Prospect Hot Sheet Chat (June 10)

Josh Norris: It’s Draft Day, Hot Sheet Day, Tim Anderson is going to the White Sox. It’s a big day here at BA. Josh Norris here to chat a little bit about prospects before JJ Cooper comes in to chat about the Draft.

Ellio (Youngstown OH): Since he's obviously conquered Midwest League pitching can we expect a promotion for Mejia?
Josh Norris: If it’s soon, I’d expect after the Midwest League all-star break for him to move to Lynchburg and unseat the great Sicnarf Loopstok with the Hillcats.

Chris D (Adams Ma): Red Sox Relief Pitcher Bobby Poyner out of Florida has compiled 0.30 era with 35 k to only 3 bb over two levels this season. Is he a real prospect and when could he make it to the show
Josh Norris: He’s a college guy beating up the competition in A-ball, and he’s walked three in his first 3 2/3 innings with high Class A Salem. Let’s let him get to Double-A first to see what he can do against appropriate competition.

manny (nutley): Will we see Dylan Cozens playing in the Philly OF anytime soon?
Josh Norris: Probably not, but he’s had an excellent first half with Double-A Reading, as would be expected for someone with massive power playing in cozy FirstEnergy Stadium. He’s raised his stock this year, but his strikeout rate is at a career-worst 28.6 percent. There’s still work to do.

Steve (Chicago): When do you think Meadows will be ready of the majors and what does Pitt do when that time comes? There is no room for him...
Josh Norris: If everything goes right with Meadows, he could be ready sometime next year. He’s got just 45 games in Double-A after the orbital fracture to start the year. As for the lack of space in the Pittsburgh outfield, the Pirates will find a way to get him time if he develops into what they believe he can be.

Tatum (Clearwater): Hi Fellas, What level will Moncada end the season at this year? Is at 2017 call-up most likely, or a shot at making the club out of the gate in '17? And where do you project his line to be at: 15Hr,.280, 30 steals
Josh Norris: I expect him to Double-A after the California-Carolina League All-Star game. I’d imagine he gets his feet wet with the Red Sox sometime toward the end of next season.

Satchel (Las vegas): Hey Guys, TB seems to have a number of arms on the farm, who is the best of best for the Rays?
Josh Norris: Blake Snell, our Minor League Player of the Year for 2015. A lefty with mid-90s gas and array of average or better offspeed pitches.

Tom elliott (London, England): Is Mark Appel any closer to receiving his call up to the major leagues since the off season trade to the Phillies, recent DL stint aside?
Josh Norris: He’s still on the disabled list, so I’d say he’s not particularly the close to getting up there. His numbers weren’t exactly scintillating either before the injury.

Chris Bundus (Cleveland): Tyler O'Neill has been mashing for 2 seasons now, has he entered top 100 or even top 50 prospect status?
Josh Norris: Now that he’s out of the Cal League oasis, I could see him creeping into the Top 100 if he keeps this up throughout the year. He’s certainly a shining star in a barren system.

Todd (HOT Arizona): Curious about Ricardo Pito - I realize its only 2 starts, but his last 2 starts seem pretty dominating. Is he figuring it out?
Josh Norris: The key for Pinto is the development of the slider. If he can’t find that pitch consistently, he’ll wind up a reliever. With it, he’s got a chance to be a back-end guy. Keeping the ball down will be key for him this year, too, especially in Reading.

Dave (Chicago): How impressive is Victor Robles? He's a name that keeps popping up more and more. I know he is just 19, but I am a little surprised that he has not been promoted to high A yet. He seems to have a very good understanding of the strike zone.
Josh Norris: He’s a five-tool talent for sure, with one scout I spoke with recently comparing him to a young Andrew McCutchen. He’s in his first season out of complex ball, so it’s not surprising at all that he’s still in low Class A.

MJ (VALPO): Mauricio Dubon has been exceptional this season. (More BB than K!) What are the plans for him since he seems blocked everywhere?
Josh Norris: Keep getting him reps at as many spots as possible to develop versatility around the infield and make him more attractive as a possible trade chip down the line or a utilityman in the big leagues.

David Lapidus (ohio): Who is your pick for starting 1b for the phillies in 2017 - Joesph, Hoskins or someone else?
Josh Norris: I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Joseph to open the year (a sentence I never thought I’d type)

Trace (Chicago): It's just a hot streak right now, but is Austin Meadows making a case for the #1 prospect at year-end?
Josh Norris: I could see him surpassing Glasnow in the org (although it will be close), but I’d put my entire stack of quarters on Yoan Moncada being the No. 1 prospect in the game come season’s end.

Brian (Greensboro, NC): Perfect day for a chat - Thanks! 2 Rome Braves questions for you as I finally get to see them come to Greensboro...1. Which starter has the highest ceiling? 2. Which non-pitcher for Rome is a must see?
Josh Norris: We think LHP Kolby Allard, who made his first start with Rome earlier this week, to have the highest ceiling, ranking him No. 3 in the organization. I would look at 3B Austin Riley for hitters, whom we ranked No. 6 in the system.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): I assume Frazier has by now supplanted Zimmer as No one prospect. When do you expect either to move up to AAA?
Josh Norris: It’s been a rough go for ZImmer in his two turns at Double-A so far for sure, but I wouldn’t give up on him just yet. He’s still get center field on his side, for one. As for when Frazier could move, I could see that happening at the Eastern League all-star break in July, if not a little sooner.

Keith (Farmington, CT): Thanks JJ and Josh. Which 1B prospect appeals more to you, Ronald Guzman or Josh Ockimey, and is it close?
Josh Norris: I liked Ockimey when I saw him with low Class A Greenville. He knocked the tar out of the ball, but it was a little concerning that they were already shifting him so early in his career.

Elliot (Youngstown OH): Since shortstop is Lindor's for life when and where did the Indians shift Chang to?
Josh Norris: I’d keep him at shortstop until the time he proves he can’t. You can always use him as a trade piece later on down the line.

Alex (Bay Area): Is it safe to say Puk, Shore & Jeffries all go into A's Top #10? Puk ahead or behind Barreto?
J.J. Cooper: All go in the top 10 and yes, I’d put Puk ahead of Barreto.

Darren (Seattle): How surprised are you that Kyle Lewis slipped to #11?
J.J. Cooper: Surprised. Definitely surprised. I would have said on Tuesday that his floor was 5-6. But HS guys moved up and he didn’t find a landing spot. Great value for Mariners at 11.

JJ (Cleveland): Have you downgraded your ranking of AJ Reed because of this slow start? Does he still project for around 25HR/100RBI once he reaches his prime in the majors?
J.J. Cooper: No. He’s been banged up. Slow start, but the power/batting eye is still there. I still expect to see him in Houston this year.

Jose (DC): Is Alex Bregman a better defender at SS than Correa?
J.J. Cooper: No. Correa is not moving for Bregman. Bregman is moving for Correa.

J.J. Cooper: Thanks for the questions. We’re cutting it a little short to get back to draft coverage.