Andrew Suarez, LHP. DOB: 9/11/1992. 6'2", 210 lbs.
Rookie: 0-0, 1.80, 5 IP, 10.80 K/9, 1.80 BB/9.
Short Season: 1-0, 1.40, 19.1 IP, 6.98 K/9, 0.93 BB/9.
A+: 1-0, 1.80, 15 IP, 9.60 K/9, 1.20 BB/9.
Suarez was the Giants 2'nd round draft pick in 2015 out of Miami. He had been drafted in round 2 by the Nationals in 2014, but did not sign. He is big for a lefty and pounds the strike zone with a low 90's FB that has reached 95 MPH. He mixes in an advanced slider and changeup to give him a complete 3 pitch mix. Impressively, he did not have any trouble pitching in the Cal League essentially out of the box. In addition to his listed stat lines above, he threw 9 IP in the Cal League playoffs allowing 3 ER with 7 K's and just 1 BB. He'll probably start 2016 in San Jose, but I could see the Giants being aggressive with him and bumping him to AA. His ceiling is probably MLB #3 starter, but he is advanced enough to reach that level quickly. ETA is probably 2018, but again, he could move more quickly than that. He had shoulder labrum surgery as a college freshman but appears to have completely recovered. He missed some time early in the 2015 college season with an oblique strain.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
DrB's 2016 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #12 Sam Coonrod
Sam Coonrod, RHP. DOB: 9/22/1992. 6'2", 225 lbs.
Low A: 7-5, 3.14, 111.2 IP, 9.19 K/9, 2.74 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.22.
Coonrod is another hard throwing RHP who sits in the mid-90's with the FB and hits up to 98 MPH. He had a reputation for having poor command in college, but walks have not been a problem so far in the pros. Wouldn't be the first time the Giants tweaked something out of the gate and solved a big command problem, although I don't know that it happened that way. Coonrod's numbers were a whole lot better than the excellent line he shows above until he seemed to hit a wall in August. The Giants backed him off and used him for just 1 inning out of the bullpen over a 2 week period. He came back strong in 3 final starts throwing 17 innings while allowing 5 ER with 20 K's against just 4 BB's. He then got a call to help out San Jose in the Cal League playoffs where he started 2 games and allowed 3 ER in 9.2 IP with 9 K's and 3 BB's.
Whereas Chase Johnson is tall and lanky, Coonrod is much stockier, but his weight is well proportions with a ton of strength in his butt, hips and thighs. This makes for stiffer, tighter arm action, but he still generates tremendous rotational arm speed with moderate high effort.
He's another guy who, if he repeats what he did in 2015 at a higher level, could be leading the pack of Giants pitching prospects by next year. Ceiling is probably #2 SP in MLB. He could also end up in a MLB bullpen and could be a future closer. ETA is probably 2018.
Low A: 7-5, 3.14, 111.2 IP, 9.19 K/9, 2.74 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.22.
Coonrod is another hard throwing RHP who sits in the mid-90's with the FB and hits up to 98 MPH. He had a reputation for having poor command in college, but walks have not been a problem so far in the pros. Wouldn't be the first time the Giants tweaked something out of the gate and solved a big command problem, although I don't know that it happened that way. Coonrod's numbers were a whole lot better than the excellent line he shows above until he seemed to hit a wall in August. The Giants backed him off and used him for just 1 inning out of the bullpen over a 2 week period. He came back strong in 3 final starts throwing 17 innings while allowing 5 ER with 20 K's against just 4 BB's. He then got a call to help out San Jose in the Cal League playoffs where he started 2 games and allowed 3 ER in 9.2 IP with 9 K's and 3 BB's.
Whereas Chase Johnson is tall and lanky, Coonrod is much stockier, but his weight is well proportions with a ton of strength in his butt, hips and thighs. This makes for stiffer, tighter arm action, but he still generates tremendous rotational arm speed with moderate high effort.
