Notable MLB Prospects Cut from Spring Training

Whether you believe it or not, there were other top-notch prospects cut from big-league camp on Sunday not named Bryce Harper. In fact, of the significant cuts made yesterday afternoon, there are five players that place within Prospect Pipeline's Top 100.

None of these demotions should come as a surprise, however, as all these prospects are in need of another full season in the upper-minors or simply a clear path to the major leagues.

Travis D'Arnaud, Toronto Blue Jays

Catcher Travis d’Arnaud, the Blue Jays’ top prospect—and a top-30 overall prospect on my list—was assigned to Triple-A Las Vegas, where he will post monster offensive numbers for the second straight season. The Eastern League MVP in 2011, he posted a .311/.371/.542 slash line and a .231 ISO rate.

Regarded as the Blue Jays’ future catcher, D’Arnaud remains trapped behind J.P. Arencibia, who out-hit him this spring. It probably wasn’t all that difficult, though, considering d’Arnaud mustered only three hits (two doubles and a home run) in 21 at-bats.

His arrival in the major leagues depends entirely on Arencibia. If he either struggles or is injured, d’Arnaud will be ready to assume everyday duties. But until then, he’ll just have to settle for putting up gaudy numbers in the Pacific Coast League.     

Juan Segura, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Despite having an impressive spring, the Angels assigned Segura—the organization’s No. 2 prospect behind Mike Trout—to Double-A Arkansas on Sunday. The undersized (5'11", 160 lbs.) middle infielder was 8-for-21 with two home runs and six RBI through Sunday.

One of the more toolsy infielders in all of baseball, Segura has All-Star upside at shortstop and more power than one expects. Although he’s always had a high contact rate, Segura could better utilize his speed through drawing more walks—something that he’s done at an eight percent rate in his best seasons.

He had a brief but impressive stint at Triple-A in 2009, but has spent the last two seasons bouncing between the Angels’ Rookie and Class-A affiliates. He would have reached Double-A in 2011 if not for a hamstring injury, so it’s a logical destination to open the 2012 season.

As MJ Lloyd of Halo Hangout points out, Erick Aybar, a free agent after the 2012 season, blocks Segura’s path to the Show. So, regardless of how quickly he moves up the ladder, it’s doubtful that the 22-year-old will get a crack at the Angels' shortstop gig until 2013.

Wily Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers also cut their No. 1 prospect, as they optioned right-hander Wily Peralta to Triple-A Nashville. Last season at Double-A, Peralta posted a 3.53 FIP and 8.80 K/9 rate before a promotion to Triple-A late in the 2011 season.  In five impressive starts for Nashville, he posted a 2.03 ERA,1.78 FIP and 11.61 K/9 over 31 innings.

He’s looked brilliant at times over the course of his minor-league career, but due to occasional command issues, Peralta has also endured his share of struggles. Milwaukee’s rotation is currently at capacity, but Peralta should be the first arm summoned when one of their fragile starters inevitably hits the disabled list.

Tim Beckham, Tampa Bay Rays

The No. 1 pick in the 2008 draft, Beckham has posted a slash line of .265/.331/.382 over four minor-league seasons while failing to meet nearly every expectations in the process. To his credit, he did make strides in improving his plate discipline in 2011, which resulted in a career-best .464 slugging percentage in 106 at-bats.

However, Beckham hardly profiles as a big-league shortstop these days. Given his waning speed, limited range and strong arm, I believe he will ultimately land at a corner position.  I have no doubt that he’ll eventually reach the major leagues, but knowing how long it took him to get there will make it bittersweet.

After going 1-for-24 with eight strikeouts and one walk this spring, Beckham will open the season in Triple-A, where he will hopefully further his 2011 progress.

Sean Gilmartin, Atlanta Braves

Gilmartin, the No. 6 prospect in the Braves’ system, made three minor-league stops in 2011 after signing out of Florida State. The left-hander made five starts for Low-A Rome in the Sally and put up impressive numbers—albeit a small sample size.  Over 21.1 innings, Gilmartin recorded a 2.53 ERA and 2.50 FIP while striking out opposing hitters at a 12.66 K/9 clip.

The 6'2", 195 lb. southpaw has a mid-rotation arm that will complement many of the Braves' coveted right-handed prospects. Unfortunately, Gilmartin faces the same problem as his teammates: too many good arms with only one available spot in the rotation.

After allowing two runs over six innings this spring, Gilmartin should begin the year at Double-A, with the potential for a call-up in late 2012 or even earlier if the need arises.

Matt Bush, Tampa Bay Rays

And finally, Matt Bush was assigned to Triple-A Durham. Yes, I’m talking about the same Matt Bush that was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 draft. He may ultimately reach the major leagues as a high-leverage reliever—he still has a rocket arm—but I’ll always remember him as this guy: