bat speed and has wiry strength, though his approach isn’t geared for power. His plate discipline made progress in 2014 but remains his biggest area for improvement. He has an athletic frame—tall with long, lanky levers—and a strong arm. He makes plays look easy, ranging well to both sides. He also began putting his above-average speed to better use on the bases, reaching the 20-steal mark for the first time.
The Future: The Indians want to keep Gonzalez at shortstop as long as possible, which will require staying a level behind Lindor. If Gonzalez eventually does have to move, his strong arm would allow him to handle either second or third base.
[despite all these good comments, he didn't crack the top 20 in a small Carolina League. Managers don't know nothing.]
Re: Minor Matters
41317. Francisco Mejia, c
Born: Oct. 27, 1995. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 175. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2012. Signed by: Ramon Pena.
Background: The Indians have been aggressive with Mejia since signing him for $350,000 in 2012, sending him to short-season Mahoning Valley in 2014, where he was one of the New York-Penn League’s youngest players. He’s been up for the challenge, however, handling the demands of being the Scrappers’ everyday catcher and cleanup hitter.
Scouting Report: Mejia idolizes Carlos Santana and frequently draws comparisons with him as a switch-hitting catching prospect in the Indians system. He has a natural feel for hitting and innate bat control, allowing him to drive almost anything. The Indians hope to see him dial back his aggressive approach, for the ease with which he makes contact sometimes works against him. Mejia generates plenty of bat speed and should develop average or better power from both sides. His rocket throwing arm might be his loudest tool, garnering some 70 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale. Other aspects of his catching are unrefined, with the Indians placing particular emphasis on getting his game-calling and his English up to par. Though he has a compact frame, Mejia runs well for a catcher.
The Future: Mejia has all kinds of upside, perhaps as much as any player in the organization,[Therefore No. 3 on the Civ Top 10 List] but he’s also several years away. He should get his first chance to tackle full-season ball in 2015 at low Class A Lake County.
Born: Oct. 27, 1995. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 175. Signed: Dominican Republic, 2012. Signed by: Ramon Pena.
Background: The Indians have been aggressive with Mejia since signing him for $350,000 in 2012, sending him to short-season Mahoning Valley in 2014, where he was one of the New York-Penn League’s youngest players. He’s been up for the challenge, however, handling the demands of being the Scrappers’ everyday catcher and cleanup hitter.
Scouting Report: Mejia idolizes Carlos Santana and frequently draws comparisons with him as a switch-hitting catching prospect in the Indians system. He has a natural feel for hitting and innate bat control, allowing him to drive almost anything. The Indians hope to see him dial back his aggressive approach, for the ease with which he makes contact sometimes works against him. Mejia generates plenty of bat speed and should develop average or better power from both sides. His rocket throwing arm might be his loudest tool, garnering some 70 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale. Other aspects of his catching are unrefined, with the Indians placing particular emphasis on getting his game-calling and his English up to par. Though he has a compact frame, Mejia runs well for a catcher.
The Future: Mejia has all kinds of upside, perhaps as much as any player in the organization,[Therefore No. 3 on the Civ Top 10 List] but he’s also several years away. He should get his first chance to tackle full-season ball in 2015 at low Class A Lake County.
Re: Minor Matters
41326. Tyler Naquin, of
Born: April 24, 1991. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 190. Drafted: Texas A&M, 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Kyle Van Hook.
6. Tyler Naquin
Background: Naquin finished his college career with back-to-back Big 12 Conference batting titles at Texas A&M and netted himself a $1.75 million bonus as the 15th overall pick in 2012. He has kept hitting as a pro and was coming on strong at Double-A Akron in 2014, hitting .333 in June, until a stray pitch broke his right hand on June 27, ending his season.
Scouting Report: Naquin always has been a handsy hitter, but he made an adjustment to broaden his stance in the middle of 2013. Things really started clicking when he hit .339 in the Arizona Fall League, and he continued to improve in 2014. He created more leverage in his swing and consistently stayed up the middle. He takes a quiet approach in the box and hits to all fields with a line-drive swing. Naquin shows pop at times, too, though he’ll likely max out near 12 homers. He played right field in college but has moved to center as a pro. He runs well and his routes and jumps are solid. He has a plus arm that would play well in right field, and opponents already think twice about running on him, though he lacks ideal power for a corner. Some scouts are less enamored of Naquin’s ability to stick in center and see him as a fourth outfielder. [that's been my take on him, but I hope I am wrong]
The Future: Naquin can be a top-of-the-order hitter and everyday center fielder if everything comes together, and he probably will begin 2015 at Triple-A Columbus.
