BA's 2012 MWL Top 20 Prospects

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Javier Baez is #1. No other Cub in the top 20.

 

Age: 19  B-T: R-R  Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 205  Drafted: Arlington Country Day HS, Jacksonville, Fla., 2011 (1st round).

 

Baez spent barely two months at Peoria, yet that was long enough for managers to tap him as the MWL's most exciting player. His elite bat speed draws comparisons to Gary Sheffield's, giving him the potential to be a well above-average hitter for average and power. A National League scout called Baez' batting practice the highlight of his summer.

 

Baez is incredibly aggressive at the plate, taking a huge hack at everything, but he also has a knack of imparting tremendous topspin when he mishits the ball. He plays much more under control in other areas of the game, exhibiting average speed and good instincts on the bases. His actions and range at shortstop were a pleasant surprise, and his arm never has been questioned, but he may outgrow the position and move to third base once he fills out.

 

"Instinctually, he's about as good a baseball player as I've ever seen," an American League scout said. "He makes the right decision and knows what's going on. That bat has a chance to be really good and I think he'll be able to play shortstop unless his body becomes an issue."

 

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[Guest]

Soler would have been in the 4-6 range had he qualified. That's it for the Cubs.

 

There were some nice comments about Jensen, Rosario, Peralta in the Q&A, though.

[davell]

Anything about Rosario's injury situation, by any chance?

[Guest]

Anything about Rosario's injury situation, by any chance?

Nope. Just saying he's got a strong arm.