Top 115 Prospect List Recap: 81-85
Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; World outfielder Gregory Polanco throws the ball back to the infield during the second inning of the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
No. 85 Matt Adams, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 260 pounds
Born: Aug. 31, 1988 (Age 25)
2013 MLB: .284/.335/.503, 17 HR, 0 SB, 23 BB, 80 K, 319 PA
Heading into 2013: Adams was without a clear role heading into 2013. He only played 67 games in Triple-A in 2012, so it seemed likely he’d spend a big chunk of the first few months in Memphis.
This season: Allen Craig’s versatility came in handy and opened up the opportunity for Adams to get regular action with the Cardinals. Craig’s injury late in the year really allowed Adams to showcase his talent, as he hit .315/.344/.609 with eight home runs in September. The big fella established himself as yet another strong bat the Cardinals have uncovered in the later rounds of the draft.
Looking ahead: With the big finish, Adams has likely positioned himself to be the Cardinals’ regular first baseman in 2014. He struggles against lefty pitching (.208 average, 1 walk, 25 strikeouts over 73 plate appearances in the majors), so it’s likely Adams will still be somewhat of a platoon guy going forward.
Stock: Up, but he’s graduated from prospect status.
No. 84 Gregory Polanco, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 170 pounds
Born: Sept. 14, 1991 (Age 22)
2013 Minors: .285/.356/.434, 12 HR, 38 SB, 52 BB, 73 K, 536 PA
Heading into 2013: Polanco had a huge breakout in 2012 after being a bit of a bust. He hit .325/.388/.522 with 16 home runs and 40 stolen bases. Some experts were convinced he had turned the corner while others were playing wait and see before announcing his arrival.
This season: Polanco put an end to any debate. His overall numbers did dip a bit, but the 21-year-old held his own in Double-A and continued to show plus defense in center. He showed a good understanding of the strike zone, drawing as many walks (36) as he had strikeouts (36) over 68 games in Altoona.
Looking ahead: Polanco will likely morph out of his lanky frame and add a bit more bulk, and potentially power, as he ages. The tools plus the approach makes Polanco a very attractive prospect. He’ll probably be in Pittsburgh at some point in 2014. For now, he’ll be flirting with the Top 10 of most prospect lists that come out this winter.
Stock: Up
No. 83 Kyle Zimmer, RHP, Kansas City Royals
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
Born: Sept. 13, 1991 (Age 22)
2013 Minors: 6-9, 4.32 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 11.6 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, 108 ⅓ IP
Heading into 2013: Zimmer had an impressive pro debut after being taken by the Royals with the fifth pick in the draft, though it was only 39 ⅔ innings. It was expected the right-hander could get a big push in 2013.
This season: Zimmer was underwhelming in 18 starts at High-A Wilmington, but dominated after being promoted to Double-A. In four starts for Northwest Arkansas, Zimmer had a 1.93 ERA and struck out 27 batters over 18 ⅔ innings. On the season, he had a 3.89 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Looking ahead: Even though he’s only pitched four games at Double-A, with a good season Zimmer could find himself in a position to make his Major League debut in the second half of 2014. The stuff is there, if he puts everything together he could rocket through the system.
Stock: Up
No. 82 Trayce Thompson, OF, Chicago White Sox
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
Born: March 15, 1991 (Age 22)
2013 Minors: .229/.321/.383, 15 HR, 25 SB, 60 BB, 139 K, 590 PA
Heading into 2013: Thompson posted a 20-20 season in 2012, which was his second-straight year with 20 home runs. That made him stand out in a shallow White Sox system. The big problem was that he struck out 166 times.
This season: Thompson still flashed power and speed, hitting 15 homers with 25 stolen bases, but he hit just .229/.321/.383. The strikeouts are still a problem, but he has cut down from 172 to 166 to 144 over the past three seasons.
Looking ahead: His skills are intriguing, but it’s starting to look unlikely he’ll be able to handle more advanced pitching. He’s trending in the right direction, however, in terms of making more contact, so you can’t rule anything out.
Stock: Down
No. 81 Tyler Austin, OF, New York Yankees
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 220 pounds
Born: Sept. 6, 1991 (Age 22)
2013 Minors: .265/.351/.378, 6 HR, 4 SB, 42 BB, 79 K, 373 PA
Heading into 2013: Austin turned heads in his first full season of pro ball in 2012, hitting .322 with 17 home runs while going 23-for-25 in stolen base attempts. That performance made the Georgia native among the Yankees’ most exciting prospects.
This season: The former 13th round pick came back down to Earth, hitting six homers with a .378 slugging percentage in 85 games this season. He missed a big chunk of time with a wrist injury, so 2013 was essentially a lost season for Austin.
Looking ahead: Austin’s power is likely going to have to carry him, as his other tools don’t stand out. His status is going to take a hit, but it’s very possible Austin could put this year behind him and bounce back next season. He’ll be headed to the Arizona Fall League to get in some more work.
Stock: Down