Prospect Hot Sheet Chat (July 22)

Sam (North Carolina): In all of milb, where does Dan Vogelbach rank in terms of power?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Hi everyone, thanks for coming out. Let’s tackle this one first. Vogelbach has plus power, but so do a lot of guys in the minors. So maybe top half? Top one-third? He’s not Joey Gallo, and he’s not Willians Astudillo.

Tommy Ngo (San Diego): Padres farm system top 3 now after all the trades, draft, J2 signing period?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Probably not, but just because that’s a long way to climb. Definitely top half rather than bottom half. Maybe top 10?

William (Nc): Any chance Harrison Bader sees majors this year?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Talking to the Cardinals and scouts, I’d say yes, there’s a chance. For the Cardinals, the philosophy is get to a league, catch up to a league and pass a league. When you’ve reached the ‘pass a league’ stage and sustain it, then callup consideration begins.

Jason (Austin): What kind of ceiling does Eloy Jimenez have? Can he be Jose Bautista type player? Also if you were the Cubs what would it take to give him up?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I’m an Eloy fan. Got to see him a couple of times this summer, including the MWL all-star game. The power is real. He flicked a ball easily out to center field in Cedar Rapids. He’s a different player than Bautista. Bautista’s a compact guy who coils and unleashes on a ball and has a polished, honed batting eye. Bautista’s extremely studious about at-bats. Eloy’s just 19, still learning English and not doing badly there—he spoke to us in English at the all-star game—but he has a long way to go to get to Bautista’s level. If I’m the Cubs and I’m trying to win it all, I still trade him for a reliever like Chapman or as a piece for Andrew Miller.

Bronx (Denver): If you are the Cubs what players would you consider in a trade? Torres, Happ, Jimenez, McKinney, Candelario? Are any untouchable?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I don’t think any of those players are untouchable. I mean, some are more touchable than others, but I think, if they can add a lockdown reliever such as Andrew Miller or Chapman, they’d trade any of the above, especially because of the depth of their lineup. I think Happ is the one of those players that would be the most difficult for them to trade.

Frank (Chicago, IL): What prevented Bregman from making your list this week?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Just a matter of only 20 slots. There are so many, many players who had great weeks: Walter Rasquin, Henrry Rosario, Ramon Laureano. Ben Badler’s head would spin there are so many international dudes. Not everyone can make it. It’s a democratic process; we nominate guys who had best weeks, other writers have veto power.

John (New York): Do you see Moniak moving up to Short Season anytime this season?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Maybe. He’s awfully young. There isn’t really a need to push him just yet.

Roger (Greenville, SC): Better bat: Bo Bichette or Lucas Erceg?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I always vote for the college performer, so Erceg. Simple as that.

Ryan (Dallas, TX): I guess I expected Joey Gallo to get the call once Prince Fielder went on the shelf, but he didn't. Are you expecting him to be dealt before the deadline?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: It’s possible. It seems more possible than it did at the start of the year. It depends on how “all-in” the Rangers really are. I sense the emergence of players like Ryan Cordell and the play of Ian Desmond, as well as the extension for Beltre, make it more possible Gallo could go. I’m still not expecting it to happen just because I’m not sure the player it would take—such as Andrew Miller—will be traded.

Derek (San Diego, CA): Who's the most likely to get the call to Petco first - Margot or Renfroe?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I think Renfroe deserves it, if that’s an acceptable response. He’s made the adjustments the organization wanted to see and he’s paid his dues. Ultimately it comes down to team fit. Renfroe can play center, but Margot is the far-superior defender.

Nick (LA): Do you think AJ Reed's performance and subsequent demotion is anything to be concerned about? Plenty of guys struggle initially, even Trout, but he looked way overmatched right?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Eh, plenty of guys look overmatched that first time around. It was a quick rise for Reed. His approach looked fine, but I didn’t think he looked way overmatched.

Jose (Washington, DC): Happy Friday, and thanks for taking the time to talk! What do you make of the Gurriel / Bregman situation. Seems like a strange signing of the Astros. How do you think this plays out?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Yeah, it is interesting. I did not see the fit at first, but Bregman played left field for two games at Fresno, so perhaps that’s how it plays out. It could be that Bregman is a super-utility guy this year, but man I don’t think you do that to a player as talented as he is. It will be interesting to see how this evolves, because Gurriel has played third base exclusively the past few years. I guess it’s possible Gurriel moves to first, but why would you block A.J. Reed?

