Prospect Hot Sheet Chat (April 28)

Clyde (The Town): Barreto keeps raking & the bat appears real. Can he stick at SS or even 2B, or will he be an OF?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Hello folks, glad to be with y’all. I think ultimately Barreto will play second base or left field, and it might be left because Oakland really likes Max Schrock’s bat, too. It’s a good problem to have, as the kids say.

Boston (Chicago): Will we be lumping Amed Rosario in with the elite SS crew of Correa, Lindor in a couple years?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: It depends on whether Rosario can develop real impact with bat. But that’s the same concern some scouts had with Lindor, and looked how that turned out. Power is really the last thing to come for some hitters. I remember that being the issue for Don Mattingly back in 1982, and that turned out OK. To me, bringing up Rosario now makes sense; I liken it to when Cano came up in 2005.

JASON (Charlotte): Is it too early to think Dipoto is regretting the Jackson and Gohara trades ? Yes Jackson was a gamble. Gohara was simply giving up on young talent too early
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Sometimes change of scenery really does matter, even it it’s an awful cliche. Think about when you start a new job; you go all out, no? You’re trying to impress. Same thing. But yes, it’s too early to think about that. Also, GMs need to have short memories, in some cases. Sunk costs, what’s done is done.

David (Curry): In a world where velo rules the day, I think it is imperative to note that Tyler Mahle hit 100 mph on the gun during his perfect game and 99 mph on the second to last pitch of the game. That being said, he is clearly under rated. I would expect to see him as a top 5 rhp prospect come the mid season update. This is a kid that knows how to pitch and uses the velo when necessary, as opposed to some others who can throw 100 and that's really all they do is throw, they don't pitch. Tell me where I'm wrong.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I can’t. He’s No. 1 in Hot Sheet, so I don’t necessarily disagree. But top five RHPs? I don’t know. There’s a lot of good righthanders.

Randy Arias (Westwood, NJ): Rattled Met's Fan here - it annoys me to no end that Amed Rosario is playing 3rd base; even if it's brief. I could understand it easier if Rosario was just a decent defender; but from what I read - he can become a premium defender. Why tamper with that? Versatility... blah blah. I remember Jose Reyes having to play 2nd. It's just a very Met thing to do. And yes, I know that many clubs are using this approach, but it still annoys me. I'm rattled - talk some sense to me.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Ha, yeah. I hear all this. Part of it is Asdrubal Cabrera is comfortable at short and has taken on a team leadership role. The Mets don’t want to roil that on top of everything else. But I understand what you mean. Why weaken yourself at two spots.

Ben (Miamisburg, OH): I was able to watch Vlad Guererro Jr live back on the 18th when Lansing came through Dayton, and the bat speed is as good as I've seen come through the Midwest league the past few years. How soon could he reach the majors despite his young age? He's already showing a lot of skills.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I’m bummed I haven’t gotten to see Vladdy yet, but will when we comes through South Bend. It’s tough to say how quickly players can move based on tearing up the Midwest League. Last year, for example, Cody Reed of the Diamondbacks was nigh unhittable. Then he moved up to the California League and got pasted. So now he’s back at low A. A team executive once told me that a player needs to show he has reached the level of the league he’s in, and then gone past it before he can move up. That said, with his skills, you could see Vladdy in the bigs by the time he’s 20 in 2019. That’s safe, right?

Carlos (Toa Baja, Puerto Rico): No Ian Anderson?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Hey man, I can only pick 20!

Ben (Miamisburg, OH): Given Funkhouser's regained control and fastball velo, should we expect a quick promotion to High A so he can be challenged by better hitters?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Potentially, yes. But I wouldn’t think before the all-star break. Let him get maybe 10 starts at low A, feeling good and then move him to Lakeland.

carey (Illinois): Where's Randy Arozarena? Had a multi hit game almost every day recently
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Yep, he was considered, but again we’ve only got 20 slots.

Vin (Stl): A scout reported Sandy Alcantara sitting 97-99 last week. is that true? for a starter that's only syndergaard and kopech territory!
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Oh yeah. I saw Sandy up around that area with Peoria and have heard reports of 102. He beefed up a bit and has great extension to reach those velos.

David Curry (Huntington Beach Ca): Is Ronald Acuna's K rate a red flag? Is is something you find to be a major concern? It does seem he flashes some serious tools, but the k rate is disconcerting.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Maybe, but he’s so young for High A. It’s not an alarming rate, and he has great tools.

Brian (Denver): What type of production expectations can one have of Tampa's Jesus Sanchez if he is fortunate enough to make it to the bigs one day?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I like Sanchez and got to see him in Bowling Green. He’s got a good approach, especially for his age. One concern I had watching him was how tall he stands in the box and whether he’ll be able to have good plate coverage.

Michael (Baltimore, MD): As a Tiger fan, I have to ask...what about Zach Shepherd? He hit .480 with 5 dingers and 13 RBI for the week.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Yep, some consideration. The thing is, Hot Sheet for the most part is about Top 30 prospects, with some special allowances for when Domenic Mazza pitches a perfect game, for example. So we don’t ignore a guy like Zach Shepherd, we just weight it heavily in favor of Top 30 Prospects.

