The Angels have one of the bottom ranked minor league systems. In all honesty, the way they have structured their team building within the past couple of seasons, this trend doesn’t seem likely to change. It isn’t necessarily that the Angels are so weak, but more of a philosophy in development that has created more major leaguers than most other systems but lacks the necessary upside. In essence, you’re looking at more Kole Calhouns rather than Mark Trumbos. They don’t appear on top prospect lists but are definitely major leaguers. These are the top tools in the organization.
Pitching
Fastball
Minor Leagues: R.J. Alvarez. 97 mph with movement.
Major Leagues: Garrett Richards. Sits 95-96 with movement as a starter.
Slider
Minor Leagues: R.J. Alvarez. A true put away pitch, though he has trouble controlling it.
Major Leagues: Garrett Richards. A reliever’s slider in a starter’s arsenal. Definitely a put away pitch, and he can throw it for a strike.
Curve
Minor Leagues: Hunter Green. Already considered a “plus” pitch.
Major Leagues: Tyler Skaggs. Zito-esque lefty hook.
Change up
Minor Leagues: Mike Morin. Best change up in the minors and majors.
Major Leagues: Jered Weaver. Very good fade, uses it in the right spots.
Control
Minor Leagues: Mike Morin. BB/9 under 2.
Major Leagues: Jered Weaver. He might walk one batter per start.
Command
Minor Leagues: Tyler DeLoach. Late in the season, Tyler owned both sides of the plate in A Ball.
Major Leagues: Jered Weaver. With an 87 mph fastball, Weaver is forced to live on deception, working the corners and spotting his pitches.
Mechanics
Minor Leagues: Elliot Morris. This is a subjective grade, but Morris’ pre-release motion, arm-slot and follow through are picture perfect. Exactly what is taught.
Major Leagues: C.J. Wilson. The reason why Wilson takes the grade on this one is because he is someone who gets the absolute most from his body and is someone who really studies himself.
Projection
Minor Leagues: Hunter Green. First round talent found in the 2nd round. Potential for three plus pitches, strong lefty.
Major Leagues: Tyler Skaggs. Very recently a Top 10 prospect in all of baseball.
Performance
Minor Leagues: Mike Morin. Ridiculous success in A+ and AA.
Major Leagues: CJ. Wilson. Continually an all-star caliber starter.
Offense
Contact
Minor Leagues: SS Eric Stamets. Advantages of being a slap hitter.
Major Leagues: SS Erick Aybar. One step above slappiness.
Power
Minor Leagues: 1B C.J. Cron. Light-tower power, has been on display in Spring Training and AFL.
Major Leagues: LF Josh Hamilton. Not as good of a power hitter as Albert, but in terms of the actual tool, Hamilton hits it the furthest.
Discipline
Minor Leagues: 3B Cal Towey. 67 BB in short season Orem. Advanced collegiate hitter.
Major Leagues: CF Mike Trout. Highest OBP and most BB in MLB.
Speed
Minor Leagues: SS Eric Stamets. Extremely fast runner, but not a prolific base stealer.
Major Leagues: CF Mike Trout. Fastest player in Major League Baseball (until Billy Hamilton officially arrives).
Defense
Arm
Minor Leagues: 3B Kaleb Cowart. Just an absolute cannon. Among the best in the minors.
Major Leagues: RF Kole Calhoun. Great arm, perfectly fit for RF.
Glove
Minor Leagues: SS Eric Stamets. Would already be the best defensive SS in AL.
Major Leagues: CF Mike Trout. When Mike gets leather, the balls stays. Even if it’s over the wall.
Range
Minor Leagues: SS Eric Stamets. Plus range to both arm and glove sides.
Major Leagues: CF Mike Trout. More range in CF than every player not named Peter Bourjos.
Overall
Performance
Minor Leagues: LF Zach Borenstein. Monster numbers in the Cal League.
Major Leagues: CF Mike Trout. Best player on the planet.
Projection
Minor Leagues: OF Nat Delgado. Young, powerful, fast. Plus tools across the board.
Major Leagues: CF Mike Trout. No telling how good he can be.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
