6/13/25 : Tiers of Talent

I don’t participate in creating or discussing “prospect rankings” as it’s most often subjective conjecture in my opinion. I know that the lists create interest in player development and for many fans are their points of reference when attempting to project major league potential - just not my thing (especially when newly drafted players appear on these lists without ever playing a professional game - to me that’s mind boggling).

That doesn’t mean that I won’t opine on player potential after watching them play/practice multiple times. Scouting to me is perhaps one of the most difficult endeavors in all pro sports as it requires those folks to offer “absolute” opinions for their organization in an in-absolute endeavor. I had a prominent scout once tell me that he looked for at least one of the five tools players are generally graded upon to potentially stand out as a leading indicator as to how to project a player’s future. It’s also about demeanor, work ethic, dedication and moxie. Surface numbers tell a story about in game success/failure, deeper analytical data exploit strengths and weaknesses but without eyes on actual effort the research isn’t complete. I may not be qualified to be a scout or a credentialed writer but I am a sponge for knowledge in any effort I entail and over the past ten years of hands on learning have developed at the least an educated mind on how to project baseball talent.

So here goes - if I was a paid professional scout from another organization these are the Phillies minor league players I would recommend as projectable major leaguers to acquire if trade talks were engaged. Just potential visions, no one ever gets em completely right 🤓.

RHP Andrew Painter - highly doubtful that he would be available for trade as he’s got a clear outstanding skillset to enable him  becoming a productive major league starter. Has all the tools to succeed, it’s not a bad thing for him to experience a little failure as he currently is either as it hardens the shell and produces knowledge on how to react/adjust. Can be a big leaguer for a very long time, a key cog. Fun spirit about him but also a great competitor once he crosses the white lines.

OF Justin Crawford - has elite speed which is something that can’t be taught, is a difference maker in a lineup in that he has tremendous bat to ball skills, uses his speed to an advantage (can bunt) and is both a smart base runner and a disruptive base stealing threat. Concerns about his ground ball rate are conjecture on current physical frame and swing path, is just 21 years old playing at the highest level in the minor leagues and posting outstanding on base numbers, unorthodox yes but doesn’t mean it can’t continue to be successful at the next level. He’s a winner as most every team he’s been involved with wins the majority of their games. Is an above average defender with a plus arm, struggles at times on reads but is capable of adjusting with his elite speed. He’s a top tier acquisition who will play in the majors at some point, has the overall skills and mental makeup (inquisitive and works diligently) to be a top of the order lineup regular. Very positive makeup who’s well liked by teammates, engaging and inclusive personality. Return to acquire him would be a significant long term player.

SS Aidan Miller - just turned 21 years old - has all the skills to play shortstop and contribute in a Corey Seager like manner. Arm strength, range, acumen, on field leadership, power, barrel to the ball and base-running skills project as a big league lineup regular at a premium position. Has a great work demeanor, will play thru pain that may sit others down and is a very good person who is sincere and welcoming. He loves baseball, is well liked and has a positive impact on others. Has been thru the struggles of the daily grind including offensive slumps, playing at higher levels at a young age and has shown the maturity of a veteran with the determination, ability and mindset to push thru and compete at a productive level. If available he is a top tier talent where a return would be a significant long term player.

RHP Mick Abel - now in the show with three starts under his belt - the struggles he went thru last season did not alter his commitment to achieve excellence but honed it - a true hard worker who’s a sponge for information and knowledge. He has the skills to be a long term successful starter in the big leagues and the moxie/demeanor to handle both the ups and downs that come his way. A genuinely good person who will fit into any clubhouse - the required return for him would be a significant major league need filler in my opinion.

C Eduardo Tait - an eighteen year old “phenom” with excellent left handed power and pitch recognition, can flat out hit with authority and is a clutch performer with teammates in scoring position. Has a very strong arm and quick release as a thrower, mechanically intuitive, quick learner who both seeks and absorbs instruction. A primary bat in the lineup who projects the capability to be in the major leagues before his 21st birthday. Has the tools, acumen and desire to be a long term catcher at the highest level. Still developing physically, will seemingly get stronger and more defined - hand quickness is outstanding - destroys inside pitches with pull authority. Well received as a teammate, playful nature.  If available the required return for him would be a significant major league need filler in my opinion.

