March 18, 2014

Minor League Update

Spring Training Games of March 17

by Jeff Moore

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We’re at the point in spring training when most of the prospects left in camp are either in a legitimate battle for a roster spot or are close enough to the majors that the team wants to see what it has. That, coupled with rain throughout parts of Florida on Monday, didn’t leave us with as much prospect action as usual, but most of the guys who had big days will be major leaguers at some point in 2014.

• Kolten Wong, 2B, Cardinals: 3-4, 2B. No, spring training stats don’t matter, but when you’re handing a job over to a prospect, it’s nice to see him have some success to alleviate concern.
• Xander Bogaerts, SS, Red Sox: 1-2, R, 2B, BB. Bogaerts has had a few bumps in the road this spring, but there is little reason to worry. He’s going to be the Red Sox’ Opening Day shortstop, and he’s going to be just fine.
• Javier Baez, 2B, Cubs: 1-3, 2 K. Baez didn’t do anything particularly notable on Monday, but he did get the start at second base (with Darwin Barney starting at shortstop), perhaps indicating a potential plan for the Cubs future. At the very least, some experience at the position will increase his versatility for the beginning of his career, when the Cubs might be trying to squeeze Starlin Castro, Mike Olt, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Baez into the same infield.
• Matt Davidson, 3B, White Sox: 2-4, 2 R, K, 2 2B. There are some questions about Davidson’s bat, but not nearly enough to keep him from playing every day on the South Side this spring. His power will play.
• Tim Wheeler, OF, Rockies: 1-2, R, HR, K. A second spring home run doesn’t seem like a big deal for a guy who once hit 33 in a minor-league season, but considering Wheeler hit just two in 92 games in 2012 and just five in all of last season, any power showings are a big deal.
• Yordano Ventura, RHP, Royals: 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K. Could he be even better than advertised? I’m trying not to get too worked up about spring performances, but I’m really excited about a full season of Ventura in the majors.