10. Anfernee Grier, OF
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 10/13/1995 (22)
2017 teams/levels played for: low-A Kane County Cougars
2017 Stats: .251/.340/.331, 547 PA, 4 HR, 30 SB, 58/114 BB/K
Info: I often use the 10th spot in a list to highlight a player who has either gone unnoticed by some or underrated in national views on the teams’ system, and just a year after the Arizona Diamondbacks drafted Grier as the 39th overall selection out of Auburn, he certainly qualifies as a guy worthy of a mention at a #10 slot in that mold.
Grier was one of the most impressive athletes on any field he was on
Seemingly lost in the hype over his incredible athleticism last season was the constant refrain from pro scouts and Arizona staff that discussed Grier’s need for development due to being much more raw in his baseball refinement than a typical college draftee. He showed both the highs and lows of that raw-ness in 2017.
The highs were definite highs as Grier was one of the most impressive athletes on any field he was on. He stole 30 bases and continues to steal bases at almost a perfect 75% success rate. He lowered his strikeout rate while bringing up his walk rate significantly.
On the flip side, his lows left plenty wondering exactly what type of player he could become. He truly lost all ability to generate impact on the ball. His routes in center field were rough enough that even his plus speed couldn’t overcome them at times. He also struggled to make adjustments in at bats with pitchers.
Grier worked hard in fall instructs on his swing with Arizona Diamondbacks coaches and feels he’s got his power stroke back, and if he can combine that with the improved plate discipline of 2017, he could make a big impact starting in high-A in 2018.
9. Taylor Clarke, RHP
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 5/13/1993 (24)
2017 teams/levels played for: AA Jackson Generals, AAA Reno Aces
2017 Stats: 27 GS, 145 IP, 3.35 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 8.7% BB, 23% K
Info: Clarke has been making plenty of ripples since the Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him in the 3rd round in 2015 out of College of Charleston. He reached AA in 2016 and opened there in 2017.
While he’s moved quickly, Clarke’s stuff doesn’t exactly blow hitters away. He works with a fastball that sits 91-93, but he gets excellent plane on the pitch and knows how to take away and add velocity to the pitch and manipulate movement on it as well.
His slider is his best secondary pitch, an above-average pitch at its best. His change and curve are average, but he is able to sequence and locate all four pitches well to keep hitters off balance and the ball off of the barrel of opponents’ bats.
Clarke’s ceiling isn’t extremely high, likely peaking as a mid-rotation starter, but his floor is quite high already, and he could challenge for a spot at the back of the Arizona Diamondbacks rotation by the end of the season, and he could be a solid back end guy for quite a while with his competitive drive and sequencing.
Next: #7 and #8