Matt (Va): When do Carolina League fans see Eloy Jimenez in a Myrtle Beach uniform?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Shouldn’t be long. He had a bone bruise that kept him in extended spring, but that should be ending soon. You’ll love him, he’s a good dude.

Robert (Columbia, MO): Vince, Michael Kopeck brings the heat, but also brings the walks as well. Do you see him cleaning up the walks enough to get to ChiTown this year. Sox SP holding their own now, but perhaps later in 2017, perhaps out of the pen? And what is his ceiling, frontline stuff?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I think, ultimately, he’ll be a lockdown closer. His stuff and physicality give him a very, very appealing starter’s tool set, but the inconsistent control is troubling. They’ll continue to develop him as a starter—most teams won’t make that move until the last minute possible—but I think he could form a devastating bullpen with Burdi and possibly Fulmer.

Michael (Nashville): Do you see either AJ Reed or Ian Happ with a full time position by July? Seems like both these guys at least deserve a good opportunity somewhere they aren't blocked.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I do think Happ has the better chance of getting to the majors sooner, simply because he’s raking and he’s versatile. He’s played all over the outfield. Also, the Astros have a big investment in Yuli Gurriel.

Aaron dorman (Albany): Who do you prefer as a prospect at the moment, Jordan Humphreys or merandy Gonzalez?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I solicited the esteemed Matt Eddy, who covers the Mets, and he’s King Merandy all the way. That said, Humphreys is definitely a pitcher to watch, 92-94 with late life.

Satchel; (las Vegas): Vince, Ryan O'Hearn hit the Hot sheet, let's say Hosmer is moved, is he the heir apparent? If so, what is his stat line in 2018? .250, 20hr, 60 rbi?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: For sure, I mentioned that in the writeup. I think that is a very reasonable stat line. He wont hit for much average because he doesn’t have great bat speed, but he is strong.

Stan (San Fran): A perfecto is sure to garner attention. I was happy to hear about Dominic Mazza. Is he some one Giants fans should keep an eye on now?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Keep this in mind about Mazza; he’s a fourth-year pro in low Class A. He should be dominating. He’s 86-88 with decent secondary stuff.

Satchel; (Las Vegas): Vince, Do you see Bubba Starling ever making it to KC, and does he stick as a Full-time player. Hearing a lot of noise around him being a tremendous defensive CF, but still not putting it together at the plate. Thanks
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I just don’t see it. I remember a manager telling me about Bubba specifically if he even hit .240 he could contribute with his defense, arm and speed, and running into one now and again. But he just can’t seem to get the bat to come around. Great name, though.

Phil (Tacoma Wa): Twenty at bats is a small sample size, but at 19-years of age, and hitting .400 in Class-A full season for Clinton, i have to believe the M's have a player to watch in Joe Rizzo. Could he move quickly?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I don’t think so. He got just out of extended spring. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s at Clinton all year, or even drops back to short-season if he struggles.

CyMature (Cooperstown Rehab): Hey, Vince, thanks for answering our questions. Jesus Sanchez: 60 Hit, 60 Power?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Man, those are high expectations! The No. 1 prospect, Andrew Benintendi, is 70 hit, 60 power! So no, I dont think so, largely because, as I said earlier, he stands so tall in the box I worry he won’t have great plate coverage. I think he’ll have above average power.

Keith (Farmington, CT): Thanks Vince. Is an .800-to-.825 OPS and above average defense at 2B a possible ceiling for Luis Urias given his hit tool? Too aggressive?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: That’s reasonable, but I’m not sure how much power he’ll have, ultimately. But he should hit enough to get in that .750-.770 range, which is still a very good second baseman.

Steve (Brooklyn): At what point does Arizona think about promoting Duplantier? Yes it's early and SSS caveats apply, but he's not getting challenged so far in A ball. Could he be a top 100 guy by the end of the season?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Maybe 10 starts or so. It’s about making sure he’s healthy—he pitched one inning of pro ball last year—and settled. His command can be an issue. There’s no rush. No I don’t see him as a Top 100 guy. He’s a back-end rotation guy.

Jeff (Idaho): Yoan Moncada seems to have exciting tools, especially his power/speed combo. Is he going to be a Mike Cameron-type player or do you expect his age and advanced levels has a lot to do with his K levels and that with growth those will come down some to allow for a stronger hit tool?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Yes, I do think he might have been rushed a bit; that’s to be expected given the hype, the money and then the trade. I see the connection you’re trying to make with Cameron—power, speed, strikeouts, defense—but i think he’ll hit more.

Jose (DC): How about a cold-sheet instead of hot sheet? Tyler Glasnow has been bad, but more than being bad, his stuff has been much worse than advertised, specifically the fastball. What do you think is going on there?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Ha, we did have a Not-so-Hot sheet at one point. I watched Glasnow pitch at Indianapolis and there’s no doubt at his best, his stuff is dominant. But his mechanics, his long levers, can be a problem. Usually when a pitcher with his stuff has a problem, it’s mechanical or health-related. He hasn’t reported an injury, so I’m guessing it’s mechanics.

