Updated MLB Top 100 Prospects – Mid Season 2018

MLB Pipeline came out with their top 100 MLB prospects, and a new Top 30 for each team.  The MLB Pipeline prospect list is put together by Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo, two excellent minor league and amateur talent evaluators.

 

Padres – 4 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 2 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 8

Braves – 2 Top 25; 2 top 26-50; 2 top 51 to 75; 2 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 8

ChiSox – 2 Top 25; 3 top 26-50; 3 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 7

Rays – 2 Top 25; 3 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 6

Blue Jays – 2 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 2 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 5

Tigers – 1 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 3 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 5

Reds – 3 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 4

Twins – 1 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 2 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 4

Pirates – 1 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 2 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 4

Dodgers – 0 Top 25; 2 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 4

Rangers – 0 Top 25; 2 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 4

Yankees – 0 Top 25; 2 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 2 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 4

Mets – 0 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 3 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 4

Nationals – 1 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 3

Astros – 2 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 3

A’s – 1 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 3

Angels – 1 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 2 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 3

Phillies – 1 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 3

Brewers – 0 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 3

Rockies – 1 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 2

Cards – 0 Top 25; 2 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 2

Giants – 0 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 2

Indians – 0 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 1 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 2

O’s – 0 Top 25; 2 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 2

Royals – 0 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 1

DBacks – 0 Top 25; 1 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 1

Marlins – 0 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 1

Mariners – 0 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 1

Cubs – 0 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 1 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 1

Red Sox – 0 Top 25; 0 top 26-50; 0 top 51 to 75; 0 top 76 to 100 – – – Top 100 = 0

 

The Dodgers’ 4 top 100 are Alex Verdugo (# 29), Keibert Ruiz (# 38), Will Smith (#74), Dustin May (#83).  Baseball America has Gavin Lux in their top 100, but left out Dustin May.

 

The overall Top 10 prospects are:

  1. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Blue Jays – 3B (Pictured)
  2. Fernando Tatis Jr. – Padres – SS
  3. Eloy Jimenez – ChiSox – OF
  4. Nick Senzel – Reds – 3B/2B
  5. Victor Robles – Nationals – OF
  6. Brendan Rogers – Rockies – Inf
  7. Forest Whitley – Astros – RHP
  8. Kyle Tucker – Astros – OF
  9. Bo Bichette – Blue Jays – SS/2B (Pictured)
  10. Royce Lewis – Twins – SS .

 

My favorite of that group is Brendan Rogers.  I think he is going to be special for the Rockies.  Vlad is going to be very good, a potential perennial All Star.  I am also still high on Bichette, but the difference between Bichette and Lux has closed significantly. Vlad, Tatis, Jimenez, Senzel, Robles, and Tucker could all break with their team out of Spring next year, with Rogers, Whitley, and Bichette a good chance of getting called at some point next year.

 

There were 10 players in the 2018 MLB Amateur Draft that made the list, headed by Casey Mize RHP (#20) Tigers, Nick Madrigal 2B (#33) Chisox, Joey Bart C (#36) Giants, and Alec Bohm 3B (#46) Phillies.  Joey Bart is going to a great addition to the Giants, probably sometime in 2020.

 

The Dodgers’ Top 30 also had some significant changes.  The current prospect list is:

  1. Alex Verdugo – OF
  2. Keibert Ruiz – C
  3. Will Smith – C
  4. Dustin May – RHP
  5. Dennis Santana – RHP
  6. Gavin Lux – SS/2B
  7. Mitchell White – RHP
  8. DJ Peters – OF
  9. Jeren Kendall – OF
  10. Yadier Alvarez – RHP
  11. Caleb Ferguson – LHP
  12. Diego Cartaya – C – New Addition
  13. Michael Grove – RHP – New Addition (2nd round 2018 draftee)
  14. Edwin Rios – 3B/1B
  15. Tony Gonsolin – RHP
  16. Edwin Uceta – RHP – New Addition
  17. Connor Wong – C
  18. Braydon Fisher – RHP – New Addition (4th round 2018 draftee)
  19. John Rooney – RHP – New Addition (3rd round 2018 draftee)
  20. Luke Raley – 1B/OF
  21. Drew Jackson – 2B/SS
  22. Errol Robinson – SS/2B
  23. Matt Beaty – 1B/3B
  24. Ronny Brito – SS
  25. Marshall Kasowski – RHP – New Addition
  26. Cristian Santana – 3B/1B
  27. Starling Heredia – OF
  28. Jordan Sheffield – RHP
  29. Gerardo Carrillo – RHP – New Addition
  30. Robinson Ortiz – LHP – New Addition

