Top 115 Prospects List Recap: 76-80
Jul 27, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) reacts after a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The Rays defeated the Yankees 1-0 behind Archer
No. 80 Chris Archer, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 200 pounds
Born: Sept. 26, 1988 (age 24)
2013 Triple-A Stats: 5-3, 3.96 ERA, 10 GS, 50 IP, 9.4 K/9, 4.1 BB/9, 1.46 WHIP
2013 MLB Stats: 9-7, 3.22 ERA, 23 GS, 128 2/3 IP, 7.1 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 1.13 WHIP
Heading into 2013: Archer had a brief but impressive couple stints with the Rays in 2012. Even with the departure of James Shields, however, Archer had to fight for a rotation spot this spring.
This season: Archer didn’t break into the Rays rotation until June, but there was no turning back from there. His performance has made him the favorite for Rookie of the Year Award honors (in an admittedly weak year for rookies in the AL). The big breakthrough has been Archer’s new found command. After averaging 5 BB/9 in the minors, Archer has toned that down to just 2.7 BB/9 over 23 starts for the Rays.
Looking ahead: Archer has become yet another Tampa Bay pitcher to graduate from the prospect ranks. Acquired in the trade that sent Matt Garza to the Chicago Cubs, Archer figures to be a steady contributor for the Rays for years to come. He has always had a plus slider and the changeup continues to develop.
Stock: Up, but he has graduated from prospect status.
No. 79 Martin Perez, LHP, Texas Rangers
Height/Weight: 6-foot-0, 190 pounds
Born: April 4, 1991 (age 22)
2013 Triple-A Stats: 5-1, 1.75 ERA, 6 GS, 36 IP, 7.0 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, 1.03 WHIP
2013 MLB Stats: 10-6, 3.62 ERA, 20 GS, 124 ⅓ IP, 6.1 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 1.34 WHIP
Heading into 2013: Perez got a taste of the big leagues in 2012, but got knocked around a bit as a 21-year-old. Perez had always been young for his league, so it seemed likely he’d spend 2013 developing in Triple-A.
This season: Similar to Archer, Perez earned his way into the big league rotation and there was no looking back from there. He has been successful despite a modest strikeout rate, and appears more likely to be a dependable No. 2 or 3 starter rather than a staff ace.
Looking ahead: Perez has been a highly touted prospect for a while now, but never really put up any eye-popping numbers. He has been plenty effective, however, and is still just 22.
Stock: Up, but he has graduated from prospect status.
No. 78 David Dahl, OF, Colorado Rockies
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 185 pounds
Born: April 1, 1994 (age 19)
2013 Class-A Stats: .275/.310/.425, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 2 SB, 2 BB, 8 K, 10 G, 42 PA
Heading into 2013: Dahl was coming off a tremendous professional debut. The No. 10 overall pick of the 2012 Draft, Dahl hit .379/.423/.625 with nine homers and 12 stolen bases. With those kind of numbers, his ranking on this list could have been considered modest if anything.
This season: As good as his 2012 was, his 2013 was equally as bad. The year started by Dahl being removed from Single-A Asheville’s roster and sent to extended spring training because he missed a flight and other attitude issues. A hamstring injury cost him almost the entire season.
Looking ahead: Losing an entire year of development hurts, but maybe Dahl learned some bigger picture lessons this season. He’s still talented enough to move up in a hurry.
Stock: Down
No. 77 Luis Heredia, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Height/Weight: 6-foot-6, 205 pounds
Born: Aug. 10, 1994 (Age 19)
2013 Class-A stats: 7-3, 3.05 ERA, 14 G (13 GS), 65 IP, 7.6 K/9, 5.1 BB/9, 1.37 WHIP
Heading into 2013: Heredia started to show some of his promise in Low-A, posting a 2.71 ERA over 66 1/3 innings as a 17-year-old. He was still so young and raw. That performance against more advanced hitters than most guys his age face put Heredia on the map.
This season: Heredia performed well in the Class-A South Atlantic League, but problems with control prevented him from having a truly dominant season. After making strikes in 2012, his walk rate jumped back above 5 BB/9 again this season.
Looking ahead: The big right-hander has the look of a future horse and at 18 was already pumping in fastballs at 95 mph. Pittsburgh will continue to bring Heredia along slowly, but the potential is very intriguing. You could chalk up the drop in statistics to a focus on developing his off-speed offerings, but it would be nice to see Heredia put up big numbers in 2014.
Stock: Up
No. 76 Brett Jackson, OF, Chicago Cubs
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 220 pounds
Born: Aug. 2, 1988 (Age 25)
2013 Double-A Stats: .200/.309/.284, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB, 13 BB, 37 K, 30 G, 110 PA
2013 Triple-A Stats: .223/.300/.367, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 7 SB, 21 BB, 77 K, 61 G, 242 PA
Heading into 2013: With the Cubs’ rebuilding effort, it seemed possible Jackson could work his way back to Chicago after some of the veterans were moved.
This season: It doesn’t get much worse. Instead of being promoted to the majors, Jackson was actually demoted to Double-A. He was absolutely helpless at the plate, hitting .210/.296/.330 with 121 strikeouts over 95 minor league games.
Looking ahead: Jackson has completely played himself out of the picture. He’s now 25-years-old and hasn’t played well in back-to-back seasons. He has always been complimented for his energy and work ethic, so maybe there’s still time for him to make a career as a fourth or fifth outfielder.
Stock: Down