There is little pitching talent on this AFL team, but the Peoria Javelinas have some promising hitters.
Chih-Hsien Chang OF (SEA): Having played in the Futures Game and been part of the Erik Bedard trade, Chang made some headlines outside of an impressive first half. Chang is one of those guys that’s good at a lot of things but not really plus at anything, but his developing power has some people excited. Out at the AFL to give the Mariners some more data after a poor second half with the team.
Kentrail Davis OF (MIL): Lots of tools, including plus speed, but scouts differ about the all-important hit tool. Some see promise. Some don’t. His time in the AFL won’t prove anything, but the Brewers hope it helps one of their few promising prospects after a trying season.
Jaff Decker OF (SD): Depending on who you talk to, Decker is either a DH or an acceptable though bad outfielder. Regardless of whom you believe, Decker can hit, and he’ll make his bread and butter that way. He had some batting average problems, but he takes his walk and hits with some pop. He’s out in Arizona to make sure that hit tool really hasn’t gone away.
Logan Schafer OF (MIL): Schafer made some significant strides this season, but I don’t see anything more than a 4th outfielder. The Brewers would like a little more data, though.
Matt Adams 1B (STL): He has a rather … round build, but he has gotten in better shape. Despite his awkward build, he can really hit, and if Pujols has to go, all is not completely lost in St. Louis, though there will obviously be a drop-off. The Cardinals would probably like to see him against good competition just because Adams will always have his doubters due to the high ceiling needed for his position and his Fielder-esque looks.
Nick Franklin SS (SEA): The switch-hitter got everyone excited last season, but while he was supposed to mash at High Desert, he merely did well. If he can stay at short, he’s a potential star, but if he has to switch off, he looks more like an everyday guy. That’s certainly not an insult, but it’s pretty far away from all the excitement surrounding him last season. Arizona is just another showcase, but I don’t expect the Mariners to learn much here.
Jedd Gyorko 3B (SD): He can hit, but he doesn’t have a lot of power. In San Diego, he really won’t have any power, but he’s been better than advertised so far. He started at second, but he’s moved to third, where’s he’s been quite a bit better. Arizona is just a bit more time for him against a bit better competition.
Scooter Gennett 2B (MIL): The kid can hit, but he doesn’t draw walks or hit for power. And his defensive upside is being able to stay at second. This screams utility guy, but learning some patience could change that. He’s getting time in Arizona to get ready for AA and his biggest challenge.
Ryan Jackson SS (STL): He can sure field his position, but no one knows if he can hit well enough to start in the majors. At worst, he’s a utility guy, but everyone wants to see him repeat this season before they believe in the bat. Arizona is just more data, but it won’t prove anything.
Danny Hultzen P (SEA): The lefty no. 2 pick from this past draft is very polished, and he might find his way into a rotation spot toward the end of next season. I’m not convinced that his ceiling is higher than a no. 3 pitcher, but that’s not bad and would fit nicely behind Felix and Pineda. He’s out here just to get acclimated to pro ball.
Cody Scarpetta P (MIL): He has the frame and durability to start, and he even adds a 91-94 mph fastball and a hammer curve. But he can’t seem to hit the zone very often. That spells reliever, and if he can improve that control, he could be a back-end guy. The Brewers hope for some extra innings and more help for that control problem.
Tyler Thornburg P (MIL): If Thornburg could stay healthy, he could be a really good prospect. He has a bigger fastball and as good of a curveball as Scarpetta, but he adds a change and better control. But he only threw a little more than 130 innings, and he’s down in Arizona to add more mileage to that arm. Could be a 3 or a back-end reliever.