 

The new additions replaced the following prospects:

  1. Yusniel Diaz – Traded
  2. Dean Kremer – Traded
  3. James Marinan – Traded
  4. Jake Peter
  5. Donovan Casey
  6. Morgan Cooper
  7. Omar Estevez
  8. Imani Abdullah – Retired

 

Dustin May (from #10 to #4) and Gavin Lux (from #12 to #6) made big jumps up. Smith and May jumped into the top 100, while Ruiz (#3) and Smith (#5) made top 10 catchers.

 

The biggest drops were Starling Heredia and Jordan Sheffield.  Yadier Alvarez still remains in the top 10 on sheer ability, but nowhere close to top 10 in results.  The same is true with Jeren Kendall.  It will be fun to watch the development of the three international pitchers:

 

Edwin Uceta – 20 year old, Villa Los Almacigos, Dominican Republic, now at Great Lakes – 18 GS, 86.2 IP, 3.53 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 25 BB, 88 K.

 

Gerardo Carrillo – 19 year old, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, currently at Great Lakes – 5 Games / 3 GS with AZL and Great Lakes, 21.2 IP, 0.42 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 5 BB, 23 K.

 

Robinson Ortiz – 18 year old, Dominican Republic, 6 G / 4 GS at AZL, 21.2 IP, 3.32 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 7 BB, 28K.

 

The Dodgers have 4 catchers in their top 17.  There are 11 RHP and 3 LHP in the top 30; 4 middle infielders; 5 OF, and 3 1B/3B.

 

The Dodgers still have 4 Top 100 even where they have been drafting.

 

 

This article has 67 Comments

  1. Is Muncy the real deal? If so, is he now the long-term first baseman? Does that mean that Bellinger is the long-term center fielder? If so, is Bellinger no longer untouchable?
    .
    Would the Yankees trade Gleyber Torres for Bellinger? That would give the Dodgers a long-term second baseman that is already a MLB contributor and allows Taylor to move back to CF if Machado is signed.
    .
    The Dodger infield could be Seager 3B, Machado SS, Torres 2B, Muncy or Turner 1B. It could also mean Turner or Muncy could be traded next year.
    .
    The longer term outfield would be Pederson, Taylor, and Verdugo with Kemp and Puig only under contract through 2019.
    .
    Do the Dodgers have enough pitching to trade Hill to the Yankees for a stud reliever? Maybe Hill and Bellinger for Torres and stud reliever.

    1. Bellinger is not going anmywhere and he is the Long Term 1B. The NL will have the DH next year – Write it down! I said it, I meant it and I’m here to represent it! Muncy is our DH… and while 1B is Muncy’s best position, he still is not very good there. He is a liability anywhere but DH!

      1. Dodgers could use the DH next year for sure. But if Muncy is the DH, where will Turner, Seager, Machado, Bellinger, Taylor play? Bellinger could move to CF until Turner’s contract expires and Turner or Seager could play first. That leaves the outfield more crowded though. Trades are needed or maybe not go after Machado.

  2. Bellinger will never go anywhere. at least not until he reach free agency and ask for 45 million dollars per season!

  3. While Dean Kremer will certainly be missed, and I hope he has a long career with the O’s, but he was expendable because of the emergence of Tony Gonsolin as a starter. In last night’s 4-2 Tulsa win, he 6′ 2″ right-hander threw seven dominant innings, surrendering just three hits and two runs to the Arkansas Travelers (Mariners). He walked 2 batters while striking out 11, matching a season high for a Drillers pitcher. Gonsolin improved to a perfect 3-0 in three starts since joining the Drillers. He has struck out 26 batters in 19 innings with Tulsa with a 2.84 ERA.
    .
    Gonsolin’s effort was not the only outstanding pitching last night. Brock Stewart also threw a dominant seven innings. The 6′ 3″ RHP allowed 1 run on 2 hits and 2 walks, with 7 strikeouts. He lowered his OKC ERA to 2.83 in 57.1 IP. Ariel Hernandez and Pat Venditte pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th inning to complete the 4-1 OKC victory over the Albuquerque Isotopes (Rockies). The offense generated 14 hits with Donovan Solano leading the way with a 3-4 night. Edwin Rios, Angelo Mora, and Jake Peter all had 2 hit nights. Stewart also contributed a double on the night.

