These 8 prospects spring training eye opener
Zac Veen, OF, Rockies No. 2 (MLB No. 13): He had a strong season in the Arizona fall league and carried that into the spring. … He’s funny because he’s doing the Zac Veen thing and then showing what he needs to do. What he needs to improve is his method – two walks, strike out. He got a lot of playing time, 30 hit the ball. Some injuries in the Rockies outfield gave him a chance to play more, and when I’ve been there until early March, there’s a bit of buzz or noise, and maybe he’ll sneak onto the Opening Day roster until someone’s ready.
Now, that’s a bit rich for me, especially since he didn’t really set the world on fire in the minor leagues last year — especially after he reached Double-A, but what he did was keep stealing bases , eight steals in nine attempts. with him succeeded. he% Hit.105 had a home run and several doubles. Still not that big of an impact, but he’s been toying with new rules about how many throws you can throw and whatnot for a while now. He loves to run, but he’s not a burner. he this is not one of the fastest prospects, but he has shown that even at the big In league play, he also knows how to steal bases, and he ranks second in the majors in spring training with 8 stolen bases. – Mayo
Jasson Domínguez, OF, Yankees No. 2 (MLB number37): We saw him in fall league, he didn’t really make a difference in Arizona fall league, it’s a hitter’s circuit. And, I kind of thought, well, let’s call him Martian because he’s got these otherworldly tools, and they’re good tools, but not incredible tools. And maybe he’s more of a well-rounded guy than a star.
Again For once, I’m not going to say that just because he was great in
as a – year old means we need to start comparing him to Mickey Mantle again, but man, Jasson Domínguez’s spring is awesome. He hit. 271, With four homers, as many strikeouts as he did, and plenty of contact, the Yankees were impressed. Aaron Boone, I think what he told reporters when he let him down was that he didn’t think he’d let Jasson Domínguez down too many times. I don’t think it’s out of the question that we could see him in New York sometime this year, even if he just turned around 11. Last year as a teenager, he was doing really well, home run, And, again, I don’t know if this guy is going to be the greatest player ever and that kind of hype, but he might be a hit guy. 250 and16 arrive14 home runs every season. … He looked great this spring. –Callis
others:
Triston Casas, 1B, Red Sox; Masyn Winn, SS, Cardinals; Heston Kjerstad, OF, Orioles.
top94 pitcher
Brandon Pfaadt, RHP, D-backs No. 4 (MLB No. 26) : I was lucky enough to see him pitch in what I thought was his Cactus League debut, a split last year Guy was between Double-A and Triple-A and pitched really well in Reno, which never happened. He had a pretty solid run this spring with 3. 40 ERA ended innings, so home run average doesn’t matter, but he struck out exist Bureau. He gave up just eight hits and four walks, and his average against was.100 – He looks like he belongs.
so I think he’ll impact Arizona’s rotation sometime during this time 2021 season. I think it would be nice if they needed to break camp with him in the rotation…so I think he’ll get a chance soon and I probably think he’s the first player they need as a starter . — JM
Gavin Stone, RHP , No. 5 Dodgers (MLB No. 30): Interestingly, Juan Toribio told us a story about him the other day, and he pointed out that Stone will not be on Opening Day Get a spot in the rotation because the Dodgers are planning to move on with either Ryan Pepiot or Michael Grove now that Tony Gonsolin is injured. I think it’s because those guys are already in the majors and Stone isn’t, so they’re going to have to be on the -man roster, But if it’s based purely on merit, then that person should be Gavin Stone.
Again, I’m not too convinced of the spring training stats given the small sample size and lack of competition. But, that said, Gavin Stone hasn’t given up in four games, and he’s struck out In 6 2/3 innings, I thought it was pretty good. Not a fluke, this is the guy who led the Minors in ERA and fifth in strikeout rate last year. And, it feels like I’ve been talking about this every other episode, how well the Dodgers have done a great job developing their players. This is a former 5th round pick, signing $97,455 as the second last order in bit draft. with him % no more 47-80 Speeded the fastball in college and now he sits 59-91, hit He got rid of the curveball in college and the Dodgers helped him come up with a solid center field 48’s slider, and he has The most impressive pitch – the furthest one – he barely used change in college and now he gets a plus change in mid 47 When he hits the ball, he goes down. So, the guy had three really good pitches, he threw good pitches, he played well. So, I don’t know what else Gavin Stone needs to show before he takes a shot in Los Angeles. ——JC
others:
DL Hall, LHP, Orioles; Bryce Miller, RHP, Mariners.