Born: April 24, 1991. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 190. Drafted: Texas A&M, 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Kyle Van Hook.
6. Tyler Naquin
Background: Naquin finished his college career with back-to-back Big 12 Conference batting titles at Texas A&M and netted himself a $1.75 million bonus as the 15th overall pick in 2012. He has kept hitting as a pro and was coming on strong at Double-A Akron in 2014, hitting .333 in June, until a stray pitch broke his right hand on June 27, ending his season.
Scouting Report: Naquin always has been a handsy hitter, but he made an adjustment to broaden his stance in the middle of 2013. Things really started clicking when he hit .339 in the Arizona Fall League, and he continued to improve in 2014. He created more leverage in his swing and consistently stayed up the middle. He takes a quiet approach in the box and hits to all fields with a line-drive swing. Naquin shows pop at times, too, though he’ll likely max out near 12 homers. He played right field in college but has moved to center as a pro. He runs well and his routes and jumps are solid. He has a plus arm that would play well in right field, and opponents already think twice about running on him, though he lacks ideal power for a corner. Some scouts are less enamored of Naquin’s ability to stick in center and see him as a fourth outfielder. [that's been my take on him, but I hope I am wrong]
The Future: Naquin can be a top-of-the-order hitter and everyday center fielder if everything comes together, and he probably will begin 2015 at Triple-A Columbus.
Re: Minor Matters
41335. Mike Papi, of/1b
Born: Sept. 19, 1992. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 190. Drafted: Virginia, 2014 (1st round supplemental). Signed by: Bob Mayer.
Background: Papi won the Atlantic Coast Conference batting title at .381 his sophomore year and tied for the league’s home run lead with 11 as a junior, when his Virginia team advanced to the College World Series finals before losing to Vanderbilt. The 38th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Papi signed with Cleveland in early July for $1.25 million.
Scouting Report: Papi already had a professional approach while he was in college, proving to be an intelligent, selective hitter. When he does swing, he makes consistent hard contact and looks to spray the ball all over the field. Virginia’s cavernous home ballpark suppressed his power production, but he has earned plus power grades from scouts in the past. Papi began his college career in the outfield but mainly played first base for Virginia in 2014. The Indians at least want to give him a shot in the outfield again, because he’s a fair athlete who posts occasional average run times to first base. He threw 90 mph off the mound in high school, so his arm plays in the outfield also.
The Future: First base will always be a fallback option for Papi, but his bat is advanced enough that he could move through the system quickly. He, Bradley Zimmer and Clint Frazier should form an exciting heart of the order at high Class A Lynchburg in 2015.
Born: Sept. 19, 1992. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 190. Drafted: Virginia, 2014 (1st round supplemental). Signed by: Bob Mayer.
Background: Papi won the Atlantic Coast Conference batting title at .381 his sophomore year and tied for the league’s home run lead with 11 as a junior, when his Virginia team advanced to the College World Series finals before losing to Vanderbilt. The 38th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Papi signed with Cleveland in early July for $1.25 million.
Scouting Report: Papi already had a professional approach while he was in college, proving to be an intelligent, selective hitter. When he does swing, he makes consistent hard contact and looks to spray the ball all over the field. Virginia’s cavernous home ballpark suppressed his power production, but he has earned plus power grades from scouts in the past. Papi began his college career in the outfield but mainly played first base for Virginia in 2014. The Indians at least want to give him a shot in the outfield again, because he’s a fair athlete who posts occasional average run times to first base. He threw 90 mph off the mound in high school, so his arm plays in the outfield also.
The Future: First base will always be a fallback option for Papi, but his bat is advanced enough that he could move through the system quickly. He, Bradley Zimmer and Clint Frazier should form an exciting heart of the order at high Class A Lynchburg in 2015.
Re: Minor Matters
41344. Justus Sheffield, lhp
Born: May 13, 1996. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 196. Drafted: HS—Tullahoma, Tenn., 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Chuck Bartlett.
