Before we begin, we need to go over a few things. Few players will be able to radically change his prospect status over the next month, regardless of how good it is. It simply isn’t enough time or at-bats, considering none of them will be playing the whole time. Teams are looking to see if new things are possible (mainly position switches), looking to confirm a thing or two, and/or get their players a few extra plate appearances or innings. Also note that Arizona is an extreme hitter’s environment, so adjust stats accordingly. Or just don’t pay them much attention because they really don’t matter. Just enjoy the game.
Taking advantage of the hitter-friendly conditions in Arizona, the Scottsdale Scorpions are loaded with position player talent. Pitching, however, isn’t as loaded, but this team should do quite well in Arizona.
Bryce Harper OF (Nationals): Harper’s the most notable prospect in Arizona and probably in baseball. His prowess is well-known as he has 80 power, a plus hit tool, a cannon arm, and plenty of speed to make a move to center at least a theory that should be practiced in Arizona. While many hope that this trip means Harper will be starting with the big club come April, it’s probably more of a tryout to see if he can start 2012 in AAA.
Mike Trout OF (Angels): If Harper is Prospect 1, Trout is Prospect 1A. With burning speed and a hit tool well beyond his years, Trout should be a superstar center fielder. The only question is his power, but with his build and hit tool, I expect him to be at least average in that department, which makes him a special player. I’m not really sure why he’s on the roster as there’s absolutely nothing the Angels can learn from this.
Gary Brown OF (Giants): Brown has burner speed and can easily play center. The only questions revolve around his bat, and if the Giants had actually challenged him at some point by putting him in AA, they may have more answers for that. As it stands, Brown passed his first test with flying colors, and Arizona is a chance to shine against stiffer competition, though don’t get too excited if he knocks out a few homers.
Tyson Gillies OF (Phillies): Gillies is just as fast (well, not quite but close) as Trout and Brown, but he has really serious questions about the bat. After a season of injures, the Phillies are just getting him some work against stiff competition.
Jean Segura 2B/SS (Angels): Segura broke onto the scene in 2010, but like Gillies, he spent most of the season with an injury, meaning the Angels just want him to get some more playing time at short. He can really hit, but there are concerns about him moving to short (he did well in limited early action) and how much secondary skills he has offensively (still TBD). If he can stick at short, he could be a star, but even if he has to go back to second, he could still be an excellent player.
Will Middlebrooks 3B (Red Sox): Middlebrooks has an excellent glove, but there are concerns about how good his bat is. He showed some pop this season, but the plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired. Not sure what the Red Sox are looking for here, but he’ll begin 2012 in AAA regardless.
Joe Panik SS (Giants): Panik was one of the most criticized picks of this past draft as the traditional good glove/poor bat SS. He tried to prove everyone wrong with an excellent late-season debut, but it’ll take more than that and/or the AFL to make doubters into believers. The Giants may have sent him down to see if he could start next season at AA, but I imagine all they want is a few extra ABs for the young man.
Derek Norris C (Nationals): Norris is a secondary skills monster with excellent plate discipline and power. The only problem, however, is that his hit tool isn’t very good, and it may becomes a serious problem later on. Despite that, he remains an excellent catching prospect in need of some refinements on the defensive end. With Ramos behind the plate in Washington, this is either a showcase for a trade for that ace starting pitcher or just some extra reps behind the plate.
Hank Conger C (Angels): The Angels are officially jerking his chain.
Sammy Solis P (Nationals): Moving into the pitchers, Solis doesn’t have a big upside, but he looks to be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter with an average fastball, good secondary pitches, and good control. Having only pitched 97 innings this season, the Nationals would like him to grab a few more.
Matt Purke P (Nationals): I’d give you a scouting report, but honestly, no one knows what to expect from a guy many thought would be a top 5 pick this season. That’s why he’s down there, though. The Nationals want to see what they’ve got.
As you can see, there’s plenty of big talent around the diamond on this team, but most of the pitching staff are potential relievers.