non-top 94 Batter
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B, Reds No. 7: He is already Sent down, but talk about how one guy made an impression in his first spring training with the new organization. He came over last year from the Twins in the Tyler Marler trade and played really well. A lot of times, a guy gets traded, he comes over, and he struggles with his new surroundings. But he continued to play well last year, he had a huge year, home runs and 94 RBI and Reds were impressed as he showed better than they thought Hitting feel. The raw power was always there and he went 15-for- 14 In the big league camp with the Reds, that is.270 batting average, he Hit four home runs and hit the ball ran over game.
I think even if he The reason getting knocked down is also worth bringing him up is because the Reds now have Spencer Steele, who’s likely going to be their third baseman, and Steele is struggling defensively. Now, the problem with Encarnacion-Strand is I don’t know if he can play 3rd long term, one of the reasons they put him off is that he can get more reps at first, he won’t be playing in Cincinnati and Joey Votto is still active . However, I think he will go his own way at some point. Whether it’s giving Votto a day off at first or DH, a few starts in DH, or a start or two in the third, I think he’ll show that what he’s doing is real. He plays baseball regularly enough that he’s confident he’s harnessing that easy raw power. — JM
Casey Schmidt, 3B/SS, Giants 4: Not only as a hitter but as a The defenders have been impressive, too, and, what’s interesting about him defensively is that they needed him at shortstop last year when Marco Luciano was injured, and he looked good at shortstop, too. The reason I bring this up is because Brandon Crawford is having another knee problem and the Giants are looking for a player like Thairo Estrada who can play short…they’ve been in the middle of major league training camp Shortstop Casey Schmitt training, he Looks good there. I see him as a third potential Kim Glover, who was also a very good reliever at San Diego State and just a very versatile athlete.
He also has a great bounce off the plate and he’s hitting the ball. 142, six extra-base hits, and I think he was fifth in total bases in spring training. And I don’t necessarily think he’ll make the Opening Day roster, but if Crawford is out for a while, Casey Schmidt, even if he’s their third baseman of the future, could be their best shortstop right now. It’s not impossible. He did make some progress on offense last year, too. In his professional debut 2021, he suffered a broken nose and injured wrist, which took his numbers down. But last year he played. 250 and! …if he keeps hitting, we know he can shoot and I don’t think he’s too far from being a top player ——JC
Others:
Lawrence Butler, 1B/OF, Athletics; Park Meadows, OF, Tigers; Blake Sabol , Center, Giants.
non-top 94 pitcher
Ben Joyce, RHP, Angel :
Since last time he Has been such an interesting player/prospect in Tennessee’s draft year that he could throw 100 mph but got hit more than he should. Not pitching much and has a long injury history, so he hasn’t pitched on back-to-back days or in high-leverage situations. We talk about him a lot, he’s in the big leagues, he’s been impressive from the start. He finally gave up some (in his last) outings, but only gave up one hit, so he’s now appeared in six games, and he’s given up two hits over 5 2/3 innings, but he hasn’t hit . Yes, he was walking some people.
superior The time he played the previous outing 91 miles per hour. What do I think is the most inspiring thing for anyone wondering how it works? We talked a lot about him, it’s not enough just throwing, he could get hit. its that he’s added in a harder cutter that he still learning how to throw, but He has had some success in the big league camp. So, this is a will be placed at a higher level and I may start He’s in Double-A, but the speed at which they think he can help them has picked up. …Apparently, any time the major league staff sees a guy’s average is good 94 mph fastballs and other misswing stuff , as long as he’s around the block, they’re going to want him in the big leagues.
I Think they’ll want to get him into the big leagues early and see how he plays. …He opened the eyes of the angels staff member. — JM
Dylan Dodd, LHP, Warrior : He is in our Top Draft 105, in the Brave system left handed. It ended up being a third-round pick that year. A former two-way player in junior college, was the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year in Southeast Missouri. Last year, in his first full season in professional baseball, he struck out 153 exist
Bureau, won the top three. The rapport with him is kind of like in college, he’s one of those guys, he’s the area scout favorite, but he can really
really .