Dustin (Winnipeg): Hello, with the influx of talent the Padres have recently brought, could you guess at where all of the International signings would fit into their top 10? Espinoza and Morejon ahead Margot for sure? Ona ahead or right behind Margot and Renfroe? Plus, would Quantrill and Lauer top 10? There was a lot of talent added in short order by Preller and Co. and I am just trying to straighten some of it out. Thank you.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Yeah, really interesting to think about all that talent and where you’d place it. I believe the esteemed Ben Badler wrote that Morejon would jump to the top of the Padres’ list on projection alone. Quantrill has the Pods excited, Lauer has polish, Jorge Ona fits in there, Espinoza might be No. 1. Sounds like a good Ask BA for JJ Cooper. Email him, he’d love it. JCooper@enthusiastnetwork.com.

SD (NJ): With Hunter Harveys injury, is he no longer worth keeping in dynasty leagues?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Probably. It’s going to be difficult to project anything for him just because he cannot seem to stay healthy.

Thomas Szapucki (kingsport): Hello have you guys ever heard of me? My numbers are the sickest out of almost anyone in the minors and I have not made your list once. What do I have to do besides put up Kershaw type stats to be recognized?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Uh, Tom … can I call you Tom? Check this: https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/szapcuki-impresses-kingsport-2/#8iWx65VXQsWpvZuf.97

Matt (Cleveland, OH): What is your take on Edwin Diaz? That guy is throwing heat and has the most strikeouts as a reliever since he was brought up. Do you see him as a future SEA closer? Maybe next year? Thanks,
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Yep, I think that’s reasonable. Surprised they transitioned him to the ‘pen, but he certainly seems to have embraced the role.

Greg (Ohio): Does nick Senzel have the tools to make an Alex Bregman type break out? They strike me as being similar players as they entered pro baseball. Thanks
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Hmm, hard to project that kind of breakout simply because no one saw the power projection for Bregman quite to this level. But I think the analog is not far off. An advanced righthanded bat that’s the carrying tool, and certainly Senzel’s off to a good start.

Alex (St. Louis): A prospect I think people are really undervaluing is Harrison Bader. When do you see him making an impact in the MLB and what kind of player do you expect to see in the future? I think he has a AJ Pollock type game/ceiling since he can play center field.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I don’t think he’s undervalued at all and the Cardinals aren’t undervaluing him. He’s squarely on their radar as a player who could help this season and we ranked him No. 4 at Midseason. https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/midseason-prospect-update-cardinals-2/#ErZVJFoBb91mW17l.97 I’m not sure he’d have Pollock’s impact—I mean A.J. Pollock is really good. Bader I don’t think will have that kind of power and I think ultimately he’ll slide to a corner.

David (DC): Dom Smith is a younger version of James Loney but with a higher batting average. True or false?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I think before his power surge—and maybe even now—you’d get some scouts to say, ‘True.’ It remains to be seen. That said, is .285/.338/.411 a bad player? Not a first base profile maybe, but in this era, it’s not bad.

Nick (LA): What do you think are realistic ETAs for the younger top prospects: Devers, B Rodgers, Robles, Espinoza. Thanks!
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I’d say maybe late 2017, maybe for Devers. Robles has a shot late next year as well. I think Rodgers is 2018 and Espinoza maybe 2018, depende.

Chance Sisco (Baltimore): I continue to rake in the minors and some are saying I have been one of the most consistent hitters in the minors and my defense is improving.. Would Joe Mauer be a fair comparison as my power has yet to develop but I know it will come. Thanks Vin.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Haha, someone calling me ‘Vin’ always gets me. My ma called me Vin—once. Yeah, I talked to a scout recently and he raved about Sisco, loves him maybe as much as BA editor in chief John Manuel. You’d like to see more power, but if the defense comes along, he’ll be a useful player. But Joe Mauer? No way. Do you know how good a hitter Joe Mauer is? Or at least was? .310/.392/.446. Take a look at that guy’s card: https://www.baseballamerica.com/statistics/players/cards/21347

Roy (Tri-Town): No one really talks about Charlie Tilson, but all he's done in his career is hit, show good speed, good defense, and the occasional pop. Why is he so overlooked and underappreciated?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I like Tilson. I think the problem is, every team has a Tilson. But he does what you say. I just think he’s probably a fourth outfielder. He just lacks real impact beyond the speed, and it’s not top-scale speed. But he’ll help a team in some capacity.

