civ ollilavad wrote:Baez, it said.

Oh! Well, that would have worked too.

This would be cool

https://twitter.com/chelseafree5/status ... 4413686784

Braves player takes son trick or treating and finds kid dressed up as him.

I see Eric Stamets signed a minor deal with Rockies.

Cup of coffee with the Tribe. So bad he got dropped from the 40.

IF we had had Lindor at SS in April instead of Eric the Unready we would have won the Division. Well, maybe. Especially if Jose had been hitting in April. And if Clevinger hadn't got hurt in April And Kluber hadn't got hurt in May [AND if he had pitched the rest of the season the way he did last year not the way he was pitching this year]

It looks like only the Braves are busy this winter. Take care of all their business before Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holidays. Go back to work in January

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that the Nationals have re-signed Yan Gomes to a two-year, $10 million contract.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com adds that there are also performance-based incentives included in the deal. Gomes, 32, recently had his $9 million option declined for the 2020 season by the Nationals, but Washington was able to find common ground with the catcher.

He hit .223/.316/.389 with 12 homers and 43 RBI over 97 games for the Nats in their 2019 championship campaign, and should have a similar role in 2020 where he splits time with Kurt Suzuki behind the plate. It's a good fit all around.

not a bad deal for Yan. What's Perez paid? In 2020, Perez will earn a base salary of $3,500,000, while carrying a total salary of $3,625,000. Good deal for us.

Yep another example of staying smart.

Hey, happy for Gomes, he got a ring out of it. Add in the minors guys we got for him. Win/win.

Good resource when looking at other teams' prospects. Our usual ones listed.

John Sickels’ Top 100 MLB prospects for the 2020 season


By John Sickels Dec 30, 2019 81
Here is my current take on the Top 100 MLB prospects. The original list was published back in February, with an update in late April then another update in June then another in September.

This is the end-of-2019 holiday list and contains minor changes from the September version.

Starting in January we will have a series of articles looking for additional prospect sleepers, reviewing the 2019 draft class, previewing the 2020 draft class, and answering mailbag questions.

Graduated from the Top 100 due to MLB service time:

Kyle Tucker, OF, Houston Astros, Grade A-: Last ranking was No. 4
Will Smith, C, Los Angeles Dodgers, Grade B+: Last ranking was No. 31
Nate Lowe, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays, Grade B+: Last ranking was No. 73
Isan Diaz, 2B, Miami Marlins, Grade B: Last ranking was No. 79

Current Top 100
Here’s the current Top 100, with updated rankings and grades. I will be around in the comments thread to answer questions.

1) Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays, Grade A: Previously No. 1; hit .327/.398/.487 combined between Low-A and High-A at age 18; best position player long-term still in the minor leagues; stock holding nicely, no change in outlook.

2) Mackenzie Gore, LHP, San Diego Padres, Grade A: Previously No. 2; completely dominant in High-A with 1.02 ERA, 110/20 K/BB in 79 innings; promoted to AA and held his own — 4.15 in 22 innings, 25/8 K/BB; stock holding, no change in outlook.

3) Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox, Grade A: Previously No. 3; monster season, hitting .328/.376/.624 with 32 homers, 36 steals at High-A/Double-A/Triple-A; some strike zone issues remain but enormously talented; no change in status since last report.

4) Gavin Lux, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers, Grade A-: Previously No. 6; hit .347/.421/.607 at three levels then held his own in majors at .240/.305/.400 in 75 at-bats; should build from here; you could put him ahead of Robert depending on how you assess positional premium.

5) Casey Mize, RHP, Detroit Tigers, Grade A-: Previously No. 5; 2.55 ERA with 106/23 K/BB in 109 innings between High-A and AA; had some rougher outings in August before being shut down for precautionary reasons; no question about his ability but injury risk remains an issue.

6) Jo Adell, OF, Los Angeles Angels, Grade A-: Previously No. 7; has been pushed quickly, now in AAA at age 20; production cut a bit at .264/.321/.355 in 121 at-bats but still at .289/.359/.475 overall on the season; needs more time in the high minors but that’s OK; no change in status from last report.

7) Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles, Grade A-: Previously No. 8; No. 1 overall pick in 2019 from Oregon State hit .254/.351/.423 in 130 at-bats between rookie ball, New York-Penn League, and Low-A; switch-hitter with power, patience and excellent glove.

8) Brendan McKay, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays. Grade A-: Previously No. 9; 1.10 ERA, 102/18 K/BB in 74 innings in AA/AAA; 5.14 ERA in 49 major league innings with 56/16 K/BB ratio; just barely rookie eligible for 2020, just needs to pitch; leading Rookie of the Year contender.

9) Nate Pearson, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays, Grade A-: Previously No. 10; 2.30 ERA in 102 innings between High-A/Double-A/Triple-A with 119/27 K/BB rate; you can make a good case for as high as No. 4 depending on assessment of Mize’s injury risk.

10) Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners, Grade A- Previously No. 17; hit .326/.390/.540 in 328 at-bats between Low-A and High-A; hit .462 in 65 at-bats after moving up to the California League; still just 18 years old; the more I study him the more I like him.

11) Christian Pache, OF, Atlanta Braves, Grade A-: Previously No. 12; hitting combined .277/.340/.462 with 12 homers in 487 at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A at age 20; hasn’t reached his ceiling yet by any means; no change in status from last report.

12) Jared Kelenic, OF, Seattle Mariners, Grade A-: Previously No. 14; stock continues to surge; hit .291/.364/.540; began season in Low-A, finished in Double-A at age 20; promising power/speed combination — 23 homers, 20 steals; all looks good right now.

13) Jesus Luzardo, LHP, Oakland Athletics, Grade A-: Previously No. 15; battled nagging injuries all year but excellent when healthy, with 2.51 ERA, 57/8 K/BB in 43 innings; scouting reports remain strong; pitched well in major league trial with 1.50 ERA, 16/3 K/BB rate in 12 innings.

14) Dustin May, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers, Grade A-: Previously No. 19; excellent second half — 3.37 ERA in 107 innings in Double-A/Triple-A with 110/29 K/BB; 3.63 ERA in 35 major league innings but with excellent 32/5 K/BB; has the stuff to back up the stats.

15) Royce Lewis, SS, Minnesota Twins, Grade A-: Previously No. 18; not a great year statistically at .236/.290/.371 between High-A and Double-A; did have 12 homers and 22 steals and only 20 years old; scouting reports remain very promising; looked excellent in Arizona Fall League, enough to move his stock back up a bit.

16) Carter Kieboom, SS, Washington Nationals, Grade A-: Previously No. 13; hit .303/.409/.493 with 16 homers, 68 walks in 412 at-bats in Triple-A; ready for a full major league trial — went 5-for-39 in brief MLB look, but certainly capable of better; I may like him a little more than I should.

17) Brendan Rodgers, INF, Colorado Rockies, Grade A-: Previously No. 11; hit .350/.413/.622 in AAA, .224/.272/.250 in 76 MLB at-bats before going down with torn labrum; I must admit that Rodgers’ relatively unimpressive MLB debut concerns me due to concerns about his pitch recognition, granted the sample is small; accordingly I have moved him down a few slots.

18) Matt Manning, RHP, Detroit Tigers, Grade A-: Previously No. 15; very impressive campaign in Double-A — 2.56 ERA in 134 innings, with 148/38 K/BB rate; all markers positive, status holding.

19) Alec Bohm, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies, Grade A-: Previously No. 16; hit .305/.378/.518 with 20 homers, 57 walks, 73 strikeouts in 475 at-bats in Low-A/High-A/Double-A; combines power, plate discipline, and greatly improved defense; status holding.

20) Sixto Sanchez, RHP, Miami Marlins, Grade A-: Previously No. 19; 2.53 ERA in 103 innings in Double-A, with 97/19 K/BB rate; throws hard, throws strikes, secondary pitches advancing nicely; stock holding.

21) Dylan Carlson, OF, St. Louis Cardinals, Grade A-: Previously 24; breakout player hit .292/.372/.542 with 26 homers, 20 steals between Double-A and Triple-A; only 20 years old; do not overlook him.

22) Bobby Witt Jr, SS, Kansas City Royals, Grade A-: Previously No. 20; first-round pick in 2019 hit .262/.317/.354 in rookie ball; excellent across-the-board tools with power, speed, defensive ability, and strong makeup/bloodlines.

