Los Angeles Angels Top 50 Prospect Bios: 31-50

(Zach Wright, Angels Catcher – Photo by Jeremy Long)

In our introduction to the Los Angeles Angels Top 50 Prospects, we outlined our criteria for how we rank the prospects. We acknowledge that our methodology is different from other scouting sources and includes factors that others do not. Players and fans need to understand that this is only a snapshot. We hope and expect players to move upward as they progress through the system and develop their talents. 

Players who find themselves ranked in the 31-50 category should not be upset. Instead, it is a snapshot of our assessment at the start of the season. At the end of the season, as we observe the players performing at higher levels or recovering from injuries, many of these players will move up in the rankings. 

Initially we will run a brief bio for all of the players ranked 31-50 together. After that, we will countdown our the Top 30 prospects one at a time until we have covered all of the players. Please keep checking back in with AngelsWin.com for each prospect.

31. Elliot Morris, RHP

Bats: Right Throws: Right Height: 6’4” 210 lbs. DOB: 4/26/92
(Orem): 2-2, 3.95 ERA, 11 BBs, 25 Ks, 27.1 IP

Morris’ fastball sits in the 90-92 mph range and touches 95-96. His curveball is a knockout pitch, but lacking a changeup he profiles as a reliever, where his fastball/curve would play up in short stints.

32. Eduard Santos, RHP

Bats: Right Throws: Right Height: 6’2” 220 lbs. DOB: 10/22/89
(Burlington/Inland Empire): 3-5, 5 Saves, 3.10 ERA, 30 BBs, 81 Ks, 69.2 IP

33. Wade Hinkle, 1B

Bats: Left Throws: Left Height: 6’0” 225 lbs. DOB: 9/5/89
(Burlington): .270/.359/.435 with 13 HR and 2 SB

Hinkle shows a good approach at the plate from the left side and can drive the ball to all fields. Primarily a first baseman, Hinkle will need to put up a Zach Borenstein type season in High-A this season to move up the Angels prospect charts. 

34. Tyler DeLoach, LHP

Bats: Right Throws: Left Height: 6’6” 240 lbs. DOB: 4/12/91
(Burlington): 5-5, 3.34 ERA, 22 BBs, 79 Ks, 70.0 IP

This big southpaw once hurled a no-hitter (walked one) and struck out 18 against Farmville Central in the first round of the state tournament. DeLoach attacks opposing hitters with a 91-94 MPH fastball and average offspeed offerings. Started and relieved with Burlington.  His future in the rotation depends on  the development of changeup.

35. Nate Smith, LHP

Bats: Left Throws: Left Height: 6’3” 200 lbs. DOB: 8/28/91
(Orem): 2-2, 3.86 ERA, 7 BBs, 31 Ks, 35.0 IP

Another southpaw, Smith pitches at 89-91, but can crank it up to 94 and has a solid curveball with good depth. From the scouts we’ve talked to they like Smith’s future if he can develop his changeup. If not, he projects as a good arm at the back end of the bullpen.

36. Jonah Wesely, LHP

Bats: Left Throws: Left Height: 6’2” 205 lbs. DOB: 12/8/94
(AZL-Angels): 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 BB, 0Ks, 1.0 IP

Wesely pitched well in the World Wood Bat Championships in Jupiter, Fla., last fall. Shows flashes of a four-pitch mix, including his heater that gets as high as 93 mph and solid curveball. He has a high-maintenance delivery and below-average command. Could end up as a reliever.

37. Reid Scoggins, RHP

Bats: Right Throws: Right Height: 6’3” 210 lbs. DOB: 7/18/90
(Burlington): 1-4, 3.46 ERA, 35 BBs, 76 Ks, 65.0 IP

High octane fastball-slider combo, with his fastball registering triple digits at times, but Scoggins must stay healthy and command his two pitch repertoire more effectively. Could become a late inning guy at worst if he can stay on the field.

38. Zach Wright, C/OF

Bats: Right Throws: Right Height: 6’1” 205 lbs. DOB: 1/10/90
(Inland Empire/Burlington): .262/.346/.390 with 8 HRs and 6 SBs

Wright held his own offensively in his first full season in the minors with a solid approach at the plate. Defensively Wright has a strong arm and does a good at framing pitches and job blocking balls in the dirt.

39. Joey Krehbiel, RHP

Bats: Right Throws: Right Height: 6’2” 185 lbs. DOB: 12/20/92
(Burlington): 6-5, 1 Save, 2.74 ERA, 28 BBs, 70 Ks, 65.2 IP

Athletic as pitchers come, Krehbiel is a converted infielder from Florida where he hit .462 with a .769 slugging percentage his senior year. Scouts liked him as a pitcher after he displayed a low 90’s fastball and solid changeup. As of now he’s a reliever, but if Krehbiel can develop a third offering like a slider or curve, he could slot in as a starting pitcher.

A non-drafted free agent with a low 90s fastball and plus slider. Has the potential to pitch 7th/8th innings and could move through the system quickly.

Tommy John surgery cost Clevinger most of his 2013 season. When healthy, he sports 4 solid pitches with low 90s heat and has the potential to be a #3/4 starter when healthy.

An AngelsWin.com crowd favorite from Fanfests, Piazza was a Texas League All-Star in 2013. Moved into the rotation in 2012, has continued to work in the rotation to get more innings. With improved command, could earn a bullpen spot. Hits 92-93 MPH with his fastball with a good breaking ball.

Solid defensive catcher (41% CS rate), with plus skills behind the plate. Works well with pitchers. Should show more power with his bat in 2014. McGee improved his slugging percentage from .275 to .525 entering the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. Has an advanced approach at plate (14/10 BB:K rate).

Young, potential spark plug with plus speed. A two-sport star in high school, has strong athleticism. Defensively he takes good routes on balls, and has a plus arm. Could add a little power as he matures.

Recently signed by the Angels (1/27/14) Lianmy recently converted to pitching after playing SS. At 17 years old, throws low 90s, a developing curve and changeup with advanced command for his age.

An undisclosed injury sent Tillman from Double-A down to Rookie ball with a slight return to Single-A near the end of the season. When healthy, throws mid-90s fastball and one of the system’s best sliders. Needs to work on command.

Another side-arm guy, Keudell throws upper 80s generating a lot of ground ball outs. Originally drafted by Tampa Bay, the Angels signed him after he was released in 2012. A starter for now, long-term a move to the pen may be in order at the upper levels.

Low 90s fastball with good sink generating ground balls. Needs to work on repeating his mechanics and hitting the corners. Should start at Triple-A again where he will refine his skills and await a shot in Anaheim.