Position players may not be growing on trees in the Los Angeles system, but the pitching is certainly deep and plentiful. In fact, five of the top six prospects on most sites are on the mound. With a rotation and bullpen that could use a shot in the arm, the team will not have to look outside their own walls to fill the needs. Offense may need to be found outside, but it is much easier to address one area when another is strong.
In looking at and evaluating minor league systems, one that is sometimes overlooked is out in Los Angeles. The Angels have managed to bring up key pieces to their lineup through the farm system. Though none of the players here necessarily have the same cache that many felt Brandon Wood brought to the table, they certainly seem more steady and will be more consistent and productive options long-term.
For a while, what we have largely received out of the Giants' prospect pool have been pitchers. The likes of Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson have peppered the system for years. While the Giants still have that developing on the farm, they are also getting back to the business of producing bats. Buster Posey is just the first of those that are seen and can swing the bat well. Others are not too far behind him.
Sometimes all you have to look forward to is next year. While the Padres, Giants, Rockies, and even the Dodgers are battling it out for a division title and wild card spot, the Diamondbacks have not much left other than to ride it out. It is a shame that it came to trading an ace pitcher, but without enough talent in the stables, building for the future was an easier decision. That future is relatively bright given how deep the talent is within their system.
While the Moneyball era may no longer be at the front of people’s minds, it does not mean that those who started the movement have stepped away. The Oakland A’s have continued to build from within and focus on a strong development of their farm system. That depth is showcased in their current roster and the highly-touted prospects they have in the organization.
While Ron Burgundy may have been slightly off in his definition as to what San Diego meant, there are many that may look at it to mean “Prospect Central.” This team has developed Chase Headley and a bevy of pitchers this season. The well is not yet dry in terms of production, as there are certainly players that will be ready to make a leap into the majors in the next year or two.
Collin Hager has the week off (or two) as his wife gave birth to a beautiful girl last night. In the meantime, you can check out Jay Walker's Minor League Column on the free site to keep you from your minor league withdrawal DT's. http://www.fantasypros911.com/minor-league-update-week-16.html
Rounding out the trip around the Central divisions yields a stop in Minnesota. As an organization known for developing young talent, the hype among those listed below certainly rivals the historic expectations the Twins have come to deliver.
Some teams have a plethora of positional prospects. The Tigers have plenty of pitching. Though the offense is there, it is further away and nowhere near as ready to make an impact as the prospects that they bring to the mound. Three of the players below will face hitters from the hill. The two prospects that do their damage with a bat are already somewhat known names in both baseball and fantasy circles alike.
Sometimes you get to say that better things are coming for a team based on what they have in the minors. Unfortunately, for the Houston Astros, that is not entirely the case. With the promotion of Jason Castro, the Astros find themselves with very little talent at any position and no truly elite pitching prospects of which to speak. The question as to how they will eventually rebuild may not be answered in what is currently available to them.