23) Joey Bart, C, San Francisco Giants, Grade A-: Previously No. 21; hit combined .278/.328/.495 with 16 homers between High-A and Double-A; stock holding.

24) Andrew Vaughn, 1B, Chicago White Sox, Grade A-: Previously 23; first-round pick in 2019 from University of California hit .278/.384/.449 in 205 at-bats so far between Low-A and High-A; excellent hitting approach and plus power potential.

25) Alex Kirilloff, OF, Minnesota Twins, Grade B+: Previously No. 25; hit .283/.343/.413 in Double-A; missed several weeks with a wrist injury which may have had a negative effect on his power, but still draws wide praise for hitting ability; stock holding.

26) Ian Anderson, RHP, Atlanta Braves, Grade B+: Previously No. 26; combined 3.38 ERA in 136 innings in Double-A/Triple-A with a 172/65 K/BB rate; command and consistency wobbled in Triple-A and needs a bit more polish but stock holding overall.

27) A.J. Puk, LHP, Oakland Athletics, Grade B+: Previously No. 29; 4.97 ERA, 38/10 K/BB rate in 25 innings on short leash as he finished Tommy John recovery; promoted to majors for bullpen use in September; 3.18 ERA in 11 innings in the majors with a 13/5 K/BB rate; retains No. 2 starter upside as he rebuilds his stamina; stock holding.

28) Mitch Keller, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates, Grade B+: Previously No. 27; 3.56 ERA in 104 innings in Triple-A with a 123/35 K/BB; 7.13 ERA in first 48 major league innings but with promising 65/16 K/BB; just needs experience; stock holding.

29) Luis Patino, RHP, San Diego Padres, Grade B+: Previously 30; 2.57 ERA in 95 innings between High-A and Double-A with a 123/38 K/BB; you have to love the K/BB and he can hit 99.

30) Drew Waters, OF, Atlanta Braves, Grade B+: Previously No. 34; hit .309/.360/.459 between Double-A and Triple-A with seven homers, 16 steals; very athletic, great arm, fast; strike zone gets away from him sometimes and 39/164 BB/K needs to get better.

31) Keibert Ruiz, C, Los Angeles Dodgers, Grade B+: Previously No. 32; hit .261/.331/.347 in 314 at-bats between Double-A and Triple-A; was off to fast start after moving up to Triple-A (.316/.350/.474) with very positive reports before breaking a finger.

32) Forrest Whitley, RHP, Houston Astros, Grade B+: Previously No. 33; horrible season with 7.99 ERA, 86/44 K/BB in 60 innings at four levels, finishing in Double-A; stuff is intact but command has been very poor; looked much better in the Arizona Fall League, maintaining velocity but throwing strikes again.

33) JJ Bleday, OF, Miami Marlins, Grade B+: Previously No. 35; first-round pick in 2019 from Vanderbilt hit .257/.311/.379 in 140 at-bats in High-A; holding his own making transition to full-season ball directly from college.

34) Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox, Grade B+: Previously No. 37; out with Tommy John surgery.

35) Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pittsburgh Pirates, Grade B+: Previously No. 38; production picked up in second half, hitting .265/.336/.415 in Triple-A with 12 steals, 10 homers; excellent defense and I think there is more to come with the bat.

36) Kyle Wright, RHP, Atlanta Braves, Grade B+: Previously No. 39; much better in second half — 4.11 ERA in 112 innings in Triple-A with 116/35 K/BB; still some consistency issues but he did enough to hold his stock.

37) Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Baltimore Orioles, Grade B+: Previously No. 40; 2.68 ERA in 94 innings in Low-A with a 129/36 K/BB; strong year from 2018 first-round pick, just needs to prove his stamina over the long term; I really like this one.

38) Jesus Sanchez, OF, Miami Marlins, Grade B+: Previously No. 36; hit .260/.325/.398 between Double-A and Triple-A with 13 homers; capable of much better, as he’s still adapting to high minors; I have some concerns that he needs to tighten strike zone command to truly thrive.