2B Aroon Escobar - built like a tank, very powerful but equally athletic. A very strong arm (Jean Segura like) who’s hand speed and footwork on DP turns is outstanding.  Has wide range as a defender and soft hands - in my view he has the tools of a potential gold glover. Offensively has shown excellent bat to ball skills and patience at the dish, crushes mistakes out over the plate - hits the ball hard as consistently as anyone I’ve seen. Just twenty years old, has had some leg issues in the past but has worked hard to build core strength to alleviate the issue. He plays with passion and spirit, has his own version of the “Soto Shuffle”.  Can flat out play - if available he is a talent where a return would be a significant major league need filler in my opinion.

1B Keaton Anthony - has hit well (a career .326 BA and .407 OBP in 709 PA’s) at every level in his two year plus pro career. Strong bat to ball skills, puts the ball in play, is a gap to gap doubles machine. There is ability to drive the ball out of the yard as well, in fact when I first saw him shortly after he signed he was back-legging balls in BP at the complex, I teased him that it was reminiscent of Dave Kingman - of course he didn’t know who Mr. Kingman was 😂.  His approach is obviously much different than that but just a note that the power stroke is there if needed. He’s more of a Jon Olerud type hitter but from the right side. Has both the hitting tools and fielding ability (has already won a minor league gold glove) to be a major league contributor. Has a good demeanor about him with a quiet confidence. To me if availed he would be a valuable chip in a trade package - one that could deliver multiple seasons of big league value, limited defensively to first base.

INF Carson DeMartini - in less than a year as a pro has already played at three levels - has a “Professional Hitter” quality about him, quick hands and solid bat to ball skills, barrels pitches. Has pop from the left side, does not intimidate - plays with confidence. Is a smart player who can play all four infield positions defensively - was a right side defender in college. Akin to Otto Kemp he will make most every play but won’t necessarily stand out, is solid. The hit tool is his ticket which projects as a major league contributor - just 22 years old and now at the AA level, isn’t that far away. I think he would be a valuable chip in a trade package - one that could deliver multiple seasons of big league value - likely could also play the outfield if needed - a Ben Zobrist type piece to a team.

UTL Otto Kemp - has hit at every level he’s played at including a break-out first half with LHV. Underlying data indicates he will struggle with off-speed deliveries yet I’ve been witness to multiple successful AB’s against such, to be honest most every hitter will be less successful against secondaries used as put-ways - as  Richie Hebner once told me years back “the best way to handle the curve ball is to not miss the freaking fastball” 😎.  Otto has a professional hitters approach, he’s been an on-base machine in his minor league career. Now that he’s made his major league debut I see no reason why that can’t continue - he’s a throwback type player - a St Louis Cardinal development prototype. Defensively he will make most every play at four different positions but won’t necessarily stand out at any. To me if availed he would be a valuable chip in a trade package - one that could potentially deliver multiple seasons of big league value. A gamer with big moment abilities.

OF Hendry Mendez - excellent bat to ball skills - low strike out rate. Just 21 years old who doesn’t turn 22 till November. Has an unorthodox swing but has consistently produced including this season. We saw the ability to drive the ball out of the yard this fall and spring at the Complex in camps. Big frame who’s got a great smile - popular teammate - well received. Is limited defensively to likely left field but will catch everything he gets to. Isn’t the fleetest afoot. Reminds me in his hitting style of Hunter Pence but from the left side. Is physically strong and likely gets stronger as he continues to develop. Another fella I see as if availed he would be a valuable chip in a trade package - one that could potentially deliver multiple seasons of big league value.

