Dave Dombrowski transformed the Detroit Tigers from a complete laughing-stock in the late 90’s and early 2000’s into perennial World Series contenders. Drafting in the high twenties, signing the premier free-agents and trading your top prospects every year has taken its toll on the farm system, which is why the Tigers system ranks 29th in major league baseball.
Despite the poor ranking of the farm system the Tigers saw Nick Castellanos, Robbie Ray, and Eugenio Suarez, two of the systems top prospects graduate to the Major Leagues in 2014. Which Tigers top prospects will the opportunity to contribute in 2015?
Earlier we had a look at Detroit Tigers top 11-15 prospects and now we’re moving to the 6-10 prospects in the system.
Javier Betencourt 2014 Stats
| Year | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | A | 134 | 558 | 67 | 150 | 18 | 3 | 6 | 54 | 9 | 6 | 26 | 81 | .269 | .307 | .344 | .651 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/15/2014.
Analysis: Javier showed very good plate discipline in years past, but last season he took a step back in that regard with 4.2 BB% and 13.2 K%. With the Whitecaps, Javier was first in AB’s, second in hits and errors, and third in RBI. Javier’s batting average was impacted by his terrible August, were he batted .170/.223/.250 in 27 games. Remove August and Javier would have finished with a .294 batting average.
2015 Prognosis: Expect Betencourt to start the year where he finished it, with the Whitecaps. You don’t hit below .200 for an entire month and get promoted…at least you shouldn’t. If Javier has good April, than a promotion to Lakeland. There is also an outside chance that he get moved back to SS.
ETA: 2018
Tyler Collins 2014 Stats
| Year | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | AAA | 121 | 468 | 63 | 123 | 17 | 2 | 18 | 62 | 12 | 4 | 49 | 116 | .263 | .335 | .423 | .758 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/15/2014.
Analysis: Tyler has decent power, hitting 39 home runs between 2013 and 2014; unfortunately, he does hit for average or a high OBP. Tyler struggled against LHP last year, hitting .233/304/.376 against southpaw. He shows good hustle in the outfield has a good arm for LF. Tyler ranked top 3 in most offensive categories with Mud Hens in 2014.
2015 Prognosis: Start 2015 with the Mud Hens. Will give the Tigers with depth at LF in case of an injury…..5th or 6th outfielder
ETA: Already made his major league debut. Could earn a bench role in 2015.
Spencer Turnbull 2014 Stats
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/15/2014.
Analysis: Turnbull throws a heavy high-90’s fastball from a three-quarter slot. He also throws a decent slider and change-up. He had one start in GCL before getting promoted to Low-A ball where he started 11 games, but has not record his first professional win. In limited action, Turnbull struggled against LHB. Lefties hit .306/.414/.367 against him in 49 at-bats. Turnbull did a good job keeping the ball on the ground with a very solid 2.5 GO/AO.
2015 Prognosis: Turnbull will either remain a starter in 2015 or start his conversion to a late innings flame-thrower. He will start the year in West Michigan as a starter, but he’ll move to the pen if his command fails him.
ETA: 2019 as a starter and 2017 as a reliever.
Hernan Perez 2014 Stats
| Year | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | AAA | 133 | 547 | 69 | 157 | 32 | 7 | 6 | 53 | 21 | 6 | 36 | 65 | .287 | .331 | .404 | .735 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/15/2014.
Analysis: Hernan has knocked on the door for some time now and as such I almost didn’t include Hernen on this list, but he made it on becasue the limited time in the majors and his age. Perez has above average speed allowing him to successful steal 21-of-27 base. Perez combines his speed with an ability to consistently make contact, which makes for an ideal number two hitter (107GP as #2 hitter). He has a strong-arm and above average range for a second baseman.
2015 Prognosis: Hernan could see time in the outfield. He has spent sometime there in winter ball before a knee injury put him on the shelve. It is possible that he becomes a super utility guy in 2015.
ETA: 2015
James McCann 2014 Stats
| Year | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | AAA | 109 | 417 | 49 | 123 | 34 | 0 | 7 | 54 | 9 | 2 | 25 | 90 | .295 | .343 | .427 | .770 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/15/2014.
Analysis: McCann is a solid defensive (6.88 RF/G) catcher and game caller. McCann had a 42% CS%, thanks to a strong accurate arm. McCann continues his aggressive ways at the plate (0.28 BB/K). James has extra base power, as he led the Mud Hens with 34 doubles
2015 Prognosis: There’s been chatter that McCann will get a serious shot at stealing at-bats from Alex Avila. Will start the year as Avila’s backup but will finish the season as the teams number 1 catcher.
ETA: 2015
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