39) C.J. Abrams, SS, San Diego Padres, Grade B+: Previously No. 42; first-round pick in 2019 hit stunning .401/.442/.662 in 142 at-bats in rookie ball; promoted directly to Low-A from that point but hurt his shoulder after two games; blazing speed and much more polished than expected as a hitter.

40) Riley Greene, OF, Detroit Tigers, Grade B+: Previously No. 43; first-round pick in 2019 hit .271/.347/.403 in 221 at-bats; already in Low-A and he’s just a few months out of high school.

41) Taylor Trammell, OF, San Diego Padres, Grade B+: Previously No. 41; hit .234/.340/.349 in Double-A with 10 homers, 20 steals, 67 walks, 122 Ks in 436 at-bats; disappointing season with the bat but still draws notice for speed and upside potential.

42) Tarik Skubal, LHP, Detroit Tigers, Grade B+: Previously No. 44; breakthrough season with 2.42 ERA in 123 innings between High-A and Double-A with 179/37 K/BB and only 87 hits allowed; legit stuff to back up the numbers with low-to-mid-90s fastball, plus breaking stuff, excellent control; this is an aggressive ranking compared to other sources but I don’t think the strikeouts are lying to us; he’s a legitimate top prospect, impressive for a ninth rounder in the 2018 draft.

43) Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Tampa Bay Rays, Grade B+: Previously No. 45; 3.10 ERA in 78 innings in Low-A with 76/31 K/BB; has been handled cautiously due to youth; needs to lower the walk rate but Midwest League sources very positive on long-term projection.

44) Sean Murphy, C, Oakland Athletics, Grade B+: Previously No. 46; missed much of year with torn left meniscus but effective when healthy; .293/.384/.580 in 150 at-bats in Triple-A, .245/.333/.566 in 53 major league at-bats; ready for a full shot.

45) Brusdar Graterol, RHP, Minnesota Twins, Grade B+: Previously No. 47; missed time with shoulder impingement but has been excellent when healthy; 1.92 ERA in 61 innings with 61/23 K/BB between rehab work and Double-A/Triple-A; 4.66 ERA in 9.2 major league innings with 10/2 K/BB; ready for a full trial.

46) Nick Solak, 2B-OF, Texas Rangers, Grade B+: Not ranked previously; older prospect at age 24 and would not rank this high on pure tools alone, however from a fantasy perspective he looks like a very productive investment and Rookie of the Year contender; hit .289/.362/.532 in Triple-A with 27 homers, then .293/.393/.491 in 116 major league at-bats; this looks legitimate to me and under that assumption he needs to be in the Top 50.

47) Nick Madrigal, 2B, Chicago White Sox, Grade B+: Previously No. 48; hit .311/.377/.414 between High-A, Double-A, Triple-A with combined 35 steals; all very much as expected from skilled contact hitter.

48) Nolan Jones, 3B, Cleveland Indians, Grade B+: Previously No. 51; hit .272/.409/.442 with 15 homers, 96 walks, 148 strikeouts in 430 at-bats between High-A and Double-A; quite patient, perhaps too much so; stock holding.

49) Logan Gilbert, RHP, Seattle Mariners: Grade B+: Previously No. 59; first-round pick in 2018 out of Stetson; extremely polished; 2.13 ERA in 135 innings in Low-A/High-A/Double-A with 165/33 K/BB; no decline in performance as he moved up; needs more attention than he’s received and should be better than some guys with more press.

50) Luis Campusano, C, San Diego Padres, Grade B+: Previously ranked No. 60; 20-year-old catcher hit .325/.396/.509 in High-A with excellent approach, 15 homers, 52 walks, just 57 strikeouts in 442 at-bats; glove needs polish but highly-interesting bat; the more I study him the more I like him.

51) Spencer Howard, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies, Grade B+: Previously ranked No. 56; 2.03 ERA, 94/16 K/BB rate in 71 innings between High-A, Double-A, and rehab work for shoulder issues; turned heads with excellent performance late in the year.

52) Brady Singer, RHP, Kansas City Royals, Grade B+: Previously No. 49; good solid year from polished right-hander; 2.85 ERA in 148 innings between High-A and Double-A with 138/39 K/BB; should be ready sometime in 2020.