  4. Bum – Really like your 2019 lineup with the signing of Manny… I have now interjected ‘Multiple Funks’ into my conversations with my baseball buddies at the pool…
    Anyone out there… Is this NL DH thing a real possibility for the NL in 2019…More than likely a big chunk of change for the NL owners added to their budget!?!? Yikes…
    Trading Belli already??

  5. Could Solano be the answer to the black hole at 2nd base? Could the Dodgers have had the solution to their problem all along in Solano? Or is he just a ss/3b option. Just wondering. He is hitting like .380 or something.

    1. On Solano: never say never, but for me, Lux is gathering steam. I am hopping on the Luxmobile! He is on target for 2020.

      Turner could play 2B for a year.

      The DH is coming to the NL as is roster expansion (to 26 or 27). NL pitchers are hitting about .100 this year. Most are never taught to hit as the DH is used in high school and almost every other league. If you are a purist, then go back to the old gloves – hell, don’t even use gloves, sharpen the spikes, take out the catcher and chew tobacco! The DH is coming – even Ray Charles can see that.

      How about this lineup NEXT year:
      1. Turner 2B
      2. Manny SS
      3. Seager 3B
      4. Bellinger 1B
      5. Kemp LF
      6. Muncy DH
      7. Verdugo RF
      8. Toles CF
      9. Smith C

      Bench: Kike, Austin, Farmer

      Traded: Taylor, Puig and Pederson = Could bring a haul!

      1. I think Ray Charles has had hallucinations a few times on this board and hopefully he’s wrong again. Most prefer the NL play of strategy and double-switching. I believe pitchers on avg hit .125. The avg DH’s batting avg isn’t all that great. Guys like Papi are few and far between. Bad defenders should be exposed for being bad defenders. With all the shifting the Dodgers do and the talent in the outfield I prefer hiding Muncy at 2nd.
        ~
        It’s long overdue that Lux gets moved to AA. Seems strange that he hasn’t been moved up. The Dodgers have generally been aggressive in challenging their prospects. I’d expect Jackson or Robinson to get moved soon so Lux can be promoted.
        ~
        With Puig’s return could we see Forsythe DFA’d this weekend? It’s coming sooner than later. I sure hope it means less Kike in the starting lineup. He’s a platoon player. While extremely versatile in the field, he’s a bit of a one-trick poney at the plate. Fastball middle-in.

    2. Donovan Solano is having a tremendous year, but he is 30 and will turn 31 at the end of the year. Solano is also in a long line of middle infielders who have been turned into utility players; Kike’, Tim Locastro, Drew Jackson, and probably Errol Robinson, and that may be where CT3 is heading.
      .
      Diversification is fine, but at some point you need to have a full time 2B (right???). Maybe CT3, Kike’, Tim Locastro, maybe Solano, maybe trade, maybe FA. 2B will be wide open. It will not be Logan, or Chase, or Muncy.
      .
      It is possible that FAZ will try to hold onto Solano with a Charlie Culberson type contract and an invite to ML camp in ST. However it is probable that Solano will select FA at the end of this year and seek a better opportunity elsewhere, as he did with NYY after 2017.

  6. I think your right, this may be the time to trade some of these players, at their highest value.

    Because most wont duplicate these numbers, especially numbers based only on four, or five games.

    You were right, there are far to many streaky hitters on this team, along with three outcome hitters.

    And you can’t count on players like this, to be there most of the year.

    A team can barely afford to carry two streaky hitters on a team, but in the post season, steaky hitters can kill a team, if this is their time off.

    Because good pitching almost always, stops good hitting, including hitters that hit more consistently, let alone, hitters that can be on or off, like a switch, in their next pitch, or their next at bat.

  7. I believe it was Nomar who mentioned several nights ago, that Bellinger has ceased using the Matt Kemp suggestion that he bend his knees while at the plate. And I have noticed that Bellinger has returned to standing up straight at the plate without that bend. Could that be the reason that Bellinger has ceased hitting again?

