The Los Angeles Angels didn’t have a very deep minor league system before 2014 and to further compound the problem the Angels traded away top prospects Taylor Lindsey, Jose Rondon and R.J. Alvarez. The system was still able to offer the Angels some productive players.
C.J. Cron, Mike Morin and almost ROY Matt Shoemaker played significant roles for the 2014 Angels. Cam Bedrosian, and Jairo Diaz had mixed results but showed enough to consider them as bullpen candidates in 2015. Over the next couple days I will take a look at the top 15 prospects in the system, starting with 11-15, we are now looking 6-10.
What diamonds in the rough will we find in between 6 and 10 for the 30th ranked farm system in 2015?
Kaleb Cowart 2014 Stats
| Year | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | AA | 126 | 435 | 48 | 97 | 18 | 4 | 6 | 54 | 26 | 7 | 43 | 99 | .223 | .295 | .324 | .619 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/7/2014.
Analysis: Another choice that I am sure that I will get criticized over. Cowart was once considered one of the Angels top prospect, actually he’s sitting 5th over at MLB.com 2014 Prospect Watch. Cowart struggled for the second year in a row; hence why I have him so low on my list. Kaleb still has all the skills of a top prospect; however, months like May (.162/.228/.295) put that into question.
2015 Prognosis: If Cowart cut down his strikeout per game and tap into his power he could have a successful season. There are rumours about a switch to the mound, which would completely throw a wrench into all kinds of these Top Prospect Lists. Cowart should start the season at Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, despite his struggles….kinda a sink or swim year.
ETA: 2016
Victor Alcantara 2014 Stats
| Year | Lev | W | L | W-L% | ERA | G | GS | GF | SV | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | WHIP | H9 | BB9 | SO9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | A | 7 | 6 | .538 | 3.81 | 27 | 20 | 3 | 1 | 125.1 | 98 | 57 | 53 | 6 | 60 | 117 | 1.261 | 7.0 | 4.3 | 8.4 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/7/2014.
Analysis: Victor calling card will be his high 90’s fastball, which can touch 100 mph. Alcantara issues with his delivery coupled with throwing hard usually leads to elbow issues, but health hasn’t been the Victor’s issue yet. Command is the issue. He strikes close to a batter an inning but walks batters at a rate of 4.31 BB/9.
2015 Prognosis: Despite starting 20 games in 2014, a move to the bullpen and/or a move to a closing role would be advantageous for Victor. If this were to happen, then it would great accelerate his time-table to the major leagues. As a starter Victor should start with the 66ers, but a move to the bullpen should have him starting the season with the Burlington Bees. Don’t be surprised if he finishes the year with Salt Lake if he’s moved to the bullpen.
ETA: 2016 as a RP and 2018 as a SP
Natanael Delgado 2014 Stats
| Year | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Rk | 38 | 153 | 23 | 46 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 21 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 34 | .301 | .333 | .464 | .797 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/7/2014.
Analysis: Delgado is very raw, but his upside is unquestionable. Delgado has average speed, excellent projectable power (.163 ISO), and a good approach at the plate. Delgado’s .301 BA, .368 BABIP, and .351 wOBA are all very impressive for a guy that is playing against competition over 2 year older. He still needs work in the field and needs to work on batting with 2-strikes.
2015 Prognosis: Delgado should start the year back with the Bees but should finish with the Inland Empire 66ers. Expect more power in the future as his 6’1″ frame fills out.
ETA: 2018
H/W: 6’0″/195 lbs
B/T: Switch/Right
Acquired: Selected in the 4th round of the 2012 Amateur Draft by the Angels
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7
Alex Yarbrough
2B, Arkansas Travelers
Age: 23
H/W: 6’0″/195 lbs
B/T: Switch/Right
Acquired: Selected in the 4th round of the 2012 Amateur Draft by the Angels