It’s hard to believe that we’ve already reached the one-quarter mark for the 2013 season.

However, with most teams having played around 40 games, league standings and stats are now relevant and based on something other than a small sample size.

With that being said, it’s only appropriate to take this opportunity to reflect on the performances of the game’s top Rookie of the Year candidates. As you will see, the collection of the talent in the National League is infinitely better than the American’s. Though it may not be long until there’s an infusion of young players through the AL.

So, here’s a look at the respective stocks of the current top rookies in the major leagues.

Read More »12

Despite leaving his start on May 8 following an awkward slide into second base, Archie Bradley was back on the mound Monday night.

In the third Double-A start of his promising career, the 6’4”, 225-pound right-hander dominated a talented Jacksonville lineup—one that includes the likes of Christian Yelich, Jake Marisnick and J.T. Realmuto. Throwing six scoreless innings, Bradley allowed only two hits and three walks while fanning nine batters.

The 20-year-old is off to an outstanding start this season with a 1.05 ERA and .193 BAA over 42.2 innings between High-A Visalia and Double-A Mobile. Additionally, his 63 strikeouts currently ranks as the highest total in the minor leagues.

Here’s an updated look at the rest of the hottest and coldest pitchers at every minor-league level.

Read More »1

With just three weeks until the Major League Baseball draft, a lot of things are starting to come into focus. Teams have their boards in order, though far from finalized. Players have spent all spring building up their stock to gain the fame and fortune that comes with being a first-round pick. 

Really, the only thing left to do is put the players to teams. If you follow the MLB draft, you know that this class isn't particularly strong. There are about 15-20 true first-round talents available in this class, led by Mark Appel and Jonathan Gray at the top. 

In an effort to help familiarize you with the talent in the 2013 draft, we are going to tell you which MLB star the new crop of prospects resembles as far as tools. That is not to say these players will turn into the player they resemble, but just that they boast some similar skills and traits. 

So many things happen during the development process that the odds of these players hitting their ceiling is slim. 

Read More »15

This past week George Springer became the first minor leaguer to reach double-digit home runs and stolen bases this season.

After amassing 24 home runs and 32 stolen bases last season in 128 games across two levels, the 2011 first-rounder (11th overall) is already making a case for an ahead-of-schedule promotion to the major leagues. Although his propensity for striking out remains a lingering concern—and probably will always be part of his game—the toolsy outfielder has showcased improved power frequency so far this season, and currently stands as the minor league leader with 13 home runs.

Here’s a look at the rest of the hottest and coldest hitters at every minor league level this season.

Read More »2

Read More »19

The prospect watch has been underway for more than a month this season, with the top players in the minors trying to make a statement and force their way on to a big league roster or earn a promotion.

Of course, things haven't been smooth sailing for all of the elite players in minor league baseball. That's the great thing about this game, it humbles even the most talented players and forces them to make an adjustment. 

What separates the elite players from everyone else is their ability to recognize where they are struggling, do what is necessary to fix it and get back on track before a prolonged slump drags them down too far. 

Here is our latest edition of stock up, stock down on the top 10 prospects in baseball and a look at a few other names to keep a close eye on moving forward. 

Read More »27

When the 2013 season started, the MLB rookie class looked sketchy, to say the least. There were several notable names worth keeping an eye on, but there was a huge red flag they had to overcome to succeed in the big leagues. 

Now, more than one month into the season, we can safely say that a lot of questions about this group of rookies have been answered. Even if there is a long way to go, we can gauge where the candidates stand. 

Going over the top Rookie of the Year candidates coming into the year, here is where their stock stands as we get deeper into May and the summer months. We will start with the American League candidates and shift to the National League in the second half. 

Note: All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted. 

Read More »33

Prospects are like the cardiovascular system of a Major League Baseball franchise. They make everything that you want to do possible, either when you call them up to take their place on the big league roster or use them as trade bait to improve your team. 

As much as we would like to see every prospect stay with the team that drafted him, the reality of the situation is that being able to deal them is a huge part of their value. 

Considering the rate of attrition for prospects in baseball, we know that a vast majority of them are not going to reach the lofty-ceiling that you see written about them before and right after they get drafted. 

Teams are more reluctant than ever to part with prospects in trades because of the value they have. A club knows it has six years of cost control over a player coming up through their system, as well as the upside they offer. Instead of throwing a lot of money at a free agent, which comes with its own risks, you can save cash by betting on a youngster in your system. 

Read More »18