MLB Top Prospect Performances: Jesus Montero, Vinnie Catricala and More

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 Wednesday’s top offensive performances by a prospect.

Matt Hague, Pittsburgh Pirates

As I wrote about in greater detail last night, Matt Hague has been absolutely raking in Pirates camp.  The 26-year-old corner infielder swatted his third home run of the spring as part of a 2-for-3 performance.

Now batting .429, Hague has looked considerably better than his primary competition—Casey McGehee and Pedro Alvarez—throughout spring training.

Jordany Valdespin, New York Mets

For the second straight year, Jordany Valdespin appears to have the chance to win the Mets’ second base job out of spring training.

The Mets’ No. 6 prospect, Valdespin has pop in his bat from the left side of the plate and can get down the line in a hurry. He’s an exciting, athletic player.

On Wednesday, he connected for his first home run of the spring, an opposite-field shot to tie the game in the top of the ninth against the Cardinals’ Fernando Salas. After the 1-for-4 performance, Valdespin’s .333 batting average is one of the best in camp.

Jesus Montero, Seattle Mariners

Jesus Montero drove in his team-leading 11th run of the spring in a 2-for-4 performance on Wednesday.  The organization’s top prospect has raised his average to .306 and appears poised for a huge offensive season in Seattle.

Vinnie Catricala, Seattle Mariners

One of my favorite third base prospects in the game, Vinnie Catricala, can flat-out hit. 

Ranked as the Mariners’ No. 6 prospect headed into the 2012 season, Catricala has a plus hit tool with plus power.  After a 1-for-1 game yesterday against the White Sox, the 23-year-old is hitting .313 this spring and could make his big-league debut at either first or third base this season. 

Carticala’s defense is below-average, but his pure hitting ability outweighs all negative aspects of his game.

Alex Liddi, Seattle Mariners

Although it’s doubtful that Alex Liddi will break camp with the Mariners, he’s certainly had one hell of a spring.  The Italian-born third baseman raised his spring average to .429 with a perfect 2-for-2 performance that included a double and three RBI.