2013 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Top 60 Prospects, Part II

/ 2013 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit, Baseball, Prospects

Well, the former UTA star moved up to Double-A last year, but he left much of his power in the low minors. Choice remains one of the top prospects in the A’s system, but the 10th overall pick from 2010 had his 2012 season derailed by a busted hand. Oakland has way more depth in the outfield now than it did a year ago, so there is no reason to rush Choice, which is good, because clearly lots more seasoning is in order. Last year, he only managed a third the number of homers he had smoked in 2011, and while his prospect status was tarnished in the minds of many, we have kept him steady and decided to give him a mulligan. Choice is still only 23, so the snag in the road that was 2012 is not nearly enough to completely derail his chances. But assuming his extra-base power recovers this year, he should start bouncing back on the prospect lists. There is just no way you can give up on power like Choice has. And if his contact skills ever improve even just a tad, look out. At 6’0″, 215 pounds, this kid is built to mash and this season will tell us much about whether he’ll become a star or fade into obscurity.

2013 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Top 60 Prospects, Part II Read Post »

2013 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Top 60 Prospects, Part I

/ 2013 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit, Baseball, Prospects

The Twins have done a great job of developing outfielders over the years, and Hicks is poised to continue that tradition. He’s athletic, but his less than inspired performance in the Venezuela Winter League suggests that some seasoning at Triple-A might be in order. Still, Hicks’ huge 2012 campaign has definitely helped shoot him up this list after entering last season as barely a top 75 prospect. The 23-year-old, taken 14th overall in 2008, is an extremely patient hitter, but he’ll need to improve his contact skills if he’s going to stick as a top of the order threat. We love the step forward this switchhitter took at the plate last year as his developing power put him on the map as a legitimate five-tool prospect. Hicks’ walk rates have always been top notch, but last year he showed tremendous progress in his basestealing success rate.

2013 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Top 60 Prospects, Part I Read Post »

2013 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Texas Rangers Top 23 Prospects

/ 2013 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit, Baseball, Prospects

Surprisingly, the Rangers are considering letting Olt stay with the big club even if an everyday job is unavailable when camp breaks. Cruz’s situation will prompt Texas to give Olt some outfield reps this spring, and that will improve his ability to make the team. Another highly hyped Ranger prospect, Olt has some experience in the outfield, so the move wouldn’t be a tough transition. He didn’t hit well in the Dominican Winter League, but he excelled for a long enough stretch at Double-A to make us believe he’s ready for the bigs. Olt has stupendous power potential, but he’s definitely going to struggle to make contact. He’s going to spend most of 2013 at the age of 23, meaning that he still has several years of power growth ahead of him.

2013 RotoRob MLB Draft Kit: Texas Rangers Top 23 Prospects Read Post »

Scroll to Top