The Phoenix Desert Dogs have some interesting position-player prospects but not much on the pitching side.
Anthony Gose OF (TOR): One of the more intriguing prospects around, Gose has always been a burner with a chance at plus defense with his plus arm, but he made real strides in his approach and power this season. He may not have an average hit tool yet, but he’s made enough strides at 20 to think he’ll get better. Gose is down for a dose of playing time against good competition.
Grant Green OF (OAK): Red flags seem to be popping up everywhere for Mr. Green. After initial concerns over his defense at short, Green has been moved to center, where he seems to be taking well to the position. Offensively, however, the questions are more concerning. He has an above-average hit tool, but he doesn’t have much power or plate discipline. Oakland’s still trying to figure out what they have here, but he’s in Arizona to keep working in center.
Michael Choice OF (OAK): While Choice will strike out more than his fair share, he has massive power, and he should play well in a corner with average or better speed. The real concern is over that hit tool, but he’s so athletic that scouts think he can overcome his problems. Arizona gives him a nice introduction to AA-level competition.
Adeiny Hechevarria SS (TOR): Don’t let the AAA barrage fool you. Hechevarria can’t hit, though some hold out hope he will, but he can field. It’s not an elite-level glove like a Jose Iglesias, but it is plus. The bat is so short, however, that a utility role seems likely. But the Blue Jays hope Arizona will help get his swing going.
Yasmani Grandal C (CIN): Lost behind co-Reds catching prospect Devin Mesoraco, Grandal has quite a bit of talent. Behind the plate, he has a strong arm and blocking skills, but he has some receiving issues that are puzzling. At the plate, he’s a switch-hitter with an above-average hit tool and average power, which is excellent for a catcher. I don’t know what the Reds will do with the catching duo, but I’m guessing Grandal is being showcased this fall.
Brad Boxberger RHP (CIN): Boxberger really broke onto the scene this season as his fastball velocity bumped up toward the mid-90s with his switch to the bullpen. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really have another swing-and-miss pitch, which makes him more of a middle reliever. He’ll get a few more innings in Arizona, and he may start 2012 in Cincinnati.
Aroldis Chapman LHP (CIN): We all know about him. I’m not entirely sure why he’s down here other than some more innings before supposedly being converted back to a starter. Let’s just say I’ll believe it when I see it.
TJ MacFarland LHP (CLE): The lefty isn’t flashy, but he keeps the ball on the ground and in the park. If he can continue to do such, he’ll have a starting rotation spot soon enough, but his ceiling is probably limited to the back of a rotation. Might as well see, though.
