Taijuan Walker, RHP, Mariners (Surprise): 5 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BB, 6 K. It feels like Walker has been around forever, and on the verge of the majors for almost as long. When that happens, much like a Heisman-winning quarterback returning to school, we begin to nitpick. Walker is still a stud, perhaps the best pitching prospect in the game (though he no longer qualifies by most service time definitions). For those who like to see prospects fulfill their destiny, we must only root for Walker to finally be healthy and step in behind Felix Hernandez. And even the “finally” is unfair. He just turned 22.
Kyle Zimmer, RHP, Royals (Peoria): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 11 K. My goal this fall was to discuss as many different prospects as possible and not repeat the same guys too many times, but when a former first rounder strikes out 11 in five innings, I don’t care if it’s in the California Penal League. Zimmer appears to be getting back to his old self after missing the majority of the year due to a strained shoulder. Expecting him to jump into the Royals big-league rotation next year with just 18 2/3 innings of Double-A ball under his belt and virtually no innings built up this season is a stretch, but if he’s healthy, there’s no reason he can’t get to Kauffman at some point in the summer.
Spencer Kieboom, C, Nationals (Mesa): 2-3, 2B, BB. It’s good to see Kieboom having some success in the early stages of this fall because the AFL is by far the best level of competition Kieboom has seen this season. He was old for his level this year as a 23-year-old in Low-A ball after missing virtually all of 2013. He had success at the plate and shows off good power for a catcher and enough ability to stay behind the plate. He won’t need a full season at each level and could possibly skip the Carolina League next season, or spend just a half-year there. Given the low bar for offense at catcher in the majors, Kieboom could be a potential regular as a late bloomer.
Josh Bell, 1B, Pirates (Scottsdale): 2-4, 2B. We know Bell can hit, and he backed up what scouts have believed all along with a strong season between the Florida State League and the Eastern League. What’s most notable this fall, however, is the position listed next to his name. The Pirates are testing him out at first base this fall as a way to give him more options, anticipating the time in the near future when they are prepared to call him up to the majors but lack the space in a crowded and talented young outfield. Bell isn’t moving out of necessity—he’s not a great outfielder but he can handle it—but if he can add first base to his résumé, it increases the ways in which the Pirates can get him in the lineup.
Nick Ramirez, 1B, Brewers (Glendale): 2-4, R, HR, 2 K. Ramirez in the AFL is a case of a team using one of their spots to get an early jump on a spring training decision that they anticipate. Ramirez probably won’t hit enough to play everyday at the major-league level and he’s already 25, but he does have some pop. The bar for first-base production has been pretty low in Milwaukee since Prince Fielder left town, with Mark Reynolds getting the lion’s share of at-bats this season. If the scenario is the same next year, Ramirez may get a look, at least in a platoon situation. He’s going to have a low batting average and a ton of strikeouts, but he may provide some power, which is something, at least.
Byron Buxton, OF, Twins (Salt River): 2-4, R, 2B, BB, K. Because we forget about things as soon as they are no longer right in front of our eyes, many people have started to question the strength of Buxton’s hold on the title of top prospect in the game. Even when he returned from injury this year, his timing was clearly off and rust was evident. Additionally, wrist injuries have a way of lingering. He’s off to a good start this fall and getting his timing back, making up for lost time from this season. Do not forget about Buxton. As soon as you do, he’ll remind you why there was so much hype last year in the first place.
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From what I've heard from people in the know on state politics, the whole stadium deal is as crooked as one might expect. I really can't get into a Bluefish game when I go, so moving the closest real minor league team another 15 minutes down the road (closer to 25 when you factor in the additional traffic in that neck of the woods) is pretty annoying.