March 4, 2014

Minor League Update

Spring Training Games of March 3

by Jeff Moore

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• George Springer, OF, Astros: 0-0, 4 BB, SB. I never quite know what to make of a game when a player does something like Springer did on Monday. He has a strong walk rate from the minor leagues, so we know he is a patient hitter. If anything, the fact that a young hitter with a real chance to make his team and trying to prove his worth in spring training was able to resist expanding his zone is impressive in its own right.
• Jonathan Schoop, 2B, Orioles: 2-2, 2B. With the light-hitting Ryan Flaherty and the non-hitting Jemile Weeks as the current second-base options to start the season, it’s no wonder Schoop is getting a long look this spring. He’s not an overwhelming prospect, but he does enough things well that he’d probably be more valuable than either of his competitors over the course of a full season. Schoop probably won’t break camp with the Orioles, but I’d expect him to contribute in some way at some point in 2014. He can also fill in at shortstop or third base if need be.
• Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Mets: 2 IP, H, 2 K. Syndergaard is the full package and is certainly one of the Mets’ five best healthy pitchers right now. That said, unless the Mets actually believe what they’re selling about being a 90-win team, he’s destined for Triple-A Las Vegas until June.
• Nick Castellanos, 3B, Tigers: 2-3, 2 R, HR. If the Tigers had any apprehension toward relying on an unproven rookie in a starting role, Castellanos’ spring, complete with power, should be easing their concern.
• Javier Baez, SS, Cubs: 2-3, R, HR. Cubs fans are getting a brief taste of what Baez can do this spring, but it’s only going to leave them wanting more. Baez’s swing is controlled violence, like when an old stadium is imploded with dynamite.
• Jonathan Gray, RHP, Rockies: 2 IP, 2 H, BB, 2 K. Gray made his spring training debut on Monday, with little resistance from his competition. The top prospect in the Rockies system, Gray has yet to be challenged in his brief stint in pro ball and could move quickly in his first full season.
• Jorge Bonifacio, OF, Royals: 2-2, R, HR. Emilio’s not-so-little brother has the look of a power hitter, but the big-time power production has yet to truly materialize in the minors. As a corner outfielder, he’ll need to put a few more balls over the fence than he has in the past, making 2014 a big year for his development.