1/6/13

John Sickels - Seattle Mariners Top 20 Prospects for 2013


Seattle Mariners Top 20 Prospects for 2013


1) Mike Zunino, C, Grade A-: Complete catcher, either the best catching prospect in baseball or second-best behind Travis D'Arnaud. Power, patience, defense, great makeup. Does everything.

2) Taijuan Walker, RHP, Grade A-: Some slippage in his numbers, but that's forgivable for the youngest pitcher in the Double-A Southern League. Still has premium combination of fastball, breaking stuff, developing changeup, high upside. 

3) Danny Hultzen, LHP, Grade B+: 
I will be honest, I am not comfortable with Hultzen's grade or his placement here and may revise it significantly before the book goes to press. I think it is a mistake to dismiss his Triple-A struggles too cavalierly. His command was just too poor at that level for us to ignore, especially given his past reputation and track record. I'm nosing around about this one and gathering more info and opinion, so stand by. 

4) James Paxton, LHP, Grade B+: 
He still has occasional command troubles but the stuff is first class, love the 92-95 fastball and big-breaking curve. Number two starter upside. Very good season in Double-A (3.05 ERA, 110/54 K/BB in 106 innings). 

5) Nick Franklin SS, Grade B+: 
I trust my eyes on this one, good tools across the board and the skills are in there. Is he a second baseman or a shortstop? I'd give him a chance at short. Needs another half-season in Triple-A following .243/.310/.416 line at Tacoma.


the rest of the story...  http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/1/5/3838474/seattle-mariners-top-20-prospects-for-2013

1 comment:

Michi L. said...

I hope Gavin Cecchini can develop like Nick Franklin!!