C Alirio Ferrebus - a nineteen year old who’s shown a strong arm and defensive acumen behind the dish. Has a powerful compact stroke as a hitter who hasn’t gotten a lot of reps yet (signed in January of 2023) but has shown very well in those that he has - just promoted to Clearwater. Also plays first base. He’s got a fun personality, likes to sing albeit teammates chide him about it being done poorly 🤓.  He’s gotten a good amount of scouting attention - a much younger and longer projection to the show but it’s easy to envision him getting there - if availed he would be a valuable chip in a trade package - one that could potentially deliver multiple seasons of big league value.

OF Gabriel Rincones Jr, RHP Seth Johnson & INF Erick Brito are near big league ready as ongoing contributors. Rincones Jr has big pop, he’s gonna strike out as he’s a power hitter but his self confidence and acumen for the game gains my endorsement as a young man who will eventually play in the show. There are holes in his game but his work ethic along with teach-ability and the talent he possesses project to fill them favorably, he’s also a positive clubhouse presence. Johnson has a big arm who could become a back end or impact inning reliever now that he’s transferred to the bullpen. Brito is a 23 year old under the radar Edmundo Sosa clone who could fill that type of roll, a heady, always ready player who can field multiple positions and be a valued reserve and upbeat clubhouse team oriented part of the puzzle.

Right hand pitchers Jean Cabrera and Eiberson Castellano have the pitching skills to become major leaguers - Cabrera is a battler on the mound whose competitive nature is top shelf, his ability to locate and keep batters off balance can have success at the top level, he is slightly built but has the heart of a warrior. Castellano has an exceptional curve ball, a put away pitch, when he’s commanding the zone he’s at the least a legitimate middle inning projection who could be more if he offsets it effectively with his mid nineties heater. Both are plus one trade values in my mind.

LHP Tristan Garnett along with RHP’s Daniel Harper, Chuck King, Tommy McCollum and Griff McGarry are mid twenties hurlers that in the right circumstance could become big league contributors. I know each of them and believe in their capabilities, all are hard workers that when their command is on can excel, it’s not a matter of stuff as that’s there for them but rather finding consistency. Higher level trade package additions in my view else singular or collective swaps for short term contract acquisitions.

Right hand pitchers Jaydenn Estanista, Casey Steward, Saul Teran, Alex McFarlane, Jose Pena Jr, Marty Gair, Titan Hayes, Danyony Pulido and Guisseppe Velasquez are current lower level pitchers who have each shown projectable big league stuff and mindsets but are not close to achieving that goal just yet. Estanista, McFarlane, Gair, Hayes and Pulido are big arm types while Steward, Pena Jr, Velasquez and Teran are pitch-ability skilled with better than average overall stuff. They would be lower level package additions in my view else singular or collective swaps for short term contract acquisitions.

C Caleb Ricketts, 2B Devin Saltiban and OF Raylin Heredia have had injury riddled seasons this year - each has had prior year success and are at the least projectable major league reserves. Saltiban and Heredia have shown power bats while Ricketts is capable of becoming a left handed bat in a catching mix.

Outfielders John Spikerman, Griffin Burkholder & Dante Nori are first year full season pros who’ve each had their struggles either with injury or consistency. All three have projectable skills that could position them as big leaguers down the road. Their value as acquisitions are to clubs who want to build their systems in exchange for current needs.

The FCL : players at this level are wild cards as they are at the initial stage of stateside play however multiple scouts always attend the games - these fellas would be add on “lottery ticket” types in potential deals else lower level swaps of talent with the return side being perhaps an on the fringe up/down major league option. On the pitching side LHP Angel Liranzo is just 18 years old but has raw skills that project upwards as does RHP Brad Pacheco (20 yr old power arm) and RHP Ramon Marquez (19 yrs old) who has displayed great command and decent stuff. Position players who stand out include INF Francisco Loreto (a 17 year old that can swing the bat), 2B Adrian Garcia (18 yrs old) who has a great arm and makes excellent turns at second base on DP chances, SS Juan Villavicencio (20 yrs old) who should be up with CW once off rehab - has a well rounded set of middle infield tools and OF Manolfi Jimenez (20 yrs old) who has stung the ball consistently this summer and shown a strong arm defensively.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

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