Following Angels prospects requires an unhealthy obsession with uncertain possibilities, an unjustifiable optimism in a brighter future, a unnatural curiosity and an eye to see things that may or may not be there. And so of course, only a few Angel fans are actually crazy enough to undertake this mission. From myself (going on seven years in a row), DocHalo’s memory of obscure details, Inside Pitch’s calculations, Dave’s traveling to different minor league parks and interviewing guys other people never heard of, and finally Chuck for organizing all of it, this year’s Top 30 is a conglomeration of countless man hours and different areas of expertise. There’s no “one” person that can take credit for making this list, which offers readers a different perspective. This isn’t one knowledgeable person’s perspective, this is AngelsWin, and this is a list of men we’ve debated over and assigned a value to. Without any further ado, here are your AngelsWin Top 30 Prospects!
1. 1B Matt Thaiss
And now, our Honorable Mentions.
SS Connor Justus – A fine defensive shortstop with the tools to stay there permanently. A refined approach at the plate. The only question is, will he hit enough to make it to the majors?
LHP Kevin Grendell – A left handed reliever that can touch the mid-90’s and the mentality to attack hitters.
OF Johan Sala – 18 year old outfielder from the Dominican Republic that just oozes upside. He should come stateside next year.
RHP Jose Rodriguez – Soft tossing righty with a solid curve and change up. Spots his pitches well. An efficient pitcher, gets the easy outs.
IF Sherman Johnson – Athletic infielder, can do just about everything on the diamond except hit for average. Makes up for it with great plate discipline.
RHP Jared Ruxer – Would have been a first or second round pick out of Louisville, but needed TJ surgery. Back in action now. Sits 92+ with a good breaking ball and advanced feel for a change up. Dominant in A Ball, roughed up in Cal League, though still logged strikeouts.
2B Jordan Zimmerman – 7th round pick from Michigan State. A middle infielder with considerable power.
3B/LF Cal Towey – This guy (entering age 27 season) will not stop hitting. Solid gap power, some over-the-wall power, advanced approach at the plate, great pitch recognition. Solid athlete, smart base runner. An improbable story but he might end up being a very useful major leaguer.
2B Alex Yarbrough – Once seen as the heir to Howie Kendrick’s second base position, Yarbrough stumbled in AAA last year and spent the rest of the year in AA, where he was again solid. There’s still some hope that his development hasn’t stalled and that he will be a starting second baseman in the major leagues. He’s also added third base to his resume.
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