Jeff (Idaho): Any ideas when Kevin Maitan makes his professional debut?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: He’s in extended spring and I imagine he’ll get thrown in with a short-season club when that season starts in June.

Kyler (Worcester): Are you with Ben Badler that Bo Bichette should have Top 100 consideration?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I’m with Ben on everything. When I guy can bench press 350 lbs, you best be with him on everything.

Kyler (Worcester): Luis Urias should be a top 100 player. This statement is true, reasonable, outlandish, not sure yet/tbd
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: It’s reasonable, but will it happen? Not sure. He might be just on the outside looking in, like Little Anthony and the Imperials sang. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc_oLZuFwaI

Jim (Cobb County): I have been concerned with the Braves minor league hitters not drawing walks . Is there an organizational philosophy to be more aggressive at the plate?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Not that I’m aware of. But few organizations would stress that. Maybe a big league team might adopt that philosophy for a game, or series. But organizations want their young players to grind at-bats, takes pitches, get in and out of scenarios.

Sam (NYC): Is Chris Shaw the long-term LF answer for the Giants? When can we expect to see him in the majors? Thanks -
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I love Chris Shaw, really do. Love his coach. He is not an outfielder. No sir.

Matt (CT): Is Desmond Lindsay at risk of being demoted?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: No. He’s struggled a bit but broke out Thursday. It’s way early. I’m a New Yorker, I get it. People are impatient. But it’s early, man.

Mike (Phoenix): Juan Soto is torching Low-A, how much has raised his stock so far this season? Could be viewed similarly to Eloy Jimenez by this time next season?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: If you listen to Ben Badler—and why wouldn’t you?—he’s raised his stock plenty. He and Eloy are very different players—Eloy’s a big, long guy—and Soto’s power is still growing.

Ben (Philadelphia): Hi Vince, Thanks for the chat. I'm @bdelbanco on twitter and I've recently discovered that you've blocked me which stinks because I enjoy your work! I can't imagine what happened, but if I somehow offended you, I apologize. Regards
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Not sure why I did that, but I’ve unblocked. Hope that wasn’t a mistake . . .

Brad (NJ): Can you tell me more about Logan Shore who is off to a nice start this year and will have a nice home park eventually to pitch in? Oakland always seems to turn mediocre SP into nice fantasy options. Shore seems like a high floor solid investment
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I’m a fan of Shore, but more importantly the A’s are fans. His changeup is his bread and butter. The concern was he was too studious and not assertive, but if he trusts his stuff, he should be a decent back-end type who could move quickly.

Mike (Herrin, IL): What kind of prospects package could the Cardinals put together to fetch a hitter at the trade deadline?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Depends on what kind of hitter. A package with Sandy Alcantara at the top could fetch a controllable bat, for sure. The Cards have a ton of arms a tier below Alcantara that if they packaged, could bring back a potent stick.

Eric (LA): Whats the ceiling on Naylor? I don't know why but its always been tough to get a read on how good of a prospect he actually is.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Yeah I think that knife incident obscured his game, and how quickly the Marlins soured on him. He’s a bat first and foremost. His power has begun to emerge, and the Marlins always thought he was a hitter with power. He’s got a nice swing.

Erik (Portland): Josh Staumont, long-term reliever or starter? What kind of impact could he have in a major-league rotation and what's he's eta?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: My default is always ‘reliever.’ It’s tough to be a starter. You need fastball command, two average secondary pitches, physicality, poise, a bit of bulldog. Staumont has velocity and physicality, but that walk rate makes being a starter untenable. I’ve got him down as a reliever.

Jeff (Bay Area): Any chance Luis Urias can handle short?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Yes, he could, but long-term, if you want an offense-first player, you play him at second base.

John (San Diego, CA): Will Franchy Cordero ever make enough contact to be an asset at the major league level?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I just don’t think so.

Brian (Greensboro): Higher ceiling - Ian Anderson or Kolby Allard?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Higher ceiling? Maybe Allard, just because he’s lefthanded. Who gets there? Anderson. He’s a big guy and still so projectable that if he grows into that frame, he could be a monster.

Don (Dublin. Ga): How do you rank the lefties in the Braves system. We have a handful looking good to stay as starters!
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Allard, Gohara, Fried, Wentz, Sanchez, Newcomb. Yessir!

Sergio Q (Tijuana, Mexico): Didn't Dinelson Lamet deserve to be on this list this week again? How is his control and 3rd pitch coming along?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Probably, but again, we can only rank 20.

Adam (LA): Dodgers still have a top 10 farm w/ Bellinger graduating?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: It’s a good question, but the development of Buehler, Lux, Verdugo, Alvarez, Sheffield, teenager Oneil Cruz still makes it top 10, IMO.

Sergio Q (Tijuana, Mexico): Do you see the Padres manipulating the Hunter Greene situation by offering him over slot 1st pick money, and saying its there either this year or next?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Ha, I don’t. I don’t think it’s ever that manipulative, but perhaps I’m naive. On that note, I’m out! Thanks folks for a fun chat. Always enjoy it and feel free to ask me questions—or just say hello—at @vincelara on Twitter. Bye for now.