MLB Spring Training 2012: Grading Performances of Top 10 Prospects in Camp

It hasn't even been a full week since spring training games began in Arizona and Florida. However, it's never too soon to begin evaluating players, especially young prospects who are in one of their first camps. We're going to grade each of the Top 10 prospects, according to MLB.com, and how they are performing thus far. 

These players will be the next generation's faces of baseball, and here is how they're shaping up in spring training 2012.

10) Dylan Bundy, Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles

Grade: B-

This 19-year-old right-hander has turned heads with his workout regimens and is now turning heads at Orioles spring training. Bundy has showcased a mid-to-high 90s heater and was clocked in the 95-97 mph range during his debut Tuesday against the Red Sox.  

He has only thrown one inning this spring, but has continued to impress with a maturity beyond his years and a drive to succeed that the Orioles have been lacking of late.

Even before Tuesday's debut, he was touted as one of the best pitching prospects in the game. Given the fact that he had an ERA of 0.25 during his senior year of high school, and 158 strikeouts in 71 innings, you can't really blame them. 

9) Trevor Bauer, Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks

Grade: B+

Bauer made his spring debut against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday and did not fail to impress. The former UCLA standout went 38-4 last year, with a 2.36 ERA for the Bruins, en route to capturing the Golden Spikes Award, given to the top college player in the country.

Much the same as Dylan Bundy, Bauer is known for some unorthodox training routines, evidenced by his long-toss session before his start, something he has developed to give his small frame more strength and durability.

In Saturday's start, Bauer threw two perfect innings, retiring all six Rockies on 22 pitches. He struck out former Cub Tyler Colvin and Dexter Fowler before inducing groundouts to the next three batters he faced, including Carlos Gonzalez.

The Diamondbacks will have to see how he throws the rest of spring training and if he can post those kind of outings against more potent offenses. However, if Bauer continues to locate his pitches well and mix in his secondary options, look for him to help Arizona make a run at an NL West title.

8) Jameson Taillon, Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates

Grade: N/A

Taillon is still a year away from cracking the Major League roster, so there isn't a whole lot to tell about his spring thus far. He did not receive an invitation to Pirates camp and is likely to stick in Double-A ball for most of the season. The Pirates are being careful with him and have structured an innings limit for him as he develops.

Gerrit Cole, Pittsburgh's other top pitching prospect, narrowly missed making this list, coming in at No. 11. However, he is in camp with the Pirates, but has yet to make an appearance. There are rumors that he could be making his big league debut sometime close to midseason, especially if the Pirates are in contention.

Otherwise, expect Taillon and Cole to both break camp in 2013 and be integral parts of the Pirates' season.

7) Jurickson Profar, Shortstop, Texas Rangers

Grade: C+

Jurickson Profar is one of the top defensive infielder prospects in the game today. He brings raw energy and enthusiasm to a team that is aiming for a third straight American League Championship.

While he is still a year or so away from appearing on the Major League roster, there is no doubt he's headed there in a hurry. His spring has been largely positive, evidenced by his performance in an intrasquad game last week.

He slapped a single to center in the contest and made several strong defensive plays that showcased his quick feet and athleticism. Although it was a strong performance, it is clear that he still needs fine-tuning before taking the big stage.

A downside came when he faced Yu Darvish during a batting practice session and didn't even take a cut at any of Darvish's pitches. Either he couldn't hit them, or was just letting Yu get a feel for things. Texas fans should hope for the latter. 

6) Manny Machado, Shortstop, Baltimore Orioles

Grade: C

Machado battled injuries in the 2011 season, dislocating his kneecap early in the season and fading down the stretch. He was surprised by manager Buck Showalter's decision to have him work out at Major League camp this spring and has appeared in two games thus far for the O's.

Scouts have projected Machado as a potential Alex Rodriguez-type slugger, but he has yet to show any indication of this during his brief appearances.

He is batting .333, going 1-for-3 with a single in three games with Baltimore.  He has stated that his goal this year is to stay healthy and continue to improve. Last year, he suffered through a rough September, and many thought he looked hesitant and wary of stressing his kneecap.

This spring is largely a learning experience for Machado, and Orioles fans will get a better look at him in 2013. 

5) Shelby Miller, Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals

Grade: B-

Of all the prospects listed here, Miller is likely going to be one of the higher-impact ones. With Chris Carpenter now in his mid-30s and Adam Wainwright coming off surgery, Miller will play a significant role in the Cardinals' prolonged success.

The 21-year-old made his first start of the spring for Mike Matheny on Wednesday, throwing two innings and allowing one run on two hits and a walk against the Nationals.

The right-hander struggled with nerves in the first but seemed much more composed in the second. He shattered a bat on a fastball and induced a weak ground ball with a breaking pitch.

If he learns to better handle his nerves and settle in early on in starts, there's a good chance he'll see big league action this summer.

4) Julio Teheran, Pitcher, Atlanta Braves

Grade: C-

If someone looked at the line from Teheran's spring debut, they'd think his C- grade is a joke. Two innings pitched, seven runs on six hits—all of which were home runs.

However, this is more home runs than he gave up in over 144 innings pitched in the minors last season. With a tremendous wind blowing out to right field, the Tigers capitalized, putting the ball in the air and letting the wind do the rest.

Give this kid a chance. The elements were largely to blame for his recent line. Even Tigers manager Jim Leyland admitted that he "doesn't like to win games like this."

His pitches had good life, now it's just a matter of a better mix and locating pitches better in future starts. Teheran is still one of the front-runners to earn a spot in the Braves rotation, especially with Tim Hudson out until May with an injury. 

3) Mike Trout, Outfielder, Los Angeles Angels

Grade: N/A

Trout is yet to appear in any Cactus League action due to his catching a flu bug that has been going around the Angels clubhouse. The 20-year-old has been practicing but cannot yet play, and manager Mike Scioscia says it could be at least another week before he sees action.

Last season, Trout batted .220 with five home runs and 16 runs batted in during limited action with the Angels. At Triple-A, he hit .326 with 11 home runs and 38 runs batted in, appearing in 91 games.

Before the Angels' spending spree, it was anticipated that he might crack the starting lineup. However, it looks like a midseason call-up is the best Trout can hope for at this point in time. 

2) Bryce Harper, Outfielder, Washington Nationals

Grade: A

Believe the hype. Harper is the real deal. So far this spring, he's gone 5-for-11, for a .455 AVG through four games. Currently he's sidelined with a quad injury, but is not expected to miss more than a few days. The 19-year-old is expected to team up with Stephen Strasburg to usher in a new era of success in the nation's capital.

Harper was caught being over-aggressive on the basepaths recently, getting caught in a rundown after trying to advance from first to third on a slow roller. However, Nationals management is glad to see Harper playing smart, aggressive baseball.

Despite his age, Harper has shown a skill set that is rare in any player, let alone a prospect. Look for him to make his debut this year for the Nationals.

1) Matt Moore, Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays

Grade: N/A

Moore has yet to make a spring appearance for the Rays due to an abdominal strain he suffered in late February. The left-hander dominated at the minor league level last year, going 12-3 with 1.92 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 210/46 K/BB ratio across 155 innings last year between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham.

The Rays locked up Moore with a long-term deal through his age 30 season worth a guaranteed $14 million.

Tampa is hoping that Moore is their ace of the future. He has all the tools and has breezed through the minors. Despite the fact that he is behind other pitchers in camp, he should catch up in the coming weeks and be even with his teammates by the time Opening Day rolls around.

He is slated to be in the Rays rotation in 2012 and should immediately be a contributor to their AL East title run.