He is down 48’s fastball, probably the best attribute is his command ability. He has a slider and a maybe more even and solid changeup, but he has a good feel for mixed product and position, and he throws hitters off balance. He’s added some speed and had a solid spring practice run. He threw four balls, he gave up a run bureau, he has a 04 to 2 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and it looks like he or Jared Schuster will start the season as Atlanta’s fifth starter. Jared Schuster is also good, but one of those two looks like they’ll start the season in Atlanta’s rotation. Whichever it doesn’t, I think we’ll see soon. ——JC
Others: Jared Schuster, LHP, Braves; Matt Krook, LHP, Yankees Teams; Jay Groome, LHP, Padres; Gabriel Hughes, RHP, Rockies.20202020577
Now, that’s a bit rich for me, especially since he didn’t really set the world on fire in the minor leagues last year — especially after he reached Double-A, but what he did was keep stealing bases , eight steals in nine attempts. with him succeeded. he% Hit.105 had a home run and several doubles. Still not that big of an impact, but he’s been toying with new rules about how many throws you can throw and whatnot for a while now. He loves to run, but he’s not a burner. he this is not one of the fastest prospects, but he has shown that even at the big In league play, he also knows how to steal bases, and he ranks second in the majors in spring training with 8 stolen bases. – Mayo
Again For once, I’m not going to say that just because he was great in
others:
others:
non-top 94 Batter
Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B, Reds No. 7: He is already Sent down, but talk about how one guy made an impression in his first spring training with the new organization. He came over last year from the Twins in the Tyler Marler trade and played really well. A lot of times, a guy gets traded, he comes over, and he struggles with his new surroundings. But he continued to play well last year, he had a huge year, home runs and 94 RBI and Reds were impressed as he showed better than they thought Hitting feel. The raw power was always there and he went 15-for- 14 In the big league camp with the Reds, that is.270 batting average, he Hit four home runs and hit the ball ran over game.
I think even if he The reason getting knocked down is also worth bringing him up is because the Reds now have Spencer Steele, who’s likely going to be their third baseman, and Steele is struggling defensively. Now, the problem with Encarnacion-Strand is I don’t know if he can play 3rd long term, one of the reasons they put him off is that he can get more reps at first, he won’t be playing in Cincinnati and Joey Votto is still active . However, I think he will go his own way at some point. Whether it’s giving Votto a day off at first or DH, a few starts in DH, or a start or two in the third, I think he’ll show that what he’s doing is real. He plays baseball regularly enough that he’s confident he’s harnessing that easy raw power. — JM
Casey Schmidt, 3B/SS, Giants 4: Not only as a hitter but as a The defenders have been impressive, too, and, what’s interesting about him defensively is that they needed him at shortstop last year when Marco Luciano was injured, and he looked good at shortstop, too. The reason I bring this up is because Brandon Crawford is having another knee problem and the Giants are looking for a player like Thairo Estrada who can play short…they’ve been in the middle of major league training camp Shortstop Casey Schmitt training, he Looks good there. I see him as a third potential Kim Glover, who was also a very good reliever at San Diego State and just a very versatile athlete.
He also has a great bounce off the plate and he’s hitting the ball. 142, six extra-base hits, and I think he was fifth in total bases in spring training. And I don’t necessarily think he’ll make the Opening Day roster, but if Crawford is out for a while, Casey Schmidt, even if he’s their third baseman of the future, could be their best shortstop right now. It’s not impossible. He did make some progress on offense last year, too. In his professional debut 2021, he suffered a broken nose and injured wrist, which took his numbers down. But last year he played. 250 and! …if he keeps hitting, we know he can shoot and I don’t think he’s too far from being a top player ——JC
Others:
Lawrence Butler, 1B/OF, Athletics; Park Meadows, OF, Tigers; Blake Sabol , Center, Giants.
non-top 94 pitcher
Ben Joyce, RHP, Angel :
Since last time he Has been such an interesting player/prospect in Tennessee’s draft year that he could throw 100 mph but got hit more than he should. Not pitching much and has a long injury history, so he hasn’t pitched on back-to-back days or in high-leverage situations. We talk about him a lot, he’s in the big leagues, he’s been impressive from the start. He finally gave up some (in his last) outings, but only gave up one hit, so he’s now appeared in six games, and he’s given up two hits over 5 2/3 innings, but he hasn’t hit . Yes, he was walking some people.
superior The time he played the previous outing 91 miles per hour. What do I think is the most inspiring thing for anyone wondering how it works? We talked a lot about him, it’s not enough just throwing, he could get hit. its that he’s added in a harder cutter that he still learning how to throw, but He has had some success in the big league camp. So, this is a will be placed at a higher level and I may start He’s in Double-A, but the speed at which they think he can help them has picked up. …Apparently, any time the major league staff sees a guy’s average is good 94 mph fastballs and other misswing stuff , as long as he’s around the block, they’re going to want him in the big leagues.