Scott (NY): How would you rank these prospects..Dominick Smith, Hunter Renfroe, DJ Pederson.. long term?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I’d say Renfroe, Dom Smith, D.J. Peterson. I like Renfroe, he has more positional value, too.

Alex (CT): Is Szapucki making waves at BA headquarters? His numbers are very pressure
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: He’s getting noticed. Josh Norris saw him recently: https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/szapcuki-impresses-kingsport-2/#tTgY8Ly2mU0mU7Rx.97

Colin (DMV): DO you see Jacob Faria as a high-floor/low-ceiling SP? He has shown steady improvement at each level, any chance he becomes a solid #3?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I don’t see the low-ceiling part and more importantly the Rays don’t. I think a No. 3 is in line with his pitch mix—not overpowering fastball but it has good late life and a changeup that’s an outpitch. He nearly made the club this spring, so the future is bright.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): This is kind of a new concept for the Indians: trading prospects to get an established veteran [well, let's just overlook Ubaldo Jiminez]. Is there anyone who you think the Indians will refuse to deal?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: They wouldn’t trade Lindor, clearly, but if you’re talking prospects, I think, like with any club, there are few untouchables and more players who they’d prefer not to trade. I think they’d prefer not to trade Clint Frazier, but might be more amenable to trading Bradley Zimmer, especially with the emergence of Tyler Naquin. I think they’d prefer not to trade Brady Aiken, but with a Tommy John surgery already on his resume, his value is affected.

Johnny (St. Paul): Assuming top prospects like Bregman, Reyes, Giolito, Turner, JP Crawford, Gallo, and Glasnow use up their status, who are we looking at for top-5 overall guys heading into 2017? Thanks!
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: What a fun question. I think you’d see guys like Anderson Espinoza, Victor Robles, Brendan Rodgers, Amed Rosario and Andrew Benintendi, in some order.

Yeager (Work): Antonio Senzatela hasn't pitched since 6/15 and is on the 7 day DL but for what? Is his health concerns a big issue going forward?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: He had shoulder inflammation and has been disabled a couple of times this year. He’s been durable before this season, but shoulder issues should rightfully give you pause.

alex (PA): No love for NYY minor leaguer Dermis Garcia this week? he hit HR's in four straight, not often seen in rookie ball.
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Oh yeah, plenty of love. Josh Norris wrote about him: https://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/rutherford-pulaski-impress-danville/ He just didn’t make the Hot Sheet because, c’mon man, there’s only 20 slots.

JIMMY (WHITE PLAINS): Can somebody other than Padres fans get a question answered What kind of ceiling does Chance Adams have
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: There’s been plenty of other questions answered, but yes the reports on Adams are good. Not sure about the ceiling, but his transition to the rotation has gone well. He has four pitches and his changeup projects at least as an average pitch, which is a good sign for his future starter development.

Steve (Frederick, MD): Willie Calhoun has a lot of power for a small guy. What's his projection for the majors and when does he get there?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Really difficult for anyone not in the organization to project when a guy gets to the majors, so I’m not going to do that. I think, realistically, he could be a double-digit homer guy. His compact zone might make it tough for pitchers to get inside on him, but i’m not sure he’ll be more than an average or tick above hitter.

chad (stl): As an athletic undersized power sinkerballers with a good delivery and changeup, could Ronnie Williams be Marcus Stroman with less of a breaking ball?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: It’s a decent comparison and the Cardinals are optimistic, but you know, Marcus Stroman’s pitching in the majors. Now.

Berry (MO): Hello and thanks for the chat! Since they are always lumped together I've been curious, how do Sabdy Alcantara and Junior Fernandez compare from a scouting standpoint and what are their upsides?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: Junior’s more polished, but not as projectable, Sandy’s got the lanky frame that he can fill out and then who knows what the velocity’ll be. I like them both, and have seen them both and came away more impressed by Alcantara. But I’m no scout—far from it.

Mags (WI): De Leon or Glasnow? Both High K guys, seems as De Leon has better control... who do you rank higher?
Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: I think when you look at ranking players, impact has to be part of it. I think presently, presently, you might take De Leon because he’s a bit more polished, and that changeup is good. But man, when you watch Glasnow, you wonder some nights how anyone gets a hit. If he can clean up the breaking ball, you have rank Glasnow higher. That’s all today folks. I know there’s more in the queue but I got work to do! Talk to you all down the line and thanks for your interest in Baseball America. We’re a small but hard-working and dedicated bunch!