October 21, 2010

Future Shock Blog

Minor League Update: Games of October 20

by Kevin Goldstein

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Bryce Harper, RF, Nationals (AFL: Scorpions): 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI.

The Arizona Fall League has had it's fair share of debuts, but none as anticipated as Harper's. Just five days after celebrating his 18^th birthday, Harper looked like he belonged in a league filled with nearly big-league ready prospects. His one hit was a two-run double that just missed being a home run, he had a pair of hard hit balls for outs, and at no time did he seem over-matched. He's a tremendous talent made even more so by his age, and while his limited availability (he'll play just two games a week) won't give us much statistically, just one game gave many scouts enough to believe.

Others Of Note:

• Dustin Ackley, 2B, Mariners (AFL: Javelinas): 3-for-6, 2B, 3 R, 2 K. First game back after missing a week with a finger injury; has reached base six times in 12 plate appearances.
• Hank Conger, C, Angels (VEN: Navegantes): 0-for-4, 2 K. Just 3-for-20 in six games, but here more to work on defense.
• Dan Cortes, RHP, Mariners (VEN: Cardenales): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K. Venezuela league is 1-for-13 against him; Mariners system is rich in power bullpen arms.
• Brandon Guyer, OF, Cubs (VEN: Tigres): 3-for-5, R, K. 13-for-34 (.382) in eight games; athleticism to go with the bat makes him a very real prospect.
• Jeremy Moore, OF, Angels (AFL: Solar Sox): 3-for-5, 2 2B, R, RBI, 2 K, SB. Power, speed, and hack-tastic approach that might not every allow the tools to truly shine.
• Cord Phelps, 3B, Indians (AFL: Javelinas): 2-for-4, R, RBI, 2 BB, K, SB. More important than the 5-for-13 mark in Arizona is the position; moving over to accommodate Jason Kipnis?
• Kyle Skipworth, C, Marlins (AFL: Desert Dogs): 2-for-4, HR (1), R, RBI. Aggressive assignment for 20-year-old who has yet to conquer Low-A pitching; power still impresses.
• Josh Vitters, 3B, Cubs (AFL: Solar Sox): 2-for-3, 2B, R, BB. 8-for-26 with 13 total bases and just two strikeouts; would be good to see him finish year on high note.

Kevin Goldstein is an author of Baseball Prospectus. 
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