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 it’s toll on the farm system, which is why the Tigers system is ranked 29th in the league.
Despite the poor ranking of the farm system, the Tigers still saw Nick Castellanos, Robbie Ray, and Eugenio Suarez, two of the systems top prospects graduate to the Major Leagues in 2014. Which of the Detroit Tigers Top prospects will be given an opportunity to contribute in 2015?
Connor Harrell 2014 Stats
| Year | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | A+ | 131 | 485 | 66 | 131 | 26 | 3 | 14 | 66 | 15 | 3 | 37 | 135 | .270 | .344 | .423 | .766 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/14/2014.
Analysis: Harrell doesn’t have the flash that other prospects have but does everything well….not great. His athleticism serves him well in centre field and he is versatile enough to play all three outfield positions. Connor led the Flying Tigers in runs, ranked second in hits, stolen bases and RBI, and ranked third in doubles and home runs.
2015 Prognosis: The Erie SeaWolves will welcome Harrell with open arms, joining Jamie Johnson and Jason Krizan in the outfield. Connor will likely force Johnson to right-field. He will need to lower his 24.8 K% and increase 6.8 BB% if he wishes to move beyond Double-A in 2015.
ETA: 2016
Dixon Machado 2014 Stats
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/14/2014.
Analysis: Machado possess a unique blend of plate discipline (1.11 BB/K) and above average defence (4.29 RF/G). These two above average skills are what will get Machado to the majors, but it will be the development of his bat that will determine what role he will play in the major leagues. His offensive game turned a corner in his 90 GP at Double-A, where he earned player of the month in August.
2015 Prognosis: Detroit’s coaching staff will get a good look at Dixon during Spring Training since he’s been added to the 40-man roster. Machado batted at the bottom of the order, but if he continues to add muscle to his 6’1″ frame, he will make an ideal number two hitter.
ETA: 2017
Grayson Greiner 2014 Stats
| Year | Lev | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | A | 26 | 90 | 11 | 29 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 18 | .322 | .394 | .444 | .839 |
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/14/2014.
Analysis: Grayson had surgery on his wrist to repair a broken hamate bone. He has a strong arm and despite his large frame, he is a very solid defender. He was very strong against LHP, hitting .407/.484/.444 in 27 AB. In a small sample size Grayson throw out 25% of would be base-runners and generated a 8.65 RF/G.
2015 Prognosis: As long as the rehab goes well, Grayson will start the season in Lakeland. Don’t expect huge offensive numbers from Grayson. It takes time to build up strength in surgically repaired wrists.
ETA: 2017
Acquired: Signed as a non-drafted free-agent by the Detroit Tigers in 2009.
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Jose Valdez
RP, Erie SeaWolves
Age: 24
B/T: Right/Right
H/W: 6’1″/200 lbs
Acquired: Signed as a non-drafted free-agent by the Detroit Tigers in 2009.