53) Nolan Gorman, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals, Grade B+: Previously No. 50; .248/.326/.439 with 15 homers, 45 walks, 152 strikeouts in 456 at-bats in Low-A/High-A; no real change in profile here; huge raw power with contact concerns; scouts remain higher on him than the numbers due to the power potential.

54) Jackson Kowar, RHP, Kansas City Royals, Grade B+: Previously No. 55; 3.52 ERA in 148 innings between High-A and Double-A with 144/43 K/BB; not quite as polished as Singer but pure stuff stands out; great 1/2 punch for KC.

55) Vidal Brujan, 2B, Tampa Bay Rays, Grade B+: Previously No. 64; hit .277/.346/.389 between High-A and Double-A with 48 steals; contact hitter with excellent speed, and I think more power may come eventually.

56) Xavier Edwards, SS, Tampa Bay Rays, Grade B+: Previously No. 65; comp round pick in 2018, hitting .322/.375/.396 with 34 steals; blazing speed and gets on base, and as with Brujan, may surprise with some power eventually.

57) Kris Bubic, LHP, Kansas City Royals, Grade B+: Previously unranked; I expect this rating will be controversial; doesn’t have the pure velocity of some other top pitchers but extremely deceptive and led minor leagues with 185 strikeouts; overall 2.23 ERA with 185/42 K/BB in 149 innings in A-ball; comp round pick in 2018 out of Stanford; in this case I am betting on the strikeouts being the key indicator of his long-term potential rather than his low-90s fastball velocity.

58) Hunter Greene, RHP, Cincinnati Reds, Grade B+: Previously No. 52; sore elbow finally resulted in Tommy John surgery; I never know how to rank injury guys, so we’ll just move him down a few notches and plug him in here; excellent potential if his arm is OK; main need is more consistent off-speed stuff to go with 100+ mph fastball.

59) Ryan Mountcastle, 1B-3B, Baltimore Orioles, Grade B+: Previously No. 53; fine year in Triple-A at age 20, hitting .312/.344/.527 with 25 homers; ready for a trial, but could use more selectivity at the plate.

60) Jordan Groshans, SS-3B, Toronto Blue Jays, Grade B+: Previously No. 54; hot start with .337/.427/.482 in 23 games in Low-A until going down with foot injury; no change in status, just needs health.

61) Jordan Balazovic, RHP, Minnesota Twins, Grade B+: Previously No. 58; age 20; breakthrough season with 2.69 ERA in 94 innings in Low-A/High-A with 129/25 K/BB and just 67 hits allowed; stuff continues to improve and he throws strikes readily.

62) Brice Turang, SS, Milwaukee Brewers, Grade B+: Previously No. 61; 2018 first-rounder hit .257/.367/.340 with three homers, 30 steals, 83 walks in 473 at-bats in Low-A/High-A at age 19; solid glove, extremely patient at the plate, maybe too patient, but high OBP with speed gives nice leadoff ability; I retain some optimism about his long-term power although most disagree.

63) DL Hall, LHP, Baltimore Orioles, Grade B+: Previously No. 62; 3.46 ERA in 81 innings in High-A with 116/54 K/BB; on the injured list with a lat strain to end the season; love the strikeouts and the upside, needs to lower the walks.

64) Isaac Paredes, INF, Detroit Tigers, Grade B+: Previously No. 66; hit .282/.368/.416 in Double-A; strong second half and still just 20; main concern is mediocre defense but I think there is a bright future in this bat.

65) Daulton Varsho, C, Arizona Diamondbacks, Grade B+: Previously No. 67; hit .301/.378/.520 with 18 homers, 21 steals in 396 at-bats in Double-A; needs additional glove polish but unusual speed for a catcher and has real power.

66) Luis Garcia, INF, Washington Nationals, Grade B+: Previously No. 68; hit .257/.280/.337 in 525 at-bats in Double-A; pushed very quickly and is only 19 years old; production improved in the second half.

67) Ronaldo Hernandez, C, Tampa Bay Rays, Grade B+: Previously No. 70; cannon-arm defender, hit .265/.299/.397 with nine homers; not a great year with the bat but I still like his long-term projection.

68) Nico Hoerner, SS, Chicago Cubs, Grade B+: Previously No. 71; missed time with hand injury but hit .284/.344/.399 in Double-A when healthy; love the pure hitting skills and this is another guy who could sneak in some power down the line.

69) Cristian Javier, RHP, Houston Astros, Grade B+: Not previously ranked; combined for 1.74 ERA, 170/59 K/BB and just 51 hits allowed in 114 innings at three levels, finishing in Triple-A; ridiculous numbers overall though needs to lower walks; fastball hits 96 but looks faster due to contrast with solid secondaries.

70) Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays, Grade B+: Previously unranked; 3.80 ERA with 126/24 K/BB in 109 innings in Low-A/High-A; throws hard, has a plus curveball, changeup improving, throws strikes, just needs to prove his durability.

71) George Kirby, RHP, Seattle Mariners, Grade B+: Previously No. 75; first-round pick in 2019 out of Elon, overmatching Northwest League with 2.35 ERA in 23 innings, with 25 strikeouts, zero walks; not ranked this high on other lists but I thought he was a real steal on draft day at 20th overall; could reach majors very quickly.

72) Ronny Mauricio, SS, New York Mets, Grade B+: Previously No. 69; .268/.307/.357 in Low-A but only 18 years old; strong defensive tools and considerable promise with the bat though understandably raw; a projection pick, do not expect quick impact.

73) Marco Luciano, SS, San Francisco Giants, Grade B+: Previously No. 72; you will be hearing more about this one; .322/.438/.616 in rookie ball; signed out of Dominican Republic in 2018 for $2,600,000; power potential and athleticism stand out, current buzz very positive, also a long way off.

74) Yusniel Diaz, OF, Baltimore Orioles, Grade B+: Previously No. 74; fought off injuries and a slow start, hitting .262/.335/.472 in 286 at-bats in Double-A, showing more in-game power this year.

75) Justus Sheffield, LHP, Seattle Mariners, Grade B+: Previously No. 57; abysmal first half in Triple-A (6.87, 48/41 K/BB); demoted to Double-A and was much better (2.19, 85/18 K/BB), posting 5.50 ERA in 36 major league innings with 37/18 K/BB; you can make a case to drop him out of Top 100 entirely but the natural talent remains impressive and even a small improvement in command consistency would pay off big; this spot represents a compromise.

76) Shane Baz, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays, Grade B+: Previously No. 76; 2017 first-rounder traded from Pittsburgh last summer; 2.99 ERA in 81 innings in Low-A with 87/37 K/BB; occasional command hiccups for Midwest League observers like plus fastball/slider combination.

77) Nick Lodolo, LHP, Cincinnati Reds, Grade B+: Previously No. 78; 2019 first-round pick out of TCU, posted 2.45 ERA in 18 inning debut with 30/0 K/BB before being shut down for innings limited; could move very quickly.

78) Abraham Toro, 3B, Houston Astros, Grade B: Not previously ranked; hit .324/.411/.527 with 17 homers between Double-A and Triple-A, then .218/.303/.385 in 78 major league at-bats; switch-hitter with good feel and steadily developing power.

79) Evan White, 1B, Seattle Mariners, Grade B: Previously No. 80; hit .293/.350/.488 in Double-A; pure hitter and getting to his power more often this year; defense is stellar.

80) Josh Jung, 3B, Texas Rangers, Grade B: Not previously ranked; first-round pick in 2019 from Texas Tech, hit .287/.363/.389 in 157 at-bats in Low-A; more power should develop in time, should also provide plenty of batting average and OBP.

81) Heliot Ramos, OF, San Francisco Giants, Grade B: Previously ranked No. 82; hit .290/.369/.481 with 16 homers between High-A and Double-A; big raw power and has made some progress with the strike zone.

82) Trevor Larnach, OF, Minnesota Twins, Grade B: Previously No. 83; hit .309/.384/.458 with 13 homer, 57 walks, 30 doubles in 476 at-bats between High-A and Double-A; good approach at the plate, home run production should increase.

83) Justin Dunn, RHP, Seattle Mariners, Grade B: Previously No. 84; 3.55 ERA in 132 innings in Double-A with 158/39 K/BB; has eased questions about future role; should be ready for rotation trial in 2020.