I Think they’ll want to get him into the big leagues early and see how he plays. …He opened the eyes of the angels staff member. — JM
Dylan Dodd, LHP, Warrior : He is in our Top Draft 105, in the Brave system left handed. It ended up being a third-round pick that year. A former two-way player in junior college, was the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year in Southeast Missouri. Last year, in his first full season in professional baseball, he struck out 153 exist
Bureau, won the top three. The rapport with him is kind of like in college, he’s one of those guys, he’s the area scout favorite, but he can really
really .
He is down 48’s fastball, probably the best attribute is his command ability. He has a slider and a maybe more even and solid changeup, but he has a good feel for mixed product and position, and he throws hitters off balance. He’s added some speed and had a solid spring practice run. He threw four balls, he gave up a run bureau, he has a 04 to 2 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and it looks like he or Jared Schuster will start the season as Atlanta’s fifth starter. Jared Schuster is also good, but one of those two looks like they’ll start the season in Atlanta’s rotation. Whichever it doesn’t, I think we’ll see soon. ——JC
Others: Jared Schuster, LHP, Braves; Matt Krook, LHP, Yankees Teams; Jay Groome, LHP, Padres; Gabriel Hughes, RHP, Rockies.20202020577
I think even if he The reason getting knocked down is also worth bringing him up is because the Reds now have Spencer Steele, who’s likely going to be their third baseman, and Steele is struggling defensively. Now, the problem with Encarnacion-Strand is I don’t know if he can play 3rd long term, one of the reasons they put him off is that he can get more reps at first, he won’t be playing in Cincinnati and Joey Votto is still active . However, I think he will go his own way at some point. Whether it’s giving Votto a day off at first or DH, a few starts in DH, or a start or two in the third, I think he’ll show that what he’s doing is real. He plays baseball regularly enough that he’s confident he’s harnessing that easy raw power. — JM
Casey Schmidt, 3B/SS, Giants 4: Not only as a hitter but as a The defenders have been impressive, too, and, what’s interesting about him defensively is that they needed him at shortstop last year when Marco Luciano was injured, and he looked good at shortstop, too. The reason I bring this up is because Brandon Crawford is having another knee problem and the Giants are looking for a player like Thairo Estrada who can play short…they’ve been in the middle of major league training camp Shortstop Casey Schmitt training, he Looks good there. I see him as a third potential Kim Glover, who was also a very good reliever at San Diego State and just a very versatile athlete.
He also has a great bounce off the plate and he’s hitting the ball. 142, six extra-base hits, and I think he was fifth in total bases in spring training. And I don’t necessarily think he’ll make the Opening Day roster, but if Crawford is out for a while, Casey Schmidt, even if he’s their third baseman of the future, could be their best shortstop right now. It’s not impossible. He did make some progress on offense last year, too. In his professional debut 2021, he suffered a broken nose and injured wrist, which took his numbers down. But last year he played. 250 and! …if he keeps hitting, we know he can shoot and I don’t think he’s too far from being a top player ——JC
Others:
Lawrence Butler, 1B/OF, Athletics; Park Meadows, OF, Tigers; Blake Sabol , Center, Giants.
non-top 94 pitcher
Ben Joyce, RHP, Angel :
Since last time he Has been such an interesting player/prospect in Tennessee’s draft year that he could throw 100 mph but got hit more than he should. Not pitching much and has a long injury history, so he hasn’t pitched on back-to-back days or in high-leverage situations. We talk about him a lot, he’s in the big leagues, he’s been impressive from the start. He finally gave up some (in his last) outings, but only gave up one hit, so he’s now appeared in six games, and he’s given up two hits over 5 2/3 innings, but he hasn’t hit . Yes, he was walking some people.
superior The time he played the previous outing 91 miles per hour. What do I think is the most inspiring thing for anyone wondering how it works? We talked a lot about him, it’s not enough just throwing, he could get hit. its that he’s added in a harder cutter that he still learning how to throw, but He has had some success in the big league camp. So, this is a will be placed at a higher level and I may start He’s in Double-A, but the speed at which they think he can help them has picked up. …Apparently, any time the major league staff sees a guy’s average is good 94 mph fastballs and other misswing stuff , as long as he’s around the block, they’re going to want him in the big leagues.
