This week we’re looking at the top
10 prospects of 2014. Yesterday we previewed my 9 and 10 picks, Gregory Polanco and Kris Bryant, respectively. I mentioned before how the Houston Astros have
arguably the best farm system in baseball. Let’s look at their first of two
number one draft picks over these past two years (they also hold the number one
pick in 2014).
8. Carlos Correa- SS, Astros
Carlos Correa has dominated single
A ball, and he and other number one pick Mark Appel look to be moving up. As
for when he will be called up to the Major Leagues, its unsure. I would say it
could be at most the start of the 2016 year. I know that’s not what Astros fans
want, but remember this: Correa is only 19 years old, and depending on how well
he does in the big leagues, he can be up even before that.
In 117 games in A ball at age 18,
Correa batted .320/.405/.467 with 33 doubles and 86 RBI’s. He added 10 steals
with that, but was caught stealing 10 times as well. Don’t that fool you,
however. Correa has actually succeeded his projections in running for the
future.
Overall, he’s a defensive guy with
power that still needs to develop fully. Think of him as a Manny Machado or
David Wright. He was by far the most talented player in the 2012 draft,
especially on offense, and can fill in a big gap in the infield in Houston.
Side note: Feel pretty good about
this guy, Astro fans. His shortstop abilities can win him gold glove after gold
glove. Will he be an MVP? Probably not. But count him as a kid who can lead the
Astros to a postseason (with the other talent coming in, of course).
7. Noah Syndergaard, RHP, Mets
Syndergaard is the first pitcher
we’ve looked at. He might find an MLB appearance closer than he thinks
and closer than the Mets want. Since the injury of Matt Harvey, the Mets
desperately need someone to replace him. The problem is, they can’t replace a
guy like Harvey. However, Syndergaard is as close as it gets.
Syndergaard was part of the deal
that sent former Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey to Toronto in December 2012.
Syndergaard can consistently throw 96 mph, plus has a very powerful curveball
that’s gained velocity on it. When he comes to the big leagues, he can probably
get a 9.0 K/9 ratio, and will maintain a low BB rate.
Syndergaard is listed as the #6 pitcher in the Mets starting lineup, but he still has some room to improve. Let’s see what spring training has for Noah, but he might start off the year in the AA. Expect him to make an MLB appearance this summer.
I like Noah because he reminds me
of Randy Johnson (my favorite player). Weighing in at 240 lbs, the 6’ 6’’ giant
has not only the velocity on his fastball, but a devastating curveball can make
him an outstanding player.
Check out #6 and #5 tomorrow. Email
me at statsbuddy42@gmail.com for
any questions/comments/concerns.
Evan Boyd
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