    Regarding you lineup for next year:

    1. I’m not so sure that Turner can play 2B effectively anymore. And I tend to think that playing 2B would be more taxing on his body as he gets older.
    2. Just hoping that we sign Manny.
    3. If his arm allows, I like Seager at 3B. However, since I’m not convinced that Turner would be a capable second baseman, I’m thinking that Seager will be elsewhere next year, be it SS, 2B, 1B. A lot could depend on how well his elbow responds to rehab, and whether or not Manny signs with the Dodgers.
    4. Bellinger at 1B is GG caliber. But if Seager’s elbow is better off at 1B next year, I still don’t rule out Bellinger being in the outfield.
    5. As of now, Kemp in LF makes sense.
    6. Muncy at DH also makes sense, if, in fact, the DH comes to the NL.
    7. I love Verdugo in RF, even though I still like Puig.
    8. I am not on the Toles bandwagon, and if they’re all not traded as you suggest, I prefer Taylor, Puig and Pederson for an outfield spot. In fact, I prefer Kike’ to Toles in the OF. Where everybody plays (LF, CF, RF) can be worked out depending on the actual mix of players.
    9. I have no problem with Smith at catcher, although I admit that I don’t know enough about him to really have an opinion. The assumption is that Grandal will be gone.

    I imagine that the evaluation of our farm system could change between now and next year, given that the international signing period stretches from July 2, 2018 through June 15, 2019. Still conceivable that there could be significant signings between now and next June 15th.

  8. I agree with Hawkeye that Lux is long overdue for a AA promotion. I have said so for weeks. The jump from A+ to AA is considered the most eye-opening and toughest jump in the development. Gavin should be exposed to AA this year to see if he gets overwhelmed. My guess is that he will not be overwhelmed. Why was Zach McKinstry promoted over Lux? It is not that McKinstry is a bad player. Quite the contrary. But his ceiling is that of a utility player; probably AAAA. Lux is the the 2B of the future, and maybe that is as early as 2020. Both Bo Bichette and Carter Kieboom have already made the jump. Like Seager did at 20, it is time for Lux to play AA.
    .
    Solano and Mora are great depth. But Errol Robinson and Drew Jackson need to be pushed as well. Are they truly prospects or not? August gives them one month at AAA. Or as Hawkeye suggested, included in a trade over the weekend.
    .
    It has taken me a while, but Gavin Lux has won me over. I truly wanted Bo Bichette and Carter Kieboom as a backup plan, and both were available when the Dodgers selected Lux. But Lux has developed as Gasparino suggested he would, and now I am one of Gavin’s biggest supporters. He is a 1st round pick that needs to be pushed. His personality and drive seems to fit the mold of Seager, Utley, and Bellinger. Now let’s see if his talent can approach theirs.

    1. I read an interesting piece on Lux. It cited how young he is still. It seems like we’ve been talking about him forever. The second point of the article was that being from Wisconsin, Lux didn’t get to play as many high school games as warm weather prospects. So, the Dodgers would be a little more patient with him. The article changed my opinion of him. However, we all know the Cal League is a hitters league so let’s see what he can do at Tulsa for a good month. Since the Cal league is such a hitters league it makes me think Kendall is a bust. I know they say to give speed guys more time to develop but I’m guessing he’s a little old for the Cal League too.

      1. If they moved Lux to AA now, what does that do for Robinson and Jackson, the starting infield at Tulsa? Is one relegated to bench? Is one moved to AAA? Is one demoted? Perhaps that’s the main reason Lux hasn’t been moved up yet. Part of me was hoping the Robinson to Baltimore in the Machado deal rumors were true; that would have opened a spot for Lux

        1. Really the only middle infielders at OKC are Angelo Mora, Donovan Solano and Jake Peter. None of the three would seem to fit into the future as a LAD. In my world, I would move Errol Robinson to OKC to play SS and move Solano to 2B. Mora can rotate with Connor Joe at 3B, and periodically fill in at SS and 2B. That would move Jake Peter to the bench. The question would be…who is a better prospect, Errol Robinson/Drew Jackson or Jake Peter. Alex Burg would either be released or placed on the DL.
          .
          Lux would then move to Tulsa to play SS, or move Jackson back to SS and make Lux begin to concentrate at 2B. Lux should play wherever he feels most comfortable while playing at AA.
          .
          That would be in my world.

