It's been a time of transition for the Angels minor league system this season, but quite a few prospects are making the most of their opportunity and climbing the prospect ranks. Keep in mind folks, this is NOT a top prospect list, this is simply the best performers so far on the season.
Catcher – Jett Bandy AA (.229/.304 12 DB 1 HR 37% CS) – There weren't really any options, but Bandy was not only the most athletic and advanced in development among catchers, he's nabbed a spectacular 37% of potential base stealers. For these reasons, he gets the nod.
First Base – Efren Navarro AAA (.340/.430 18 DB 5 HR 40/48 BB/K) – As you no doubt already know, Navarro is blocked in the major leagues and doesn't have a ton of upside, but he's killing the ball in AAA and pitchers can't keep him off base.
Second Base – Taylor Lindsey AA (.276/.340 13 DB 10 HR 24/37 BB/K) – Lindsey has really put together a good season in AA. He's young for the league, is hitting for surprising power and is left handed.
Shortstop – Eric Stamets A+ (.306/.381 10 DB 1 HR 21/27 BB/K 8 SB) – Stamets is the top defensive shortstop in the entire system, is getting on base at a high clip, possesses 70 grade speed and is hitting over .300. The Angels finally have a legitimate all-star shortstop, whereas years before, much like catcher, we were forced to pick the least bad player.
Third Base – Luis Jimenez AAA (.297/.343 5 DB 3 HR 9/17 BB/K) – Lucho has spent a large chunk of the year with the Angels, yet in the 32 games he's played in Salt Lake, he's outperformed every other Angels third baseman, many whom have played in twice the amount of games.
Left Field – Zach Borenstein A+ (.315/.357 13 DB 16 HR 4 SB) – Borenstein has been on fire in Advanced A Ball. Hitting well over .300 with that kind of power is really eye-opening.
Centerfield – Kyle Johnson A (.314/.420 16 DB 2 HR 30 SB) – Johnson is more of a corner OF, but given his speed he'll cover CF for this all-star team. Johnson is currently on pace to swipe upwards of 60 bases, post a batting average well over .300 and an OBP well over .400. Of course he's an all-star.
Right Field – Kole Calhoun AAA (.328/.410 8 DB 6 HR 16/15 BB/K 7 SB) – Calhoun hasn't played in many games this season, but the ones he has player in, he's been a difference maker.
Designated Hitter – C.J. Cron AA (.294/.332 21 DB 5 HR 5 SB) – Cron has crushed the ball in his first stint in AA so far, just not as far as he's needed, which explains the abnormally high number of doubles and low number of HR.
Starting Pitcher (1) – LHP Kramer Sneed A+ (7-1 3.12 ERA 66 IP 64 K's) – Sneed, also known as that one guy they got for Vernon Wells has been nothing short of spectacular in Advanced A Ball. He isn't a well known prospect, but being tall, left handed and having a low 90's fastball never hurts.
Starting Pitcher (2) – LHP Ryan Crowley A (6-2 2.81 ERA 64 IP 53 K's) – Crowley has flown largely under the radar, but the 22 year old, tall lefty has been the top pitcher in Burlington this year.
Starting Pitcher (3) – RHP Alex Keudell A (4-3 3.16 ERA 68 IP 47 K's) The former Oregon Duck was picked up after the Yankees mysteriously part ways with him following a solid performance. Keudell has been just about as good as Crowley this year and deserves this spot.
Reliever (1) – RHP Mike Morin A+ (1.78 ERA 35 IP 40 K's) – Morin has been without a shadow of a doubt, the best reliever in the Angels system so far. In fact, it's puzzling why he's still in A+ Ball. Good K's, hardly any BB, low 90's fastball, best changeup in the organization.
Reliever (2) – RHP R.J. Alvarez A+ (2.54 ERA 28 IP 47 K's) – Another pitcher I can't for the life of me fathom why he's still in A+ ball. The BB/9 is a bit ugly, but look at the arsenal, K/9 and ERA.
Reliever (3) – RHP Cam Bedrosian A (6.34 ERA 32 IP 36 K's) You may be wondering to yourself why someone with a 6+ ERA is an all-star. As a reliever, Bedrock Jr. owns a sparkling 2.93 ERA with 33 K's in 27 innings. So since being transitioned to relief, Cam Bedrosian has been an all-star for the Angels.
Reserves
C – Abel Baker (A+)
1B – Michael Snyder (A+)
2B – Alex Yarbrough (A+)
SS – Pedro Toribio (A)
3B – Kaleb Cowart (AA)
OF – Matt Long (AA/AAA)
OF – Randal Grichuk (AA)
OF – Travis Witherspoon (AA)
DH – Roberto Lopez (AAA)
SP – Jarrett Grube (AA/AAA)
SP – Mark Sappington (A+)
SP – Brandon Hynick (AA)
RP – Jeremy Berg (AAA)
RP – Kevin Johnson (AA)
RP Michael Cisco (AA)
Congrats to all those selected. It is a high honor. Former winners include the likes of Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo and Garrett Richards.
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