I Think they’ll want to get him into the big leagues early and see how he plays. …He opened the eyes of the angels staff member. — JM
Dylan Dodd, LHP, Warrior : He is in our Top Draft 105, in the Brave system left handed. It ended up being a third-round pick that year. A former two-way player in junior college, was the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year in Southeast Missouri. Last year, in his first full season in professional baseball, he struck out 153 exist
Bureau, won the top three. The rapport with him is kind of like in college, he’s one of those guys, he’s the area scout favorite, but he can really
really .
He is down 48’s fastball, probably the best attribute is his command ability. He has a slider and a maybe more even and solid changeup, but he has a good feel for mixed product and position, and he throws hitters off balance. He’s added some speed and had a solid spring practice run. He threw four balls, he gave up a run bureau, he has a 04 to 2 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and it looks like he or Jared Schuster will start the season as Atlanta’s fifth starter. Jared Schuster is also good, but one of those two looks like they’ll start the season in Atlanta’s rotation. Whichever it doesn’t, I think we’ll see soon. ——JC
Others: Jared Schuster, LHP, Braves; Matt Krook, LHP, Yankees Teams; Jay Groome, LHP, Padres; Gabriel Hughes, RHP, Rockies.20202020577
I think even if he The reason getting knocked down is also worth bringing him up is because the Reds now have Spencer Steele, who’s likely going to be their third baseman, and Steele is struggling defensively. Now, the problem with Encarnacion-Strand is I don’t know if he can play 3rd long term, one of the reasons they put him off is that he can get more reps at first, he won’t be playing in Cincinnati and Joey Votto is still active . However, I think he will go his own way at some point. Whether it’s giving Votto a day off at first or DH, a few starts in DH, or a start or two in the third, I think he’ll show that what he’s doing is real. He plays baseball regularly enough that he’s confident he’s harnessing that easy raw power. — JM
Casey Schmidt, 3B/SS, Giants 4: Not only as a hitter but as a The defenders have been impressive, too, and, what’s interesting about him defensively is that they needed him at shortstop last year when Marco Luciano was injured, and he looked good at shortstop, too. The reason I bring this up is because Brandon Crawford is having another knee problem and the Giants are looking for a player like Thairo Estrada who can play short…they’ve been in the middle of major league training camp Shortstop Casey Schmitt training, he Looks good there. I see him as a third potential Kim Glover, who was also a very good reliever at San Diego State and just a very versatile athlete. superior The time he played the previous outing 91 miles per hour. What do I think is the most inspiring thing for anyone wondering how it works? We talked a lot about him, it’s not enough just throwing, he could get hit. its that he’s added in a harder cutter that he still learning how to throw, but He has had some success in the big league camp. So, this is a will be placed at a higher level and I may start He’s in Double-A, but the speed at which they think he can help them has picked up. …Apparently, any time the major league staff sees a guy’s average is good 94 mph fastballs and other misswing stuff , as long as he’s around the block, they’re going to want him in the big leagues. I Think they’ll want to get him into the big leagues early and see how he plays. …He opened the eyes of the angels staff member. — JM Dylan Dodd, LHP, Warrior : He is in our Top Draft 105, in the Brave system left handed. It ended up being a third-round pick that year. A former two-way player in junior college, was the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year in Southeast Missouri. Last year, in his first full season in professional baseball, he struck out 153 exist He is down 48’s fastball, probably the best attribute is his command ability. He has a slider and a maybe more even and solid changeup, but he has a good feel for mixed product and position, and he throws hitters off balance. He’s added some speed and had a solid spring practice run. He threw four balls, he gave up a run bureau, he has a 04 to 2 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and it looks like he or Jared Schuster will start the season as Atlanta’s fifth starter. Jared Schuster is also good, but one of those two looks like they’ll start the season in Atlanta’s rotation. Whichever it doesn’t, I think we’ll see soon. ——JC Others: Jared Schuster, LHP, Braves; Matt Krook, LHP, Yankees Teams; Jay Groome, LHP, Padres; Gabriel Hughes, RHP, Rockies. Others:
