Top Prospect Recap: 35-31. Deshields lead pack

Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA;World infielder Xander Bogaerts (2) is tagged out by USA infielder Delino DeShields (left) during the first inning of the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

We continue our recap of our pre-season top 100 with #35-31

#35 – Delino DeShields, second baseman, Houston Astros

Height/Weight: 5’9″, 210

Born: August 16, 1992 (age 21)

2013 Stats (High-A): .317/.405/.468, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 51 SB, 57 BB, 91 SO, 111 G (534 PA)

Heading into 2013…A speedster with a penchant for getting on base, Deshields had stolen 101 bases with a .389 OBP  in 2012 and had all the makings of big league leadoff hiter.

Now that the 2013 season is over… Deshields stayed true to his stats and scouting report, hitting a career high .317 while posting a .405 OBP, swiping 51 bags, and lowering his strikeout rate from 21% to 17%.

Looking ahead….Deshields has proven himself as a leadoff hitter thus far and will be given the opportunity to do the same next year in Double-A. Success there could put him in the majors by 2014, where he’ll have to find a new position. He’s currently being blocked by the one Astros star – 5’5 2B Jose Altuve.

Stock:Up

#34 – Jorge Soler, outfielder, Chicago Cubs

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 205 Born: February 25, 1992 (age 21)

2012 Stats (High-A): .281/.343/.467, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 5 SB, 21 BB, 38 SO, 55 G (237 PA)

Heading into 2013…Soler got a huge 30 million dollar contract out of Cuba for his potential .370 OBP and 30 homer power. He didn’t get much of a chance to showcase that talent in 2012 (only 134 plate appearances), but looked to do so in a full 2013 season.

Now that the 2013 season is over… Although he missed most of the year with a fractured tibia, Soler was effective when on the field, hitting .281/.343/.467. Each of those stats should trend upward as he fills out and gains more professional experience

Looking ahead….Soler is a top talent when healthy, so Theo Epstein and  the Cubs could start him in Double-A next year, despite having only 334 professional at bats. He could be the cubs starting right fielder by 2015.

Stock: even

#33 – Gary Sanchez, catcher, New York Yankees

Height/Weight: 6’2”, 200

Born: December 2, 1992 (age 21)

2013 Stats (High-A/AA): .253/.323/.412, 15 HR, 71 RBI, 3 SB, 41 BB, 87 SO, 117 G (509 PA)

Heading into 2013…A capable receiver with enormous offensive potential, Sanchez looked to improve his fielding while maintaining his plate discipline and power.

Now that the 2013 season is over… Like many of the Yankees top prospects, Sanchez struggled in 2013, hitting just .253 across two levels. There were a few bright sides though, as Sanchez maintained his fifteen home run power and improved his walk rate from 6.8% to 8.1%/

Looking ahead….Despite his recent struggles, Sanchez has all the tools to succeed as a major league catcher. With the Yankees currently lacking a legitimate major league catcher, they could turn to Sanchez by the end of 2014.

Stock: Down, slightly

#32 – Jake Odorizzi, right-handed pitcher,Tampa Bay Rays

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185

Born: March 27, 1990 (age 23)

2013 Stats (AAA): 9-6, 3.33 ERA, 22 GS, 124.1 IP, 40 BB (2.9 BB/9), 124 K (9.0 K/9), 1.134 WHIP

2013 Stats (MLB): 0-1, 3.94 ERA, 7 G (4 GS), 29.2 IP, 8 BB (2.4 BB/9), 22 K (6.7 K/9), 1.213 WHIP

Heading into 2013…Brought over in the James Shields deal, Odorizzi joined an always expansive list of talented young Rays starters. He had pitched well in AAA in 2012, and could join the Tampa rotation should a spot ever open up.

Now that the 2013 season is over… Odorizzi bided his time in AAA while making spot starts and appearances in the majors. His 9:2.9 K:BB ratio in AAA and 3.94 ERA in the majors shows all the makings of a future middle of rotation starter.

Looking ahead….Assuming David Price is traded in the offseason – and it certainly appears that he will be – Odorizzi will step in to the back of the Rays rotation to start 2014.

Stock: Up

#31 – Aaron Sanchez, right-handed pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 190

Born: July 1, 1992 (age 20)

2013 Stats (High-A): 4-5, 3.34 ERA, 22 G (20 GS), 86.1 IP, 40 BB (4.2 BB/9), 75 K (7.8 K/9), 1.193 WHIP

Heading into 2013…A first round pick out of high school, Sanchez proved himself in 2012, posting a 2.49 ERA and 9.7 SO/9. He looked to improve with a promotion to A+ and had the plus stuff to do it.

Now that the 2013 season is over… Sanchez was effective when on the field, producing a 3.34 ERA, but he missed time due to injury (for the second straight year) and his peripherals took a step backward.

Looking ahead….Sanchez was ranked highly on ESPN’s, BA’s, and MLB.com’s midseason prospect list because of his big body, plus fastball and plus curve and he’ll likely report to AA to start next season. Health and control are the only issues and if he can resolve them, he’ll be one of the best starters in baseball before long.

Stock: Up