MLB Spring Training: Bauer, Corbin and Herrera Continue to Impress

Every morning, I will recap the previous day’s notable prospect performances, both at the plate and on the mound. As I unveil my prospect lists over the upcoming weeks, these daily recaps will offer advanced insight into both my organizational and overall rankings.

Although there has already been a slew of roster cuts league-wide, there are still plenty of prospects battling for jobs and hoping to leave a lasting impression on their future manager.

Here is a look at Tuesday’s top pitching performances by a prospect.

Trevor Bauer, Arizona Diamondbacks

The best pitcher in college baseball last season, Trevor Bauer made his third spring training start on Tuesday with mediocre results. The hard-throwing right-hander allowed two runs on six hits over three innings. He struck out two without issuing a walk.

Bauer, the organization’s No. 1 prospect who’s become an Internet sensation thanks to his ridiculous long-toss routine, has been impressive this spring despite Tuesday’s outing. Appearing in four games thus far, he holds a 3.60 ERA and has posted a 9/1 K/BB rate over 10 innings.

Even though the Diamondbacks starting rotation is seemingly set for Opening Day, it’s been hard to ignore the struggles of Joe Saunders and Josh Collmenter. So, whether he breaks camp with the team or is recalled later in the season, it’s clear the Diamondbacks see tremendous value in Bauer as both a starting and relief pitcher.

Pat Corbin, Arizona Diamondbacks

After a shaky debut to begin the spring, Pat Corbin has been sensational as of late. The No. 6 prospect in the Diamondbacks’ ultra-talented system, Corbin allowed one hit over four impressive innings in relief of Bauer on Tuesday. In general, the 6'3" left-hander made the Giants hitters look foolish, recording six strikeouts and two walks.

In Corbin’s four outings this spring, he’s produced a notable overall line: 10.2 IP, 0.84 ERA, .184 BAA, 12 K, 5 BB. Although the Diamondbacks probably consider Bauer or Tyler Skaggs to be the most big-league ready pitchers in their system, Corbin has shown he isn’t far behind. He should be one of several top-of-the-line prospects to make his major league debut in 2012.

Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals

The only non-Diamondbacks prospect to appear on today’s recap, Herrera has made a strong case to break camp with the Kansas City Royals.  The No. 7 prospect in the Royals system, his fastball has been clocked as high as 102 mph in the past and is everything one looks for in a high-leverage reliever—except for the fact that he’s only 5'10".

On Tuesday, Herrera picked up the save after throwing his fourth straight scoreless frame.

Considered to have the best pure stuff in the system, Herrera has registered a 1.29 ERA this spring with a 10/2 K/BB rate. The season-ending injury to Joakim Soria should immediately open the door for the Dominican right-hander, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he settles into either the eighth-inning or closer role right out of the gate.