He's another guy who, if he repeats what he did in 2015 at a higher level, could be leading the pack of Giants pitching prospects by next year. Ceiling is probably #2 SP in MLB. He could also end up in a MLB bullpen and could be a future closer. ETA is probably 2018.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Fantasy Focus: 2016 Impact Rookies- Blake Snell
Blake Snell, LHP. DOB: 12/4/1992. 6'4", 180 lbs. Organization: Rays
A+: 3-0, 0.00, 21 IP, 11.57 K/9, 4.71 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.43.
AA: 6-2, 1.57, 68.2 IP, 10.35 K/9, 3.80 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.24.
AAA: 6-2, 1.83, 44.1 IP, 11.57 K/9, 2.64 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.29.
Blake Snell was drafted in the compensation first round out of HS in Washington state. He moved slowly at first and the Rays were patient with him, but the raw talent was always there. He had an explosive breakout in 2015 after starting the season with 21 scoreless frames in high A ball. He pitched another 25 scoreless innings to begin his AA experience for a total of 46 consecutive scoreless IP. As you can see, his command improved with each higher level. He was eventually named Minor League Player of the Year by both BA and Fox Sports.
Snell has filled out his lanky frame considerably and is almost certainly heavier than his listed weight of 180 lbs. He maximizes his height advantage with a high 3/4 release point that produces an extreme downhill plane. His FB sits mid 90's and his is not afraid to come inside to RH hitters with it. He also has a slider, curveball and changeup that are all average to plus offerings.
The Rays have a surplus of SP's at the MLB level, so there is no need for them to rush Snell. He will likely start the 2016 season in AAA to solidify the gains he made last year. If he pitches like he did in 2015, he will force the issue by midseason and get the call. He will be rosterable immediately in all fantasy formats.
A+: 3-0, 0.00, 21 IP, 11.57 K/9, 4.71 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.43.
AA: 6-2, 1.57, 68.2 IP, 10.35 K/9, 3.80 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.24.
AAA: 6-2, 1.83, 44.1 IP, 11.57 K/9, 2.64 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.29.
Blake Snell was drafted in the compensation first round out of HS in Washington state. He moved slowly at first and the Rays were patient with him, but the raw talent was always there. He had an explosive breakout in 2015 after starting the season with 21 scoreless frames in high A ball. He pitched another 25 scoreless innings to begin his AA experience for a total of 46 consecutive scoreless IP. As you can see, his command improved with each higher level. He was eventually named Minor League Player of the Year by both BA and Fox Sports.
Snell has filled out his lanky frame considerably and is almost certainly heavier than his listed weight of 180 lbs. He maximizes his height advantage with a high 3/4 release point that produces an extreme downhill plane. His FB sits mid 90's and his is not afraid to come inside to RH hitters with it. He also has a slider, curveball and changeup that are all average to plus offerings.
The Rays have a surplus of SP's at the MLB level, so there is no need for them to rush Snell. He will likely start the 2016 season in AAA to solidify the gains he made last year. If he pitches like he did in 2015, he will force the issue by midseason and get the call. He will be rosterable immediately in all fantasy formats.
DrB's 2016 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #11 Chase Johnson
Chase Johnson, RHP. DOB: 1/9/1992. 6'3", 185 lbs.
A+: 8-3, 2.43, 111 IP, 9.00 K/9, 2.76 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.61.
AA: 1-1, 5.93, 13.2 IP, 11.85 K/9, 5.27 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.40.
Here's where I think writing about Giants prospects gets interesting. Chase Johnson is generally considered to be part of a large "second tier" of Giants pitching prospects except the talent is there for him to be at the top of the first tier if he keeps up this type of performance. Johnson has always had the tools with a FB that sits in the mid-90's and tops out at about 98 MPH. His secondary pitches are not as consistent, but can be strikeout pitches at times. What he lacks is a track record of consistency, something he made significant progress on in 2015. Moving up from the pitcher-friendly SAL to the hitter-friendly Cal League, his numbers improved across the board, most notably his BB rate and he maintained it through the season. He allowed 5 ER in 4 IP in his first AA start, but that came with a 9/2 K/BB. I would expect Chase Johnson to start 2016 back in Richmond where he will try to solidify the consistency he found in San Jose last year. He has enough stuff to have a ceiling as a #1 starter although his size and stamina may be a barrier. He also could end up in a MLB bullpen where he has the stuff to be a closer. ETA could be as early as late 2016 but more likely 2017 or even 2018.
A+: 8-3, 2.43, 111 IP, 9.00 K/9, 2.76 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.61.
AA: 1-1, 5.93, 13.2 IP, 11.85 K/9, 5.27 BB/9, GO/AO= 1.40.
Here's where I think writing about Giants prospects gets interesting. Chase Johnson is generally considered to be part of a large "second tier" of Giants pitching prospects except the talent is there for him to be at the top of the first tier if he keeps up this type of performance. Johnson has always had the tools with a FB that sits in the mid-90's and tops out at about 98 MPH. His secondary pitches are not as consistent, but can be strikeout pitches at times. What he lacks is a track record of consistency, something he made significant progress on in 2015. Moving up from the pitcher-friendly SAL to the hitter-friendly Cal League, his numbers improved across the board, most notably his BB rate and he maintained it through the season. He allowed 5 ER in 4 IP in his first AA start, but that came with a 9/2 K/BB. I would expect Chase Johnson to start 2016 back in Richmond where he will try to solidify the consistency he found in San Jose last year. He has enough stuff to have a ceiling as a #1 starter although his size and stamina may be a barrier. He also could end up in a MLB bullpen where he has the stuff to be a closer. ETA could be as early as late 2016 but more likely 2017 or even 2018.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
DrB's 2016 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #10 Austin Slater
Austin Slater, 2B/OF. B-R, T-R. DOB: 12/13/1992. 6'1", 194 lbs.
A+: .292/.321/.396, 15 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 4 SB, 3.8 BB%, 16.6 K%, 265 PA.
AA: .296/.350/.362, 11 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 1 SB, 6.4 BB%, 22.0 K%, 218 PA.
AFL: .250/.338/.338, 4 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 3 SB, 12.5 BB%, 23.8 K%, 80 PA.
This is an aggressive ranking for Slater which I am not at all sure is justified. He doesn't walk a lot and he has shown no HR power to speak of. What he does do is hit for average with doubles power. A BA of about .300 in the Eastern League will get you noticed and the Giants have had a huge amount of success with hitters who have a similar profile. On the other hand, how much more room do they have for that type of player on the MLB roster? Slater could go back to AA for a half season or so or he could move up to AAA to start the 2016 season. His ceiling is a .300 hitter with gap power. ETA is midseason 2016 or 2017 depending on organizational needs.
A+: .292/.321/.396, 15 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 4 SB, 3.8 BB%, 16.6 K%, 265 PA.
AA: .296/.350/.362, 11 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 1 SB, 6.4 BB%, 22.0 K%, 218 PA.
AFL: .250/.338/.338, 4 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 3 SB, 12.5 BB%, 23.8 K%, 80 PA.
This is an aggressive ranking for Slater which I am not at all sure is justified. He doesn't walk a lot and he has shown no HR power to speak of. What he does do is hit for average with doubles power. A BA of about .300 in the Eastern League will get you noticed and the Giants have had a huge amount of success with hitters who have a similar profile. On the other hand, how much more room do they have for that type of player on the MLB roster? Slater could go back to AA for a half season or so or he could move up to AAA to start the 2016 season. His ceiling is a .300 hitter with gap power. ETA is midseason 2016 or 2017 depending on organizational needs.
Fantasy Focus: 2016 Impact Rookies- Jose Berrios
Jose Berrios, RHP. DOB: 5/27/1994. 6'0", 190 lbs. Organization: Minnesota Twins.
AA: 8-3, 3.08, 90.2 IP, 9.13 K/9, 2.38 BB/9.
AAA: 6-2, 2.62, 75.2 IP, 9.87 K/9, 1.67 BB/9.
The Twins drafted Berrios #32 overall in the 2012 draft out of HS in Puerto Rico. He has performed well at every level in the minors. Last year was his best pro season, splitting time between AA and AAA levels. He finished particularly strong with 32 K's against just 2 BB's in 25 IP in his last 4 AAA starts. He is not big for a pitcher, but looks sturdy on the mound. He maximizes his height with an over-the-top delivery. He's a hard thrower with a FB that runs in the mid-high 90's. He likes to work up the the zone. He also throws a sharp breaking slider on a steep downward plane plus a slow curveball. His changeup is good enough to keep hitters off the FB.
As John Sickels says, "he is ready now." The Twins may play some service time games and send him down to start 2016, but he will pitch most of 2016 in the majors, barring injury, of course. He will be immediately rosterable upon activation to the 25 man MLB roster even in 10 team re-draft leagues, and if you are reading this, there is a good chance you will be the only manager in your league who has heard of him.
AA: 8-3, 3.08, 90.2 IP, 9.13 K/9, 2.38 BB/9.
AAA: 6-2, 2.62, 75.2 IP, 9.87 K/9, 1.67 BB/9.
The Twins drafted Berrios #32 overall in the 2012 draft out of HS in Puerto Rico. He has performed well at every level in the minors. Last year was his best pro season, splitting time between AA and AAA levels. He finished particularly strong with 32 K's against just 2 BB's in 25 IP in his last 4 AAA starts. He is not big for a pitcher, but looks sturdy on the mound. He maximizes his height with an over-the-top delivery. He's a hard thrower with a FB that runs in the mid-high 90's. He likes to work up the the zone. He also throws a sharp breaking slider on a steep downward plane plus a slow curveball. His changeup is good enough to keep hitters off the FB.
As John Sickels says, "he is ready now." The Twins may play some service time games and send him down to start 2016, but he will pitch most of 2016 in the majors, barring injury, of course. He will be immediately rosterable upon activation to the 25 man MLB roster even in 10 team re-draft leagues, and if you are reading this, there is a good chance you will be the only manager in your league who has heard of him.
Friday, January 1, 2016
DrB's 2016 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #9 Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw, 1B/OF. B-L, T-R. DOB: 10/20/1993. 6'3", 230 lbs.
Short Season: .287/.360/.551, 12 HR, 9.5 BB%, 20.5 K%, 200 PA.
Chris Shaw was the Giants 2015 compensation round pick at #31 overall. He is a slugging 1B/OF from Boston College whose draft stock may have slipped due to a hamate injury. The injury did not seem to sap his power as he led the NWL in HR's in his initial pro experience. NWL success is not always a predictor of future success, but everything, including the K's and BB's looks in order here. I would expect an assignment to San Jose for 2016. At this point, Shaw appears to be one of two premier power hitting prospect in the Giants minor league system along with Mac Williamson. 1B is likely his longterm position. His ceiling is 30 dingers per season. ETA would be 2018 at the earliest.
Short Season: .287/.360/.551, 12 HR, 9.5 BB%, 20.5 K%, 200 PA.
Chris Shaw was the Giants 2015 compensation round pick at #31 overall. He is a slugging 1B/OF from Boston College whose draft stock may have slipped due to a hamate injury. The injury did not seem to sap his power as he led the NWL in HR's in his initial pro experience. NWL success is not always a predictor of future success, but everything, including the K's and BB's looks in order here. I would expect an assignment to San Jose for 2016. At this point, Shaw appears to be one of two premier power hitting prospect in the Giants minor league system along with Mac Williamson. 1B is likely his longterm position. His ceiling is 30 dingers per season. ETA would be 2018 at the earliest.
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