October 10, 2014

Minor League Update

Arizona Fall League Games of October 9th, 2014

by Jeff Moore

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Francisco Lindor, SS, Indians (Peoria Javelinas): 4-6, 2 R, 2B, HR, K. There is a legitimate debate between Lindor, Addison Russell, and Carlos Correa for the title of the best shortstop prospect in the game. For many, it comes down to preference, with Lindor seen as the best defensive option of the trio. While that’s true, his defensive prowess often overshadows his offensive abilities, which are impressive in their own right. Lindor should provide more than enough offense to eclipse the below-average bar set by the current crop of major-league shortstops.

Aaron Northcraft, RHP, Braves (Peoria Javelinas): 3 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 2 K. Northcraft has lasted longer as a starter than anyone gave him credit for early in his development, but the rotation is still probably not his long-term home. He’s a sinker/slider pitcher with a low armslot and a changeup that’s not good enough to combat lefties. Still, he’s kept his strikeout totals respectable enough to possibly eat up some innings in the back end of a rotation. More than likely, however, he’ll settle in as a low-leverage reliever.

Roberto Osuna, RHP, Blue Jays (Mesa Solar Sox): 1 1/3 IP, 6 H, 6 R, BB, 2 K. Osuna is in the AFL to make up for the time he lost this season after having Tommy John surgery in July of 2013, but as we so often forget, the road back from surgery can often be bumpy. At full strength, he featured an upper-90s fastball, but oftentimes, velocity returns long before command does during the rehabilitation process. Osuna is still quite young (just 19) and returned to missing bats this season in High-A ball, so his future is still bright. He’s just working his way back.

Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres (Surprise Saguaros): 2-4, R, HR. Since being selected 13th overall in 2013, Renfroe has basically done exactly what was expected of him: He’s hit for good power, but with a balanced approach and better athleticism than many expect. He got a taste of Double-A this year and could return there to start next season, but his placement in the AFL suggests that the Padres could be looking at a late-summer call-up to help jumpstart a putrid offense.

Dalton Pompey, OF, Blue Jays (Mesa Solar Sox): 2-3, K, 2 SB. It’s been a long season for Pompey, who began it in High-A Dunedin and ended it in the majors before extending it even further in the desert. His progress has been impressive, as he refined his approach at the plate and closed the gap between his left- and right-handed swings. He probably needs more time in Triple-A to finish what he started last season, but he’ll be contributing in the majors at some point next year.

Bubba Starling, OF, Royals (Peoria Javelinas): 1-5, R, 3 K. The Royals refuse to give up on Starling, using one of their limited AFL spots on the former first-rounder who hit just .218 in A-ball this year and struck out 150 times. Facing his best competition yet isn’t going to make the box scores any prettier for Starling, who has yet to materialize into any kind of productive hitter as a professional.