84) Josiah Gray, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers, Grade B: Previously ranked No. 85; first-round pick by Cincinnati Reds in 2018, traded to Dodgers last December; 2.28 ERA in 130 innings with 147/31 K/BB at three levels, finishing in Double-A; working on changeup but fastball and slider are plus; don’t overlook him.

85) Greg Jones, SS, Tampa Bay Rays, Grade B: Previously ranked No. 86; first-round pick in 2019 from UNC-Wilmington hit .335/.413/.461 in the New York-Penn League with 19 steals; 80-grade speed with on-base skills and some sneaky pop; needs to prove at higher levels but early signs are promising.

86) Anthony Kay, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays, Grade B: Previously No. 87; 2.96 ERA with 135/56 K/BB in 134 innings in Double-A/Triple-A; posted 5.79 ERA in 14 major league innings with 13/5 K/BB; still has some command glitches but live-armed lefties get lots of slack.

87) Edward Cabrera, RHP, Miami Marlins, Grade B: Previously No. 95; 2.23 ERA in 97 innings between High-A and Double-A with 116/31 K/BB and just 65 hits allowed; stock has been rising all summer due to 92-97 MPH heat; secondary pitches need more polish but loads of potential here.

88) Corbin Carroll, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks, Grade B: Previously ranked No. 88; first-round pick in 2019 from high school in Washington state; hit .299/.409/.487 in debut between rookie ball and short-season-A; extremely polished hitter for his age, and has stolen 18 in 19 attempts.

89) Deivi Garcia, RHP, New York Yankees, Grade B: Previously No. 89; 4.28 ERA in 111 innings between High-A/Double-A/Triple-A with 165/54 K/BB: big strikeout pitcher with hot stuff, though command needs more polish and he may end up in bullpen.

90) Shea Langeliers, C, Atlanta Braves, Grade B: Not previously ranked; first-round pick in 2019 from Baylor, hit .255/.310/.343 in Low-A; capable of better; outstanding defensive catcher.

91) Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates, Grade B: Previously No. 90; hit .298/.356/.475 between High-A and Double-A; missed time with broken foot but healthy now; big breakthrough possible in 2020.

92) Alek Thomas, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks, Grade B: Not previously ranked; hit .300/.379/.450 in Low-A/High-A with 10 homers, 15 steals; just 19 years old; second-round pick in 2018; only weak tool is throwing arm; more power may come.

93) Sam Huff, C, Texas Rangers, Grade B: Not previously ranked; hit .278/.335/.509 with 28 homers in Low-A/High-A; power is real, strikeouts may inhibit batting average at higher levels; defense needs more polish but has tools to stick and could have impact bat.

94) Ryan Weathers, LHP, San Diego Padres, Grade B: Previously No. 81; on strict pitch count in Low-A, posted 3.84 ERA in 96 innings with 90/18 K/BB; another favorite of Midwest League sources due to polish and mound presence.

95) Jeter Downs, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers, Grade B: Not previously ranked; hit .276/.362/.526 with 24 homers, 24 steals, 60 walks in High-A/Double-A; another multi-category player, this may be too low.

96) Tyler Freeman, INF, Cleveland Indians, Grade B: Previously No. 91; hit .306/.368/.410 between Low-A and High-A, with 19 steals; line-drive hitter with speed and quick glove.

97) Triston Casas, 1B, Boston Red Sox. Grade B: Previously No. 92; first-round pick in 2018, hit .254/.349..472 with 19 homers in Low-A, tapping his power well; excellent glove at first base.

98) Monte Harrison, OF, Miami Marlins, Grade B: Previously No. 94; hit .274/.357/.451 in 215 at-bats in Triple-A, with 20 steals; missed time with injuries; multi-category potential with power and speed but still shows rawness at age 24.

99) Jazz Chisholm, SS, Miami Marlins, Grade B: Not previously ranked; hit .220/.321/.441 with 21 homers, 16 steals in Double-A; was terrible before the trade (from Arizona to Miami); .204/.305/.427 with 123 strikeouts in 89 games before the deal but much better afterward (.284/.383/.494, 24 whiffs in 23 games); all the tools are here, but still looking for consistency.