  9. 1 – No DH in the NL next year – it won’t happen
    2 – Seager is too tall to play 2B and it would be too hard on his surgically-repaired elbow to make the throw to 1st after the pivot
    3 – Tuner can’t play 2B any more. He has bad knees and he’s too old
    4 – Muncy can’t field anywhere. Maybe he gets traded to the AL?
    5 – Machado will not be resigned by the Dodgers next year. I don’t see the Braintrust signing anyone to a $300MM contract
    6 – The Dodgers already have a surplus of OF and it’s getting worse. I think that Puig is the one to go. He’s under team control for 1 more season and Verdugo is his heir apparent. If Seager can’t play SS then he’s moving to 1B which means that Bellinger will be in the OF next year. I suppose that either Toles or Joc could be dealt instead of or in addition to Puig.
    7 – The Dodgers as constructed will have a 2B problem again next year unless they decide to play Taylor or Kike there every day. I expect Taylor to be the 2B with Kike in a utility role. If Seager can’t handle SS then Taylor moves to SS. That’s actually what I expect.
    8 – Will Grandal be back next year? It’s looking more likely that he will. Barnes hasn’t proved that he can do it every day and Smith/Ruiz aren’t ready yet.
    C – Grandal
    1B – Seager
    2B – Hernandez
    3B – Turner
    SS – Taylor
    LF – Kemp
    CF – Bellinger
    RF – Verdugo

    1. 1. But Mark said to write it down.
      2. Seager to third.
      3/4. Turner/Muncy DHing (see #1)
      5. I think Machado will be resigned (at least FAZ will make the effort). Dodgers need some star power and Manny would give them that.
      6. We should know Puig’s standing within a few days (although Bum swears he’s going to Miami).
      7. Agree. Taylor to 2nd and Hernandez as the super utility guy.
      8. I see Grandal getting a multi-year contract elsewhere. Catching duo next season: Maldonado and Smith.
      C – Maldonado and Smith
      1B – Bellinger
      2B – Taylor
      3B – Seager
      SS – Machado
      LF – Kemp/Pederson
      CF – Verdugo
      RF – Puig

    2. This weird comment about Seager not being able to play 2B because of stress on the elbow after the pivot is one of the more interesting things I’ve read.

      Can you expand on it?

      1. Turning the pivot requires the thrower to throw across and away from the body increasing the valgus torque to the elbow.

        1. If pitchers can come back after TJ’s and throw harder than ever. I’m sure Seager could handle 2B especially with the lame slide rules at 2B these days. DJ Lemaheu is just as tall as Seager. If the Dodgers go after Machado and get him, I’m sure they could figure it out. I’d expect JT or Seager to play 1B if such a move were made. Bellinger could man CF until Turner’s contract is over.

    3. Rick, you said the Dodgers would not trade for Machado, and they did. I said the same thing and I was just as wrong. Maybe we fans do not know FAZ like we think. Maybe they will sign somebody to a big contract. We are just assuming that it will be in the $300M range. From everything I read and hear, Machado loves the Dodgers. NYY does not need him, but they will make a good offer. The Phillies tell everyone that they will not be outbid. I am sure that FAZ can make an argument for him to sign in LA if that is what they want and if that is what Machado wants. Not everybody is like Greinke who goes to the highest bidder.
      .
      I continually hear how Seager is too tall to play 2B. However, DJ LeMahieu is also 6’4″ and he plays 2B just fine…better than most. I am not a doctor so I do not know how his elbow would handle 2B. But I do believe that way too many sell his athleticism short. I also believe that after the season, FAZ will have better knowledge of Seager’s elbow status and will talk to both Machado and Seager to see if they can coexist, with one playing SS and one playing 3B. Seager will be the key voice. If both insists on SS, Seager will win out. Maybe Machado will agree to 3B if he gets paid SS money. There are way too many questions right now to even speculate as to what might happen.
      .
      JT will either be at 3B or 1B…not at 2B. His knee needs days off when playing 3B, what do you think will happen if he is playing 2B. I also know he would do so if he were asked.
      .
      The Dodgers do have too many OF. I do believe that at least one of them will be gone by Tuesday at 1:00 PM PT. I cannot begin to speculate as to which one(s) may be traded. And to make things even more interesting, the Dodgers have checked in on Bryce Harper’s availability. It appears they want to be heard if the Nats do decide to sell. They have already said they will be a strong candidate to resign him next year.
      .
      Grandal will get a QO, but I do not see him agreeing to it. He is going to get paid big dollars next year over a number of years (3-5), and the Dodgers will not commit to more than 1 for Grandal, with Smith and Ruiz knocking on the door.
      .
      I have zero idea what FAZ is thinking about 2B for 2018. There are way too many intangibles and unknowns for there to be any clarity.

  10. DJ LeMahieu is 6’4” tall, which I believe is the same height as Seager, and he plays and has also won a GG at 2nd base. I’m not saying that Seager will play 2nd next year, but it can’t be completely ruled out, and certainly not for height.