Background: The Indians gained an extra 2014 first-round pick, No. 31 overall, as compensation for losing free agent Ubaldo Jimenez. They spent it on Sheffield, marking the third time in four years they’ve taken a high schooler in the first round. He passed on a chance to go to Vanderbilt and pitch alongside older brother Jordan, himself a highly regarded prospect, and signed with Cleveland for $1.6 million.
Scouting Report: Sheffield offers an exciting combination of power stuff from the left side and athleticism on the mound. His fastball typically sits in the low 90s with late life, but he was able to run it up to 95-96 mph in the Rookie-level Arizona League. He throws a hard, late-breaking slider that he can locate for a strike or use as a chase pitch. He shows good feel for a curveball as well, and the Indians believe it could also be an out-pitch in the future. His changeup is behind his other pitches but on par with most prep pitchers. Despite standing in at 5-foot-10, he nonetheless does a good job of getting down the hill with power to leverage balls down in the zone.
The Future: From an ability standpoint, Sheffield is ready to tackle low Class A Lake County in his first full season, though the Indians might hold him back to control his workload. He has the upside to be a No. 2 starter if everything comes together.
Born: May 13, 1996. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 196. Drafted: HS—Tullahoma, Tenn., 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Chuck Bartlett.
Background: The Indians gained an extra 2014 first-round pick, No. 31 overall, as compensation for losing free agent Ubaldo Jimenez. They spent it on Sheffield, marking the third time in four years they’ve taken a high schooler in the first round. He passed on a chance to go to Vanderbilt and pitch alongside older brother Jordan, himself a highly regarded prospect, and signed with Cleveland for $1.6 million.
Scouting Report: Sheffield offers an exciting combination of power stuff from the left side and athleticism on the mound. His fastball typically sits in the low 90s with late life, but he was able to run it up to 95-96 mph in the Rookie-level Arizona League. He throws a hard, late-breaking slider that he can locate for a strike or use as a chase pitch. He shows good feel for a curveball as well, and the Indians believe it could also be an out-pitch in the future. His changeup is behind his other pitches but on par with most prep pitchers. Despite standing in at 5-foot-10, he nonetheless does a good job of getting down the hill with power to leverage balls down in the zone.
The Future: From an ability standpoint, Sheffield is ready to tackle low Class A Lake County in his first full season, though the Indians might hold him back to control his workload. He has the upside to be a No. 2 starter if everything comes together.
Re: Minor Matters
41353. Clint Frazier, of
Born: Sept. 6, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 190. Drafted: HS—Loganville, Ga., 2013 (1st round). Signed by: Brad Tyler.
Background: Frazier weathered a difficult first full season. The fifth overall pick in 2013—and the recipient of the largest draft bonus in franchise history at $3.5 million—had a challenging year at low Class A Lake County. A pulled hamstring held him back in spring training and he took some time to get his bat on track, though he did recover to hit .282/.367/.448 with nine homers in the second half.
Scouting Report: Frazier’s pure tools stand out, especially at the plate. His hands are extremely fast and he whips his bat through the zone, which combined with strong forearms, allows him generate plenty of raw power. His approach is another matter, for his 161 strikeouts were the third most in the Midwest League. He does show some ability to recognize pitches but needs to manage his at-bats better. By the end of the season, though, Frazier had made progress at staying back on balls and not getting to his front side too early. He’s an above-average runner and the Indians would like to keep him in center field, though his play there needs more polish as well. His arm strength would play in right.
The Future: One of Frazier or Bradley Zimmer will have to move off center field if the two are teammates next season at high Class A Lynchburg. The Indians remain high on Frazier’s loud tools, but his rough edges need refinement.
[The guy who wrote the Midwest League report was more critical, but still rated him No. 9 prospect in a big pool]
Born: Sept. 6, 1994. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 190. Drafted: HS—Loganville, Ga., 2013 (1st round). Signed by: Brad Tyler.
Background: Frazier weathered a difficult first full season. The fifth overall pick in 2013—and the recipient of the largest draft bonus in franchise history at $3.5 million—had a challenging year at low Class A Lake County. A pulled hamstring held him back in spring training and he took some time to get his bat on track, though he did recover to hit .282/.367/.448 with nine homers in the second half.
Scouting Report: Frazier’s pure tools stand out, especially at the plate. His hands are extremely fast and he whips his bat through the zone, which combined with strong forearms, allows him generate plenty of raw power. His approach is another matter, for his 161 strikeouts were the third most in the Midwest League. He does show some ability to recognize pitches but needs to manage his at-bats better. By the end of the season, though, Frazier had made progress at staying back on balls and not getting to his front side too early. He’s an above-average runner and the Indians would like to keep him in center field, though his play there needs more polish as well. His arm strength would play in right.
The Future: One of Frazier or Bradley Zimmer will have to move off center field if the two are teammates next season at high Class A Lynchburg. The Indians remain high on Frazier’s loud tools, but his rough edges need refinement.
[The guy who wrote the Midwest League report was more critical, but still rated him No. 9 prospect in a big pool]
Re: Minor Matters
41362. Bradley Zimmer, of
Born: Nov. 27, 1992. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 185. Drafted: San Francisco, 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Don Lyle.
Background: Zimmer and older brother Kyle got to play together at San Francisco in 2012, the year Kyle became the fifth overall pick in the draft by the Royals. Bradley broke out as a sophomore, then earned first-team All-America honors as a junior, when he hit .368/.461/.573 for the Dons en route to being the 21st overall pick and signing for $1.9 million.
Scouting Report: Zimmer has the makings of a five-tool player. He has a calm approach at the plate and outstanding bat-to-ball skills. His power shows up more in the form of doubles for now, but he has the leverage in his swing to drive balls a long way when he gets his arms extended. He has a lanky, superbly athletic frame and catches eyes with his long strides on the bases and in center field. Scouts who watched Zimmer in college were mixed about whether he could stay in center, but the Indians like what they’ve seen. He’s able to cover plenty of ground and has good instincts, and his plus arm strength would fit in right field.
The Future: Zimmer reached low Class A Lake County at the tail end of his pro debut and should be advanced enough to handle high Class A in his first full season. He has all the ingredients to move though the system quickly and be an impact player on both sides of the ball.
Born: Nov. 27, 1992. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 185. Drafted: San Francisco, 2014 (1st round). Signed by: Don Lyle.
Background: Zimmer and older brother Kyle got to play together at San Francisco in 2012, the year Kyle became the fifth overall pick in the draft by the Royals. Bradley broke out as a sophomore, then earned first-team All-America honors as a junior, when he hit .368/.461/.573 for the Dons en route to being the 21st overall pick and signing for $1.9 million.
Scouting Report: Zimmer has the makings of a five-tool player. He has a calm approach at the plate and outstanding bat-to-ball skills. His power shows up more in the form of doubles for now, but he has the leverage in his swing to drive balls a long way when he gets his arms extended. He has a lanky, superbly athletic frame and catches eyes with his long strides on the bases and in center field. Scouts who watched Zimmer in college were mixed about whether he could stay in center, but the Indians like what they’ve seen. He’s able to cover plenty of ground and has good instincts, and his plus arm strength would fit in right field.
The Future: Zimmer reached low Class A Lake County at the tail end of his pro debut and should be advanced enough to handle high Class A in his first full season. He has all the ingredients to move though the system quickly and be an impact player on both sides of the ball.
Re: Minor Matters
41371. Francisco Lindor, SS
Born: Nov. 14, 1993. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 175. Drafted: HS—Montverde, Fla., 2011 (1st round). Signed by: Mike Soper.
Background: Lindor’s star was first born when his youth teams won 8- and 9-year old Puerto Rican championships. However, he and his father Miguel had designs on Francisco having a pro career from early on, which motivated the family to relocate to Florida when Lindor was 12, seeking to find him better competition. He settled at Montverde (Fla.) Academy, an international boarding school, and went on to a standout prep career, starring with USA Baseball’s 16U national team. Lindor served as team captain for the American squad that won gold at the 2009 World Youth Championships in Taiwan. The Indians hadn’t taken a high school player in the first round since 2001 but broke from tradition to select Lindor eighth overall in 2011, signing him for $2.9 million. Just 17 years old at the time he was drafted, he has consistently performed despite being young for his league throughout his time in the minors. He was the youngest position player to play in the Triple-A International League in 2014, yet held his own following his promotion from Double-A Akron in late July.
Scouting Report: There are plusses almost everywhere with Lindor, both in terms of his tools and his intangibles. At the plate, he takes line-drive swings and makes consistent hard contact to all fields. He has outstanding hand-eye coordination and feel for the strike zone, which along with his speed allows his hit tool to play up. A switch-hitter since age 13, he’s a little more comfortable from the right side—his natural side—but the club is confident he’ll he a factor from both sides of the plate. Power is the one tool that won’t be Lindor’s forte, though he did show more of it last season than ever before. He got noticeably stronger in the weight room and worked to get in better hitting positions to tap more into his strength. He would at times get caught up in trying to pull the ball, but for the most part he shows an understanding of how pitchers want to attack him and what pitches he can drive. He has all the tools to be an above-average shortstop, with smooth hands and a strong arm. He has a knack for anticipation and the first-step quickness to always be in the right place at the right time. The team has long been enamored of his work ethic and leadership qualities.
The Future: Jose Ramirez played well enough at shortstop down the stretch for Cleveland in 2014 that the team doesn’t feel it necessarily has to hand the job to Lindor for Opening Day. So even though he may open the year back at Columbus, he’ll certainly make his big league debut at some point in 2015, barring injury. Whenever he does take over at shortstop for the Indians, he should stay there for years to come.
SCOUTING GRADES
Batting: 65.
Power: 40.
Speed: 55.
Defense: 70.
Arm: 60.
Based on 20-80 scouting scale—where 50 represents major league average—and future projection rather than present tools.
Born: Nov. 14, 1993. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 175. Drafted: HS—Montverde, Fla., 2011 (1st round). Signed by: Mike Soper.
Background: Lindor’s star was first born when his youth teams won 8- and 9-year old Puerto Rican championships. However, he and his father Miguel had designs on Francisco having a pro career from early on, which motivated the family to relocate to Florida when Lindor was 12, seeking to find him better competition. He settled at Montverde (Fla.) Academy, an international boarding school, and went on to a standout prep career, starring with USA Baseball’s 16U national team. Lindor served as team captain for the American squad that won gold at the 2009 World Youth Championships in Taiwan. The Indians hadn’t taken a high school player in the first round since 2001 but broke from tradition to select Lindor eighth overall in 2011, signing him for $2.9 million. Just 17 years old at the time he was drafted, he has consistently performed despite being young for his league throughout his time in the minors. He was the youngest position player to play in the Triple-A International League in 2014, yet held his own following his promotion from Double-A Akron in late July.
Scouting Report: There are plusses almost everywhere with Lindor, both in terms of his tools and his intangibles. At the plate, he takes line-drive swings and makes consistent hard contact to all fields. He has outstanding hand-eye coordination and feel for the strike zone, which along with his speed allows his hit tool to play up. A switch-hitter since age 13, he’s a little more comfortable from the right side—his natural side—but the club is confident he’ll he a factor from both sides of the plate. Power is the one tool that won’t be Lindor’s forte, though he did show more of it last season than ever before. He got noticeably stronger in the weight room and worked to get in better hitting positions to tap more into his strength. He would at times get caught up in trying to pull the ball, but for the most part he shows an understanding of how pitchers want to attack him and what pitches he can drive. He has all the tools to be an above-average shortstop, with smooth hands and a strong arm. He has a knack for anticipation and the first-step quickness to always be in the right place at the right time. The team has long been enamored of his work ethic and leadership qualities.
The Future: Jose Ramirez played well enough at shortstop down the stretch for Cleveland in 2014 that the team doesn’t feel it necessarily has to hand the job to Lindor for Opening Day. So even though he may open the year back at Columbus, he’ll certainly make his big league debut at some point in 2015, barring injury. Whenever he does take over at shortstop for the Indians, he should stay there for years to come.
SCOUTING GRADES
Batting: 65.
Power: 40.
Speed: 55.
Defense: 70.
Arm: 60.
Based on 20-80 scouting scale—where 50 represents major league average—and future projection rather than present tools.
Re: Minor Matters
4139Baseball America on the Tribe's Top 10 prospects:
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http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Click the link to see videos
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2 ... prospects/
Re: Minor Matters
4140would have been a personal crisis if I hadn't discovered the chat was moved up from Monday. Shipping in my questions is the highlight of my off-season.