100) Ryan Vilade, SS, Colorado Rockies: Grade B: Not previously ranked; hit .303/.367/.466 with 10 triples, 12 homers, 24 steals in High-A; age 20; some questions about defense and I’d like to see him in a less-friendly offensive environment, but this ranking could end up looking much too low by June.

101) Seth Beer, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks, Grade B: Not previously ranked; traded from Astros in Zack Greinke deal; hit .289/.388/.516 with 26 homers in High-A/Double-A; proved he could get to his power against pro pitching after college career at Clemson.

102) Daniel Lynch, LHP, Kansas City Royals, Grade B: Previously No. 97; comp round pick in 2018; 2.99 ERA in 96 innings between High-A and injury rehab at lower levels with 96/29 K/BB; finished season on an up note.

103) Jonathan India, 3B, Cincinnati Reds, Grade B: Previously No. 93; hit .259/.365/.402 between High-A and Double-A, with 11 homers, 59 walks; not a great year with the stats but still draws positive reviews, enough to keep him close to the Top 100 though stock has slipped.

104) Hans Crouse, RHP, Texas Rangers, Grade B: Previously No. 63; got off to a fast start but faded, finished with 4.41 ERA in 88 innings in Low-A with 76/19 K/BB; on the shelf with elbow issues and had surgery to remove a bone spur in October.

105) Jorge Mateo, SS, Oakland Athletics, Grade B: Hit .289/.330/.504 with 19 homers, 14 triples, 24 steals, 29 walks, 145 strikeouts in Triple-A; very intriguing power/speed mix but with concerning pitch recognition issues.

IN THE PICTURE

Bryan Abreu, RHP, Astros; Brennen Davis, OF, Cubs; Jasson Dominguez, OF, Yankees; Dane Dunning, RHP, White Sox; Braxton Garrett, LHP, Marlins; Luis Gil, RHP, Yankees; Ethan Hankins, RHP, Indians; Alek Manoah, RHP, Blue Jays; Brailyn Marquez, LHP, Cubs; Bo Naylor, C, Indians; Korey Lee, C, Astros; Freudis Nova, INF, Astros; Joe Palumbo, LHP, Rangers; Kristian Robinson, OF, Diamondbacks; Trevor Rogers, LHP, Marlins; Ryan Rolison, LHP, Rockies; Braden Shewmake, INF; Braves; Bryse Wilson, RHP, Braves;

Injured Prospects Who Could Rank Very Highly If Healthy
I never know how to assess these types of cases so here’s a special category.

Triston McKenzie, RHP, Cleveland Indians, Grade B: Previously No. 33; missed entire year with back injury; hard to rank as a result; slot in the 30-40 range if OK

Brent Honeywell, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays, Grade B: Previously No. 23; has now missed two years with elbow trouble; how do you rank him?; slot in the 40-50 range if OK

Jon Morosi of MLB said the Angels were wanting Clevinger. The asking price from Indians was Jo Adell and another player. Angels balked. (Adell #6 on list above)

Indians asked Dodgers for Lux in any package for Lindor. (Lux #4 above)

I don’t blame the Indians one bit. That’s exactly what I said I’d want. Hope they don’t move from that.

My point is - - if we are going to settle for second level prospects then may as well keep these guys until the July deadline before they walk. We have proven we can get quite a haul of decent prospects then, time and again. Brewers with Sabathia, Reds and Bauer, etc.. But if a team wants these guys now, with time remaining on their contracts, they have to pony up top level prospects.

Looks like a lot of players on this list from our Central division foes. Too lazy to count, but there seemed like a lot of CWS, MT, Tigers and some Royals.

That was about the worst ranking for Indians players I've seen; Jones 48, Freeman 96; McKenzie unknown; Naylor and Hankins in the next few dozen.
No mention of Valera Rocchio Espino

Major League Baseball suspended Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow for one year as part of penalties for sign-stealing during the 2017 season in which they won the World Series, according to multiple reports.

Houston also loses its first- and second-round draft picks for the 2020 and 2021 drafts and will be fined $5 million, according to The Athletic. Former Astros assistant general manager Brandon Taubman will be placed on baseball’s ineligible list.

Jeff Passan @JeffPassan
Jim Crane just fired Jeff Luhnow and AJ Hinch.

(MLB found the owner, Jim Crane, didn't know anything about the cheating going on)