    1. I don’t buy the part about Seager not being able to play 2B or about Turners’ knees. I have played both places and both hurt my damn knees.

      1. They might want a couple…

        Man, are the Nationals a train wreck or what?

    1. Vasseigh reported the entire report is bogus. He spoke to the Dodgers peeps and they said there was absolutely nothing to it. Often DV doesn’t know what he’s talking about, but I believed him on this one. I find it more likely that the Dodgers check in on their relief pitchers.

  11. While you are writing:

    1. The DH will come to the NL next yedar; and
    2. The Dodgers will re-sign Manny IF he wants to play in LA!

  12. Asdrubal Cabrera to the Phillies for Franklyn Kilome. Kilome is 6’6″. He is 23 at AA. He was the Phillies #10 prospect. This pisses off the Brewers. Stearns does not seem to want to pull the trigger on anything.

    1. One thing about the DH that will be interesting is that the players union is still bent out of shape about last year’s off-season. They aren’t in a cooperating mood.

      1. The Commish is going to give them an additional roster spots to go with the DH.

  13. The DBacks got Eduardo Escobar. They traded OF Gabriel Maciel (DBacks #10), RHP Jhoan Duran (DBacks #19), and RF Ernie De La Trinidad.
    .
    All three are at Kane County, the DBacks Midwest League affiliate.
    .
    Maciel is 19 and batting .287/.362/.333/.696.
    .
    De La Trinidad is 22 and batting .311/.403/.442/.845.
    .
    Duran is 20, 6’5″ RHP. He is wild and needs to learn how to pitch but he has found some success at Kane County.
    .
    All three could work out, and all three could flame out. If you want comparisons to the OF, take a look at Great Lakes’ OF and see what they are hitting. Brayan Morales is probably the closest in talent, but he is a CF with different skill sets.

    1. I would also say that it is improbale that Escobar can continue has current pace at nearly 30… but stranger things have happened.

  14. Astro acquire Martin Maldonado is very intesting teade. It is an exatly piece. It would be as Dodgers would acquire an strong 8th man

  15. Bumsrap mention Bellinger to the Yankees Torres as a possibility can someone answer what it Bellinger’s trade value at this point

  16. Wow this Atl starter has 100 pitches and we’re still in the 5th. We’ve done an excellent job making this guy work! Love these at bats

    1. This is why they desperately need an 8th inning / set up guy for Jansen.

      Taking Kersh out there is the right call though… 10 times out of 10.

    1. Maybe Kershaw and Kenley just need some Hotlanta humidity to loosen things up and get their velo up. Verdugo is going down when Puig gets activated. The Dodgers keep Forsythe around a bit longer while Toles and Verdugo play in AAA. At this point, with the outfield depth I think fo Kike and Taylor as infielders. No need to carry Forsythe other than the longshot hope of moving his money in a trade.
      ~
      I found the defensive replacements late in the game to be a bit odd. They removed Kemp, slid Joc to LF, moved Bellinger to CF, slid Muncy to 1st, and inserted Kike to 2nd. Is that a better defense than just putting Kike in CF and sliding Joc to LF and leaving the infield alone? or just putting Kike at 2B and leaving Kemp in LF? I find Muncy’s defense a bigger liability than Kemp’s at this point.

  17. A few observations: Kershaw more velo tonight, left in too long but lucky tonight, he is improving. I have given up on kike being a regular. He has had plenty of opportunities this year and still at the Mendoza line. I still like him and he can come through in big games but I just don’t think he is a starter. However, I would start him everyday for sure if the other choice is Forsythe. Fortunately, when turner comes back healthy Forsythe can be designated. Grandal is on his usual July hot streak. Historically, he is really horrible after July. Will this be the year he reverses his dive? If not Barnes needs to wake up quick. I prefer to play atlanta as opposed to philly in the playoffs. We seem to just roll over against arrietta. Wood was hammered by Atlanta last year. Stripling is heading the wrong direction. The next 2 games will be tough.

    1. Agreed on all counts. Doesn’t mean it will happen. I do think Wood and Stripling have good games in them, would be nice to at least split and go home with a 6-4 road trip against quality teams. The team is really inconsistent but is a thing of beauty when the arms and bats line up. Muncy probably could use a day off to clear his head. Bellinger needs to hit more like Joc, take it the other way. I am weary of weak ground balls and wild K’s with runners in scoring position. Machado is about to go off, watch for a big home stand.

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