Let’s quickly check in on how the Top 30 Angels prospects are faring a week into the 2016 season:
30. Samuel Pastrone – RHP
Will likely head to Rookie Ball in Orem as expected.
29. Andrew Daniel – 2B/3B
Somewhat surprisingly, Daniel was promoted to AA and finds himself playing 3B exclusively. Hitting in the middle of the order. Stock is headed up.
28. Julio Garcia – SS
Likely returning to Arizona for short-season ball, which was expected.
27. Jake Jewell – RHP
The Angels put him in Inland Empire as expected, but are also keeping him in the rotation even though most reports suggest his future resides in the ‘pen.
26. Jared Foster – OF
Very athletic outfielder still too raw for full-season ball. Stock down.
25. Hunter Green – LHP
Has retired. I’d say that would drive his stock down, wouldn’t you? In all seriousness, we wish Hunter and his family the best.
24. Alex Abbott – OF
Heads to full-season ball in Burlington with high expectations. Good power/speed/defense combo.
23. Jeremy Rhoades – RHP
At Inland Empire as a starter. Back to the scene of the crime, where he was lit up at the end of last season.
22. Tim Arakawa – 2B
After laying waste to A Ball, Arakawa has moved to Advanced A and is splitting his time between left field and second base, which is understandable given that Fletcher and Baldoquin are both playing middle infield. Stock continues to rise.
21. Greg Mahle – LHP
Had an incredible spring and has parlayed that into a role in the Angels bullpen. Stock is way up, and this is the last time he’ll appear on our top prospect profile.
20. David Fletcher – SS
After a highly successful post-draft campaign in A Ball, Fletcher moves up to Inland Empire and has pretty much displaced Roberto Baldoquin as the starting shortstop, though both will log some time at second as well. Had a great spring, stock is up.
19. Bo Way – CF
Promoted to AA, playing center field, has moved Chad Hinshaw over to left field. Looks great so far. Stock continues to rise.
18. Eduardo Paredes – RHP
Back in Inland Empire and still shaking off some early season rust.
17. Sherman Johnson – 2B
Back in AA again after a miserable second half to last season. Angels like his profile as a middle infielder, but he has to prove he can hit AA before moving on.
16. Kyle McGowin – RHP
Back in AA after having a very good second half there last year. Has looked brilliant in his first two starts this year. Should be in AAA soon. Stock is up.
15. Brendon Sanger – OF
Sanger has switched positions and is now playing second base. Bat plays up in a HUGE way as a middle infielder. Stock is up.
14. Ayendy Perez – OF
Starting in center in Advanced A Ball.
13. Natanael Delgado – OF
Traded to the Orioles for AAA starter Chris Long.
12. Victor Alcantara – RHP
Had a very good spring, Angels are very bullish on him. Profiles very well as an elite reliever, but for now, the Angels are keeping him in the rotation. His first start in AA made him look like an ace. Maybe he is, who knows? Stock is way up.
11. Nate Smith – LHP
Smith returns to AAA, and has looked very good so far.
10. Alex Yarbrough – 2B
Back in AAA, swinging the bat with more authority, a better defender than he was a year ago.
9B. Ji-Man Choi – 1B/LF
Rule 5 pick has stuck with the Angels as reserve corner guy. Great plate discipline.
9. Roberto Baldoquin – SS
Seeing as the Angels have Simmons penciled in at shortstop for the next five years at least, Baldoquin’s move across the bag over to second is actually a good thing for him. Still dealing with chronic injuries.
8. Chad Hinshaw – OF
He really should be in AAA right now, but because Eppler acquired so much outfield depth, it has forced Hinshaw down to a level he’s already conquered.
7. Kaleb Cowart – 3B
Now that he’s the main man at third base in AAA, his bat is really starting to catch up with his glove. Stock is up.
6. Grayson Long – RHP
First start in A Ball made Long look like a man among boys. Just utterly dominant. Expect him to be promoted at some point this year.
5. Joe Gatto – RHP
Decent first start in full season ball. Looks strong.
4. Jett Bandy – C
Just crushing the ball in AAA right now. He really is major league ready.
3. Jahmai Jones – OF
Showed a lot of promise in Rookie Ball, should be headed to Orem this year.
2. Kyle Kubitza – 2B/LF
Kubitza’s stock is down after another poor spring, but on the bright side he’s now playing left field and second base. Both are spots in the majors the Angels are currently weak at. Might have a future with the club still.
1. Taylor Ward – C
Looks very good at Inland Empire.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
